Things are happening in the graveyard
If you come after dusk the beautiful cedar of Lebanon to the right of graveyard is lit up.
This tree has seen Hampstead through two world wars and now two pandemics. We thought its steadfastness would make a good Christmas tree. Lighting it was a challenge until Jayne Gill, a member of the flower team, met Rupert Nash, a landscape designer and member of our congregation. With Rupert’s help we lit up the tree.
The graveyard is adorned with different gifts. In the trees are giant size gifts like those we are given. Also hanging from the trees are other decorations. All of these are made from recycled materials or items picked up on the Heath.
Coming from the East (through the front gate) are the Magi. They brought gifts to the Christ child. It is believed they came from Persia where the religion at that time was Zoroastrianism. These ‘wise men’ were mathematicians, alchemists, and astrologers.
Crowns and words on acrylic mirrors represent the three wise men. They brought Gold `(a rare element – which was incorruptible), Frankincense (a resin associated with deity and ritual) and Myrrh (a resin that is used in healing and embalming) .
There will be a signpost to Bethlehem on corner of church, but you can also follow the stars.
The Christ Child is God’s gift to us at Christmas. The Holy Family is in a tent round the side of the church. In the tent are shepherds represented by mirrors with words describing their qualities. The tent is surrounded by angels represented by convex mirrors with words that describe the qualities of angels and their earthly manifestations – people like nurses, doctors and care workers.
We hope that people in seeing themselves in the mirrors will be able to identify with the personalities in the Christmas story.
There are many challenges right now, but there is always hope. Maybe guided by the Zoroastrian philosophy of ‘good thoughts, good words, good deeds keep chaos at bay’ and Christ’s love, wisdom and compassion as described in the gospels we can meet and overcome these problems and challenges.
The decorations in the graveyard were made possible by the help and support of Andrea Taylor, Paul at First Aid Wheels of 174 Mill Lane who spray painted the shapes, Rupert Nash and [email protected] who cut, coloured and help to shape the decorations and Sophie at PolyStar Reading who donated the bright recycled plastic and scaffolding net for the presents. We are grateful to all of them.
