The Seven Last Words-The Seventh Word

It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed, and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!" And having said this he breathed his last. Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, and said, "Certainly this man was innocent!" And all the multitudes who assembled to see the sight, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance and saw these things. (Luke 23: 44-49)

Matthias Grunewald, Isenheimer Altar

The Isenheimer Alter executed for a hospital chapel in the French Provence of Alsace.

Lucas Cranach the Younger (an alterpiece)

Look carefully at this painting. You might discover that the most prominent of the figures gathered at the foot of the cross is Martin Luther. Just as Luther, Christ and others are made contemporary to us by the word and sacraments.

William Johnson, Mount Calvary

Artists often paint reflecting the community they are in. For example, Florentine artists painted Italians at the foot of Christ's cross. Here Johnson depicts his African American community as the Biblical figures.

Edvard Munch, Golgotha

Munch paints death as transforming of not only Christ but also the onlookers at the foot of the cross, whose faces seem as least as skeletal and spectral as his. He was painting in 1900 when many were seeking scientific answers such as Darwinism and others were taking secular approaches to traditional religious motifs. Munch has chosen to paint this anguished scene in a modern rural setting to help us relate the story to our daily life.

The Seven Last Words-The Sixth Word

When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished", and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:30)

Graham Sutherland, The Crucifixion

Artist Graham Sutherland uses his art as an avenue for visual metaphor. He painted this in 1946 and relates the subject matter to the terrible destruction Europe suffered in the Second World War.

Stephen Frost, Crucifix with Antlers

This illustration was painted by Stephen Frost who is an ordained Catholic priest. He has a vast, diversified education that includes time spend studying with the Dalai Lama. Think back to the art of Friedrich, The Cross in the Mountains. Stephen Frost also is his own way is bringing the natural world into solidarity with the death of Jesus. He orchestrates this by placing the antlers of a deer on the image of the crucified Jesus.

Diego Valazquez, Christ on the Cross

And he bowed his head-in this moment we relive through other scripture, times that Jesus bowed his head...in private prayer, in attention to a small unnoticed detail, in consideration of what lay before him, in public worship and in teaching. All this was a foreshadowing of this final bowing of his head.

The Seven Last Words-The Fifth Word

After this Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the scripture), "I thirst," A bowl full of vinegar stood there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop and held it to his mouth. (John 19: 28-29)

Horace Pippin, The Crucifixion

This is the Crucifixion by Pennsylvania artist, Horace Pippin. Pippin was a self taught folk artist.

Caspar David Friedrich, The Cross in the Mountains

In contrast to Pippin's work, Friedrich painted in the romantic style of the 19th century. The highlight of this period is bringing together man and nature. Here the artist makes Christ the one reconciling man and nature, bringing together the conscious and unconscious.

The Seven Last Words-The Fourth Word

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, la'ma sabachtha'ni?" That is, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46)

Marc Chagall, Yellow Crucifixion of 1943

In 1943 Marc Chagall was inspired to paint and emphasize Jesus the Rabbi living as a Jew, and dying as Jew. Even while dying on the cross he recited words from the Jewish scriptures. Chagall has painted a world that is about to know the horror of Auschwitz, he accentuates the Jewishness of Jesus in life and in death. Jesus wears a leather pouch containing scrolls with passages of scripture on his head as a devout Jew would. He has prayer straps on his arm, and at his right hand is the scroll of the Torah.

Why hast thou forsaken me? Jesus was not questioning God; he was quoting Psalm 22, a deep expression of anguish he felt when he took on the sins of the world, which caused him to be separated from his Father. 

Antonella da Messina, Christ at the Pillory

From the 6th hour to the 9th hour, noon to three of this day darkness fell over the land. Three hours of mounting physical anguish and now absolute moral and spiritual darkness. Da Messina paints with luminous color applied in a new technique of his time called 'oil painting.' Because of his new found technique with oil paint he was able to achieve the feeling seen in this painting. He introduced oil painting into 15th century Venetian art. His ability to build form with color instead of line and shade would prove to be inspiring to artists for many generations to come.


My God, My God, why hast though forsaken me?" There is no statement to rival this one from Jesus in all the Gospels!

The Seven Last Words-The Third Word

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, "Woman behold your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. (John 19: 25b-27)


Even while dying on the cross, Jesus was concerned about his family. He instructed John to care for Mary, Jesus' mother.

Carmen Lomas Garza, Tamalada

Carmen Lomas Garza is a Mexican American artist. She prides herself in painting celebrations of everyday life in the Chicano culture. Here we have a glimpse of a family preparing Tamales-taking care of the family. This also provides an image of the Last Super--finding reflection in the activity of the family.

Faith Ringgold, Church Picnic

Born in Harlem in the 1950's, Faith Ringgold transforms her childhood memories into her art. Here the quilt maker and artist has painted on fabric. She tells the story of a church picnic. Like the story of Lent and Easter it is a story of hope. It is the story of our greater family.

Our families are precious gifts from God, and we should value and care for them under all circumstances. Neither Christian work nor key responsibility in any job or position excuses us from caring for our families. What can you do today to show your love to your family?

The Seven Last Words-The Second Word

One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other criminal rebuked him, "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence. We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23: 39-43)


Luke writes of a strong, gracious Jesus.

 The Life of Christ, Keith Haring

Keith Haring, artist of the 20th century, combines his pop figures with the style of ancient Russian icons. In this altarpiece (which is located in Grace Cathedral in San Francisco) Haring conveys his interpretation of Christ--a cross, a glowing heart, a baby nested in arms, with blessings flowing down equally on all humankind. This last work of love and resurrection was completed two weeks before Haring's death.

Man of Sorrows Between the Virgin and St. John, Nicholas Tzafuris 

This work shows the suffering and death on the cross that was at the opposite end of the earthly ministry of Christ from his baptism. Working on the island of Crete in the years following the fall of Constantinople in 1453, Tzafuris adapted and perhaps "westernized" the Byzantine tradition he'd come from of showing Christ as the Man of Sorrows.

A suffering yet triumphant Jesus, forever in Paradise.

The Seven Last Words-The First Word, part two

"Father forgive them; for they know not what they do."

Charles White, The Prophet

The rose is often used a s a symbol of perfection, and thus of God. This prophet's gaze upon the rose seems to suggest a life centered around the holy. As is said in Jeremiah 31:33, "I will put my law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; I will be their God, and they will be my people." 


Jeremiah provides the covenant of the Old Testament. The foundation of the Covenant of the New Testament is Christ. Jesus is saying Father forgive them-we know the way to the kingdom is the way of the cross.

The Seven Last Words-The First Word, part one

Can you recall the seven of our Lord's last words on the cross? These 'seven words'-brief sentences spoken by Him-give us our Savior's sacred parting instructions, messages intended not only for their few immediate listeners on the hill of Calvary, but spoken to all generations by way of Holy Scripture. Nothing that our Lord said or did is without meaning for each of us today. Despite Jesus' agony on the cross, these words do not express desperation or anger, but rather the strength of a person in full command of His faculties to the very end. These seven last phrases are abounding with that immense and far more than human love for us which was unquenchable in our Lord, even by torture and the approach of death. John exemplifies this in chapter 13, verse 1 when he says: "He loved them unto the end."


Over the next few weeks I'll share, an artistic journey from art masters, depicting Christs's last days. I hope you'll return for each post! Let us begin with the first word--

"Father , forgive them; for they know not what they do."

Two others also, who were criminals , were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23: 32-34)

John 19 tells us, when "Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, "Here is the Man!" (John 19:5). With these words Pontius Pilate was referring to the figure of Jesus as the Man of Sorrows, despised and rejected. This is how artists in the Flemish town of the Bruges from the early sixteenth century have captured the scene. Other translations use the words "behold the Man!" instead of here is the man. This may also be indicating Jesus as the revelation of the mystery of the nature of humanity, the Representative Man.

Lent Meditation Banner

This is an example of a client giving us an idea for us to transform it into a small meditation banner. It measures 24 x 30". The broken cross and scattered wood are symbolic of Good Friday...the old moving to the new to come.The brown crown of thorns radiates into a gold crown as another symbol of Christ's journey to Resurrection. And last but certainly not least we see a bit of red to symbolize the blood shed for us.


Lord, may we always remember
To be kind and care.
And ever watchful
For opportunities to share.Reflecting good with all our might
Inspired by Your holy light!


We hope that this work will help heighten the people our client leads to an increased time of reflection and prayer.

Why Purple for Lent?

Purple, often a somber, dark shade, is worn during the penitential seasons of Advent and Lent. Purple signifies great solemnity, with connotations of both penance and royal dignity. 


Purple is associated with mourning and so seeing it helps us anticipate the memory of the pain and suffering of the crucifixion. Purple is also the colour associated with royalty because it was originally a color only the wealthiest could obtain.Jesus was clothed in purple as a sign of royalty, but also in mockery of His claim to be the promised Messiah and  heir to the throne of David.


As Christians we prepare for our King through reflection and repentance, therefore purple is the perfect penitential color.

Preparing for Lent

l

Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday is quickly approaching. The word shrove is the past tense of the English verb shrive, which means to obtain absolution for one's sins by way of confession and doing penance. During the week before Lent, historically, Christians were expected to go to confession in preparation for the penitential season of turning to God. Growing up in the Dutch area of Pennsylvania, Shrove Tuesday was much anticipated because it was "donut day". For this sweets lover this was the best! There are many other traditions surrounding this day. The popular celebratory aspect of the day developed long before the Protestant Reformation, was associated with releasing high spirits before the somber season of Lent. From what I understand many of these of this are associated with food...like in my current hometown where people gather at churches for "pancake day" feasts. 


Preparing for this year's Lent makes me think of not a last hurrah of sugar treats but of the things that we take for granted and for the many things that we have in our lives that are not truly necessary for living. As I write we are experiencing our second major snowstorm in Pittsburgh since Saturday. Many people are without power so their homes are cold and grocery stores are reporting that staples such as milk have been sold out. I know I take my food and shelter for granted and learning of so many neighbors without has caused me to think about this. Additionally this weekend my family welcomed our oldest home from his first mission trip to Haiti. He tells us of the joy for the Lord the Haitians have and are able to express while they don't have so many of the things we consider to be necessary for living. Both of these situations are making me wonder how to approach Lent this year. Granted we will probably continue my childhood tradition of having donuts on Shrove Tuesday, but I will also be thinking of how to approach the mystery of Lent. How do we experience this season properly so we are prepared for the joy of transformation from dying and rising, the joy of Easter?


*Carrot Top Studio stoles for Lent can be found here. It's not too late to order--we ship Priority mail (2-3 business days).

Lord's Prayer Banners

It's good not to neglect my background as a teacher so I always enjoy jumping back into the classroom for brief stints. Last night our church started a four week workshop for third and fourth grade students that focuses on the Lord's Prayer. Each night the children will rotate through a lesson on prayer, a drama station, and the art room. In the art room we're making worship banners! The goal is to have a different color represent each phrase of the Lord's prayer. So the children broke into small groups and brainstormed color associations. Some of their interesting comments included:

• "our Father" should be the color of silver or gold...because those are the best and that's what our Father is.
• it was also suggested that "our Father" be the entire colors of the rainbow because "God is everything."
• "forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors" should be light blue because being forgiven would be peaceful like this color.
• "lead us not into temptation"...several groups declared purple to be the perfect color for temptation. Interesting.
• "but deliver us from evil"....the color red was chosen as 'evil' by every one of the groups.
• "Amen"....should be bold like a bright yellow-because if you're going to say it you should mean it!

Children can be such great thinkers. I suspect that I will be learning much from their perspective as the weeks go by. 

Stay tuned for details of how the banners turn out!

*the above image in this post is from a Carrot Top Studio workshop several years ago....children focused on symbols of faith through a series of exercises and we created banners based on their insight.


Update...The banners are done! They hung in worship on Sunday and the children were so proud of their work and they made a great visual statement/connection.

What's New?

They're not really "new" but they seem to be getting "new" uses...what are we talking about? Our stole blanks!

At left is our confirmation stole blank. Of course we get excited about their use at the culmination of confirmation as a symbol in worship, but we also are also thrilled about alternative uses. One creative client ordered this short stole blank to embellish on her own. Why a short stole? She is a labyrinth leader and the length was perfect for the movement she does in her ministry. 


At right you can see or "Design-a-stole" blank that is sold with fabric markers and a set of suggestions for embellishment. Clients have used this stole in the same way people use signature quilts to capture on-site memories on a special day. Additionally one client bought this stole for an ordination service where she knew a lot of children would be in attendance. While the message during worship was being delivered she slyly took the children out of the sanctuary to embellish this stole. When it was time to ordain the candidate the stole was used as a symbol of this new pastor's ministry to children as it was placed around his neck. And a new favorite story...yesterday a client purchased this stole with the hint that she was "up to" something that had to do with the Super Bowl. Hmmmm.....now that will make for an interesting worship moment!


So we encourage you to "think outside the box" as the favorite catch phrase says. And, if you have an idea but aren't sure if it will work contact us and we'll help you problem solve!

An Excuse to Eat M & M's

For many Protestant church traditions, the season of Epiphany extends from January 6th until Ash Wednesday. We love the following visual reminder of the season because it involves chocolate!

"As you hold some M & M candies in your hand and turn them, you will see.  The M becomes a W, an E, and then a 3.  They tell the Christmas story, it’s one I’m sure you’ll know. It took place in a stable, a long, long time ago.  The E is for the East, where the star shone so bright, The M is for the Manger, where Baby Jesus slept that night. The 3 is for the Wise Men, bearing gifts, they say they came.  W is for Worship, Hallelujah, Praise His Name!

So as you eat these candies, share them with a friend.  Remember the meaning of Christmas through Epiphany, it’s a Love story that never ends."

**This saying is not original to us. Author unknown.

A Peek Inside Our Studio

The word studio, defined as an artist's workroom, often can conjure up grand and romantic thoughts of where an artist works. Carrot Top Studio is not grand, it is not filled with floor to ceiling windows, it is not situated in the middle of an artist commune where we sit around drinking coffee all day while solving the worlds problems. Carrot Top Studio IS a relatively small but efficient place. It is a place that I love to go to most every day. Because there is no storefront for this online business I open a little of my world to you--

I hand pieced this English wave quilt many years ago and it cheerfully greets me as I enter the studio each day. It's far from perfect by quilt world standards but it was one of my first large projects as a quilter, I saw it through to the end (quilters have many UFO's or unfinished objects) and the red makes me smile.

I work best surrounded by order, so my supplies tend to be lined up. I've also learned that I tend to only use what I can see so most items are out in the open to visually stimulate the creative process.

A place for everything and everything in it's place! Am I a product of my Montessori nursery school?

This is the station that is the power behind the online store, email communication with our global clientèle, web design, accounting, inventory and much more. How did we ever survive without our computers?

The sewing station...thread lined up by color, buttons organized in vintage garage sale finds, thread scraps saved in a jar for the birds to use in the nests come spring, a fabric plant (what else would our plants be made of?), and a great magnifying light...these are our elements for success!

Fabric cut out and in the que for creation into stoles for pastors, priests, clergy, ministers and wedding officiants.

This is the design wall where we hang work in progress so we can pause and reflect on pieces as they're in the creation stage...job tickets line the edge so we can stay focused on the work that needs to be done. You can see from what's currently on the design wall that I'm playing with dark colors. This is not my norm and I'm loving that!

The painting table....obviously well used! We love hand painting fabric and the pigment often soaks through onto the table. Fun!

Ahhh...yes....this is the exercise equipment that is strategically placed to remind myself to USE IT. Hmmm...is that dust I see?

Epiphany

Tomorrow we celebrate Epiphany. Another Christmas season draws to a close. The rhythm of the seasons and special days repeat each church year so we don't forget and we can continue to learn from the story. I love Epiphany's message of the Good News being for everyone. The feast of Epiphany originated in the Eastern Church. It was celebrated as early as the third century, even before Christmas was part of the liturgical calendar. For early Christians the celebration was a feast. Here are a few additional suggestions for celebration:

• party as you un-decorate in the church or at home. My family keeps a package wrapped for "baby Jesus" under our tree. Each year we add a note describing something specific we've given in Jesus' honor. We run the gammet from charitable donations to trying to treat our bodies more like temples with a better attitude toward exercise. This year I've saved the present to open after we take the ornaments off the Christmas tree. It's great to open the box and see how we've grown in our giving as our faith has deepened and our years have increased.
• share a meal with your family and discuss what was meaningful and what was not over last twelve days. I always find these conversations revealing...this year my teenage children did not want to travel over the holidays but when we reflected on highlights one that we all agreed on was a moment we shared with a mentally challenged cousin that we saw on our travels. She exhibited a moment of sheer joy when she greeted us.
• decorate and devour a "kings cake". This is traditionally a cake with a trinket baked inside it. Whoever gets the piece with the trinket reigns as king or queen of the feast and gets to order everyone else around. The kids love this tradition. How about making it safer and replace the trinket with something that can be digested--like a large strawberry?
• as we feast we can also think and discuss the gifts we might focus on in the year ahead that will help us to bring the Good News to everyone. I'm all for making sure our light shines!

 

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Of course we are still in the midst of Advent but in preparation of Christmas and the twelve days beyond that we call the season of Christmas we are sharing this Christmas message now. 


The popular song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is usually seen as simply a nonsense song for children with secular origins. However, some have suggested that it is a song of Christian instruction with hidden references to the basic teachings of the Christian Faith. So based on a little research we've compiled the following that might make you think differently the next time you hear this tune:


The First Day of Christmas:
One partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ. Celebrate His birthday!


The Second Day of Christmas:
Two turtles doves are the Old and New Testament together that tell the story of God to the world.


The Third Day of Christmas:
Three french hens stand for faith, hope and love. (1Cor. 13:13)


The Fourth Day of Christmas:
Four calling birds are the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Proclaim the Good News!


The Fifth Day of Christmas:
Five golden rings recall the first five books of the Old Testament--the Torah. These give us the history of God's grace.


The Sixth Day of Christmas:
Six geese-a-laying stands for the six days of creation. (Genesis 1)


The Seventh Day of Christmas:
Seven swans-a-swimming remind us of the seven gifts of the Spirit--prophesy, serving, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership, compassion. (Romans 12:6-8)


The Eighth Day of Christmas:
Eight maids-a-milking can help us think of the eight Beatitudes. (Matthew 5:3-10)


The Ninth Day of Christmas
Nine ladies dancing reminds us of the Fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22)


The Tenth Day of Christmas
Ten Lords-a-leaping stands for the ten commandments. (Exodus 20:1-17)


The Eleventh Day of Christmas
Eleven pipers piping are the faithful eleven disciples.


The Twelfth Day of Christmas
Twelve drummers drumming is symbolic of the twelve points in the Apostles Creed.


Blessings for the remainder of your Advent and Merry Christmas!

Why Are There So Many Religous Paintings?

For hundreds of years the art of painting in Europe really only existed as a function of the Christian religon, which played a dominant role in society. The Church commissioned and used paintings to spread its message. Books were extremely rare and many people did not know how to read. So, most people learned about the scriptures through paintings. Even then it was well understood  that a picture touches emotions more directly than speech and impresses itself more on the memory.

This is The Visitation by Dieric Bouts the Elder painted in 1445. It is a perfect example of "church art" with an Advent theme of Mary and Elizabeth. 

• what title would you give this work?
• what do the colors remind you of?
• are there any visual metaphors in the artwork?
• would you like to meet these people?
• what does the art tell you about the subjects? Is this truth or myth based on the Biblical telling of the story?
• what does this art mean to you?

Tips For Engaging Children in Art in Sunday School-Part Two

This week we continue our look at how to incorporate art appreciation into a Sunday School curriculum to enhance children's understanding and life application of the scriptures. Here are three more ideas:

• Don't avoid the scary, the painful or the sad. You can create a safe, loving environment to explore these themes and their hopeful alternatives. Discuss what you see in the art and then explore alternatives through conversation, drawing or acting.
• Use art to connect a family's story to the story of God. When looking at images of families play the "I wonder" game so children can wonder what the different characters might have been thinking or wanting to do next.This is a great one for the season of Advent when images of a family in art can be related to the stories of Jesus and his family.
• Let the art suggest different ways to pray. For example, show a film clip (yet another form of art!) of a great dance scene and relate it to David dancing for joy for God and then create your own dance for joy. Or another Advent themed idea is to focus on waiting and watching. Look at Salvador Dali's Girl Standing at the Window as shown in this post. Ask the children if they ever stand at a window and daydream. Have the children draw the window they stand at and what it is they wait and watch for. Relate this to talking to God through the window (praying).

If you've never incorporated master works of art into your curriculum you should try it....with your enthusiasm for this experience the children will deepen their understanding of God and their relationship with one another.

Tips For Engaging Children in Art in Sunday School-Part One

Not everyone can take their Sunday School classes to an art museum but that's no excuse not to integrate art into the children's spiritual development and education. Libraries and bookstores offer a larger variety than ever of books with art and the computer opens the door to an endless plethora of resources. Once you've found a resource to integrate into what you're teaching here are a view tips on how to engage the children in being active learners:

1. Use the artwork to tell the story of God from the scriptures. Read the story from scripture then have the children look at the artwork and retell the story identifying elements from the Word.
2. Encourage the children to identify with the story the picture is telling. For example ask them if have they ever felt like the main figure in the artwork, discuss what they would do next if they were part of the artwork's scene, or can the children mimic the postures of the characters in the art to get in touch with their feelings?
3. Encourage playfulness and surprise. Chose an artwork that is unique in it's technique or presentation. Discuss the art methods that artist might have used. Have the children experiment with similar techniques....such as bold colors, certain components out of proportion to create emphasis, or exaggerated facial expressions.

With the American holiday of Thanksgiving approaching here is an artwork by Peter McKay that some of the above techniques could be applied to. It could be matched to a Psalm of thanksgiving such as #138.

This blog series will continue with Advent images. Stay tuned!

Giving Thanks

Here in the states I'm in countdown mode to our celebration of Thanksgiving. Admittedly I'm thankful for my sweet tooth and I'm thinking about what new twist I might put on the pumpkin pie this year....should I consider a praline crust, a meringue top or maybe be extra adventurous with a pumpkin cheesecake? If I could take a breath and focus on why we gather for this meal I might want to instead think about being thankful for the gift of this world. This year I'd like to focus on the elements of nature. The plants of the earth are a blessing. The mysteries of life giving water and it's symbolism at baptism should be remembered. Fire gives us light, warmth and life (the sun)...it is unsafe and valuable at the same time. And last but not least we should consider the wind. It is energy and movement and a reminder of the Spirit's strokes. May we all be able to mark our times of thanksgiving with creativity.


Our thanksgiving stole is being offered as a special on eBay this week. Bid on it here.

Advent Rituals

In the studio we're putting our last touches on our new Advent stoles and have noticed a bit of buying frenzy....the season is fast upon us.  To top this reality off my sister called yesterday to pick my brain for resources for family activities for her school website. When thinking about what's been important and meaningful to our family over the years I can't escape thoughts of the Advent wreath. Each year to help us with our waiting for the the celebration of remembering Christ's birth and preparing our hearts for his return we gather on Sunday evenings around our Advent wreath. We follow this tradition from my own childhood. Our homemade wreath is often a bit "rustic" and consists simply of evergreens and purple candles. We read scripture, discuss a topic focused on the reading and offer up family prayer. There is much symbolism in this ritual. Of course the circle reminds us of God's never ending love, the evergreens reinforce this fact and the candles help us to count the days and increase the light as we go. Ultimately we light a pure white candle on Christmas Eve to celebrate Jesus Christ the light of the world. The time before Christmas can be a constant struggle between what the world tells us we should be doing (buying, baking, attending parties, etc.) and how the waiting might better be focused. I like what Gertrud Mueller Nelson says in her book To Dance with God, "Waiting could use a fresh look. The discipline of delayed gratification--not celebrating Christmas until the twenty-fourth of December--and the hope filled rituals of our Advent preparations will give new value to the waiting periods in our lives." This year I'm wondering how we enter Advent as people pregnant and waiting. Any ideas?

The pictured Advent stole with evergreens and gold cross can be found on our website here.

Simple Symbols

I have warm and fuzzy memories of a trip that my husband and I took to Paris early in our married years. Recently I was reminded of the time we spent in the Musee Picasso while on that trip. Prior to the visit I had always been intrigued by Picasso's art. The museum experience heightened my understanding of the mindset and process that Picasso took to evolve his work over the years to the very simple sometimes childlike forms that it became. In many ways the final result of his stroking of the paintbrush or modeling of the sculpture became a symbol. This makes me think of how in our faith the simple symbol is held as such an important connection for us as we worship God. For example, during Communion, bread and wine are things that we all can relate to. They are simple symbols that are very real to us. These symbols matter, and therefore they draw us closer to the religious experience. There is no denying that there is mystery in our faith but the symbols help our consciousness as best as they can. As you plan for worship this week what are the symbols that will help make the connection?

Like the symbols on this stole detail? 

See the stole and read about the symbols on our website.