Marlborough’s community outreach project in St Mary’s Church this December is called The Gift and explores the giving and receiving of gifts at Christmas. Following on from the 2000 angels in 2020, 2000 golden stars in 2021, and thousands of paper chains in 2022, this year’s light, sound and interactive installation contains more than 1000 gifts.
The free exhibition/installation is now open for visitors and can be visited until Dec 24th 2pm -6pm daily (services excepted). Visitors are invited to take an advent trail around the church which explores what a gift is, what advent is and asks what’s the best gift you’ve received.
Children from Marlborough St Mary’s, Kennet Valley and Preshute schools have decorated the gift boxes on display and were asked what virtual gift they would like to give to be written down and included in the boxes. Members of the church have also contributed in a similar way by including the names of people they wish to pray for in gold boxes. Visitors to the exhibition can join in by writing on a slip of paper what special gift they would like to give and to whom. The slips of paper can be placed in small white lanterns and used to decorate the Christmas tree in the church.
The trail around the church ends at the nativity scene which is in the largest gift box in front of the altar symbolising the Christian belief that the birth of Jesus is the biggest gift of all.
Helen Stokes, organiser and creator, said, “We hope people will enjoy the tranquil atmosphere in the exhibition and that it will help them to see more of what Christmas is about. We also hope that members of the community can find a common ground with members of the church community. Let’s explore what Christmas means and why we have it together.”
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