Christmas art is truthful and magical. That is what I thought while viewing an exhibit with a special six-year-old at First Presbyterian Church, Colorado Springs. We hope you agree the display’s magical truths are worthy below. Some of the artists focused on the Advent theme of Jesus coming to and for His beloved.
May each of you have a magical Christmas as you celebrate the Gift of all gifts! Thank you very much for reading “There’s a Blog in My Eye” in 2016.
Into Our Wilderness
“There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots” (Isaiah 11:1).
“Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight” (Matthew 3:3).
Light of Angels and Stars
Artist Meazell writes: “This painting shows the Luke 1:26-43 scene of the Angel Gabriel visiting Mary to tell her of her favor by God to give birth to the Christ child. The Holy Spirit (as a dove) shines over Mary, and Gabriel holds a lily which portends Christ’s death.”
Artist Mary Sue Copeland writes about her watercolor: “From Genesis to Revelation, God calls to us that we are His beloved and He is coming for each of us. He sent his son Jesus Christ, fully human and fully God, to save us. This is the Christmas story.”
“Glory to God in the Highest”
“The Angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you
good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you. You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
“Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.'”
Peace to All
Safe Passage
Artist Marlene Kort writes, “It is God’s amazing love story that He will persistently seek, find, and save us. How often are we an island to ourselves? We may have accidentally become lost, intentionally isolated ourselves, or hidden away out of fear, anger, or shame. Like a ship to the rescue, our hope is secure in the Lord. He is coming to find us to provide safe passage and reconciliation with Him.”
He Comes!
Artist Bob Simpich writes: “The Jewish people long awaited the prophecy of the Messiah to be fulfilled. Seven hundred years [prior to Jesus’s birth] it had been spoken by Isaiah.
“The sign of the Star was to lead the wisemen from the east to the place of His birth. The wonder of the shepherds seeing the star, and hearing the proclamation of the heavenly Host of the good news was almost more than they could bear.
“Now he was here, and with him came more than they had ever dreamed. The hope of the ages had come ‘with healing on His wings.’ Nothing could stop his mission. His was a mission of Love. Joy had materialized….’This is the Lord your Savior. His love and truth are for you. He has a name for you. He calls you His ‘beloved.’
“The painting [above] attempts to visualize somehow the act of love and healing and forgiveness that Jesus brings to all who believe, and will come to believe on His name. His total mission was to conquer death on the cross and now all believers await for his second coming and to be with Him at the place He has prepared for us!”
Joy to the World
Stand Up and Sing
