Inviting Peace into our Hearts this Advent — Walking the Labyrinth at CCC

By Rev. Chris Harris

Thursday nights, 7pm-9pm in the Atrium of CCC (Dec 4, 11, 18) – come anytime, takes about 20-30min.

Walking the labyrinth is an age-old practice of walking meditation and prayer that helps us become present with ourselves and with God. Unlike the maze of our everyday life, which has multiple paths, wrong turns, and dead ends, a labyrinth has a single path that leads to the center and back out again. In this way, the labyrinth offers us a sense of safety and peace. As we walk, we don’t have to worry or plan which way to go. We can simply be present, confident that God is with us on the journey.

This Advent, Christ Church Cranbrook will offer a Labyrinth for Peace each Tuesday night anytime from 7pm-9pm. Advent is a season of waiting and watching, a time when we prepare our hearts to welcome Christ, the Prince of Peace. The labyrinth becomes a sacred space where we can invite greater peace into our own hearts and reflect on how we are called to be peacemakers—in our families, our communities, and the world around us.

Historically, labyrinths were prevalent in European cathedrals during the Middle Ages and were associated with pilgrimage. Pilgrims would walk the labyrinth to prepare for their journey to a holy site or as a substitute if they were unable to travel. Today, walking the labyrinth continues to serve as a way to follow Jesus’ footsteps, seek grace, express gratitude, or ask for healing.

While there is no right or wrong way to walk the labyrinth, for those looking for greater peace in their life and the world around them, you might consider this 4-step method (handouts to guide you will be available):

• Practice being present: As you enter the Labyrinth, intentionally leave behind the cares of the day. Release distractions and worries, and invite God to accompany you. Pay attention to how God may speak through your thoughts, feelings, or impressions.
• Reflect on peace: As you walk, consider where you long for peace in your own life. Ask God to calm your anxieties and bring healing where it is needed.
• Contemplate peacemaking: At the center of the labyrinth, pause in God’s presence. Reflect on how you might be called to bring peace into the lives of others—through forgiveness, reconciliation, or acts of compassion.
• Return with peace: As you walk back out, carry with you any insights or gifts you received. Commit to living as a peacemaker in the days ahead. End your walk with a prayer of gratitude and blessing.

Walking the labyrinth is not magical or superstitious; it is a tool to help us focus on God. Much like our faith journey, it’s about exploring who we are on the path—who we bring with us, who we encounter, and what we need to leave behind to become the person God intends us to be.

Bring a friend or the whole family!

I encourage you to give the Labyrinth a try this Advent. This is great opportunity to invite that “spiritual but not religious” friend — and children as well!  This is a type of prayer that children and teens love to participate in as they can move and when they arrive at the center – share their prayers with God.  You can come anytime and it only takes about 20-30min from beginning to end.

As we prepare for Christ’s coming, may this practice help us discover the quiet gift of peace in our own hearts and inspire us to share that peace with the world. If you do, I’d love to hear about your experience: charris@christchurchcranbrook.org 

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Volunteer opportunity – help staff the Labyrinth!

We could use volunteer greeters for a 1 hour slot each night at 7pm or 8pm to welcome folks and help them sign in. If you can help on any of the Tuesday nights, please sign up here.  Thank you!

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