Text and photos Britt Arnhild Wigum Lindland
Thousands of Norwegian 11 year olds have spent the night in their church. Sleeping over. Preparing today's service, eating, playing, having fun.
Coming to church this morning we were met by the colour of advent, purple, and a rainbow of sparkling children.
Lys Våken (wide awake) is a concept by the Church of Norway to let 11 year olds get to know their church better. I wish I had been invited to a sleep over in my church when I was a child. I know I would have loved it. Now I rejoyce with the thousands of children who get this opportunity today.
Today is the first Sunday of Advent and one of the girls who had slept over, lit the first candle. In church the candles are white, though the textiles are purple, in our homes we light purple candles. Christmas is still almost four weeks away. Now let us live in Advent.
A baby girl, little Tuva, was baptised during the service.
Mathias priest led us in prayers.
The "sleep overs" illustrated the reading from the gospel, when Jesus rode into Jerusalem at Easter.
Advent - we are waiting for a Saviour to be born.
The boy scouts were in church teaching us different ways of communications.
Have you ever tried the Morse alpabeth on a church organ?
Advent is here. My prayer is to stay awake with my candle lit, waiting for the King.
