The Salt Mine Chapel and Psalm 139:

Advent glory shines below the earth

As we walked down and down the wooden steps into the bowels of the earth, these words came to mind:

“O LORD…you search out my path…Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? (Psalm 139: 3, 7)

My descent into the Wieliczka salt mine in Poland took place last September, as part of the university semester abroad course with my husband and eleven bright students. Though dangerous, mining was considered a desirable job at a time when options were limited and salt was literally worth its weight in gold. (The mine was excavated in the 13^th century and ceased operation in 1996.)

The miners knew God was with them and wanted to honor their Lord even as they worked. They carved an intricate underground chapel out of the soft salt.

If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me’…Even there even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day.” (Psalm 139: 11, 12)

After following our guide through twisting tunnels, we excitedly walked a few more steps down and into this chapel, where even the chandeliers are made of salt crystals. There we met Jesus and Mary and Joseph, the donkey and the ox and others, all lovingly carved into the wall. The Christ-child had an other-worldly glow, illumined by a bright light shining through the transparent salt.

I was amazed at the artwork made by the miners’ rough and tired hands, reflecting their role as God’s image-bearers wherever they trod.

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:14)

The Lamb of God reminded us that this child came to die as a sacrificial lamb, to bring us back to God when we had gone astray.

The story in salt continued with this carving of the flight to Egypt, when Lord of the Universe became a refugee. Look at the carving above the flight scene—Christ stumbles as he carries the cross—though he escaped death at the hands of Herod, Christ died on the cross at age 33 to give new life to all who receive him, to all who pray:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart, test me and know my thoughts. See if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23, 24)

We were guided back out through the maze of tunnels, taking the elevator back up to the surface and out into the daylight. Above ground we hopped into the tour van and drove into the city of Kraków, where we visited another extraordinary church. As we gazed in wonder at the blue sky and gold stars of the heavens painted on the ceiling, I was reminded to keep looking up. Above our ground there is another realm, whose glory comes to earth, and whose risen Lord lifts us up into his presence.

“If ascend to heaven, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning…even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast.” (Psalm 139:8-10)

Closing prayer for Advent:

Lord God, as we look up and wait for coming King, may we be reminded we are the work of your hands, knit together with loving care. There is no place you will not seek us out. Lift us up into your presence and show us the works of Light and Love you have prepared for us to do. In the name of Jesus, the Wonderful Counsellor, the Prince of Peace, Amen.