Soon Swindon was beginning to welcome the angels. One of the schools joined in - the Red Oaks Primary school. They became a central attraction at the actual lights switch on ceremony in the town centre. They brought their giant 4 metre angel onto the stage for the occasion.
This was not the only encouragement Luke received. He was delighted that one of the key features was the overwhelming support from the Christian community who sponsored a number of the angels, drawing folk from all over the town.
In the end, even the 'Old Town', a community that has usually organised its own separate decorations, joined in and provided financial sponsorship as they saw the possibilities for increasing unity and pride in the innovative and creative resources of this great industrial town.
So, this year the 'switch on' was very special with all kinds of extra angel themed additions, including a reception for all the sponsor. Here one of the attractions was the performance poet, Curtis Tappenden, who had written a piece to be delivered specially that night. Swindon Cultural Partnership described the whole show as 'a good foundation to build on' and the Brunel Shopping Centre was inspired to launch its own search for the 'Swindon's Community Angel', the person who had done most to enhance Swindon either through exceptional bravery or by caring for others.
For Luke Walton, this was an attempt to explore the 'altar to the unknown god' in Swindon's shopping centre as Paul had done in the market place in Athens (It has even been suggested that the cities should be twinned as intellectual capitals!). How did it work out? Here are Luke's reflections,
There was some sneering at an overt Christian messaging to accompany the angels, It was also clear that many lacked the language to talk about faith and belief in the public square, whilst others were deeply disappointed that simple Christmas decorations should seem to have any element of controversy attached to them at all.
But, it isn't all over yet! Like the message of God's peace on the first Christmas night, the story goes on. Many local papers and broadcasters picked up the story and many pictures were available on their websites. The angel design artist, Carl Robertshaw, is keen to look at other moving decorations and to work with Bible Society on developing a Christian iconography for a new generation. But even when the angels over Swindon Town eventually come down to earth, their journey will continue. Some of them are going on tour and other cities are already asking about the possibility of them turning up in their centres next Christmas.
To find out more visit the website www.flightwiththeangels.co.uk
David Spriggs
David Spriggs has been a Local Baptist Minister for 20 years; Previously headed up the Evangelism Department of the Evangelical Alliance; Now working for Bible Society in various roles relating to the place of the Bible in the mission of the church in England and Wales, currently Bible and Church Consultant; Author of several books, and many articles mainly on church leadership and growth, prayer and spirituality, the Bible; Writes regularly for a number of daily Bible reading notes publishers, including, BRF, CWR, IBRA, SU and Living Light.For more information about the Bible Society please click www.biblesociety.org.uk
