LITURGICAL HANGINGS

by Mae Runions

Liturgical Hangings for Advent in the Chancel at St. Andrew’s-Wesley.

Advent is the season of waiting and preparation for the comings of Christ:
His Incarnation
His Second Coming
His coming now. into our lives.
Come Lord Jesus!

These four fabric hangings seek to visually reflect these themes.

"Annunciation"

Wall Hanging with antique border, in Chancel during Advent

The mystery of the Incarnation is simply and matter-of-factly stated by the messenger Gabriel to Mary ,”You will conceive in your womb and bear a son…the Holy Spirit will come upon you ….” (Luke 1:26-36)

“The Glory of the Lord Has Risen Upon You” (Isaiah 60:1-3)
Altar Frontal for Advent

Some further images for reflection are in Isaiah 40:1-11, ”prepare the way of the Lord”, Isaiah 60:1-3, “for darkness shall cover the earth but…..”, Isaiah 9:2, “the people that walked in darkness have seen a great light”, and Matthew 24:44, “keep awake for you do not know when your Lord is coming”.

“Fetus in the Cross”
Lectern Antependium for Advent

The cross is at the heart of Advent. Who would have known that to bring salvation to all people, the Creator would become a human baby. “Immensitie cloistered in thy deare wombe…..” (George Herbert)

“Righteous Branch”
Pulpit Antependium for Advent”

The image is of a shoot (Christ, Messiah) coming out of the stump of King David’s lineage. (Isaiah 11:1-10; Jeremiah 33:14-16) The hope and universal longing was/is for order and justice, peace and restoration as hearts are turned to God for forgiveness.

“Son Rise”
Easter Hanging in the Chancel

This newly created work depicts the peacock, an early Christian symbol of resurrection and immortality (adapted from Roman art and symbolism). 1Corinthians 15:43 refers to the physical body being raised a glorious body. The thorns symbolize the groaning and suffering creation waiting in hope for the release offered through Christ’s magnificent work of salvation. Romans 8:18-25; Ephesians 1 19-23. These images juxtaposed have deep meaning for individuals, the Community of faith at St. Andrew’s-Wesley, and for the Church Universal.

Lenten Tryptych

“The Grieving Angels” (left), “The Christ” (center), “The Grieving Mother”(right).
Lenten Triptych (on loan to St. Andrew’s-Wesley)

These works are about Christ’s monumental suffering to bear the sins of the world.
Universal grief is here, grief in heaven and on earth.
The Mother stands with us – hers was the grief of helplessness against human evil, against cosmic evil, against death. Added to that was the grief of family loss.
Beyond all other grief was Christ’s grief. “Surely he has born our griefs and carried our sorrows”. (Isaiah 53:4)