But now I have seen you with my own eyes

Job is probably not the first person that comes to mind as we enter into the Christmas season. Although scholars are quick to point out many similarities between the blameless and upright nature of Job and his innocent suffering to that of Christ. This painting, still wet, is also probably not the traditional portrayal of Job that you have seen either.

The most prominent verse in Job that resonates deeply with me is, "I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes." At the end of Job's narrative we don't hear God tell him why he suffered or hear God explain himself. Job was given something greater than answers - something that very few people have received. Job was given the gift of seeing God with his own eyes.

It's hard for me to envision what that encounter would have been like - to be fully present with God. Face to face. That is the moment I wanted to bring to life here. Even in the midst of the most unimaginable suffering, what would it look like to behold the fullness of God?

This Christmas as we gather together and celebrate the birth of Jesus, we are celebrating the moment of encounter that changed everything. When heaven came down to earth. The Bible says that Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God so I imagine the faces of all who were present at the birth of Christ to be like that of Job as they beheld the savior of the world. Immanuel - God with us.

"Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is."

We Saw his star when it rose

This fun new painting comes from Matthew's gospel, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." Stars. There are so many references to stars throughout the scriptures. This Advent I have been dwelling in God's promise to Abraham which he spoke under the star filled sky - descendants as numerous as the stars and through them all families of earth would be blessed. I've been wondering if the stars were a constant reminder to not lose hope or give up when Abraham didn't see the fulfillment of God's promise day after day. Eventually he did but there was a lot of in-between and possibly a lot of stargazing in the midst of the waiting. I so relate to this season. Fast forward to the birth of Christ, as a star of glory miraculously rises in the sky leading the magi to the king of kings. God's promise fulfilled in this new life. The blessing wrapped up in a manger as heaven opened with a multitude of heavenly host. The Greek word used for host in Luke's Gospel is "stratia" and can be defined as an army of heaven, troops of angels, or stars of heaven. The Bible says this wondrous sight cried out "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." The silent motionless stars of Abraham's sky are now erupting with movement manifesting glory and praise. The star of Bethlehem resting above the manger drawing people to the one who would be called the bright morning star - the morning star appears in the east just before sunrise ushering in the light of each day. Just as Jesus, whose name means rescue, deliver, or save, brings us out of the darkness of this world and into the God's eternal light. In Matthew's gospel he began with something important he wanted the readers to know, "This is the record if the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham." Every Advent I enjoy watching this thread weave throughout the biblical narrative from Abraham to Jesus, but this year I was drawn to the stars and the story they told through the silence and the singing. I believe God will finish what he started. If your holding onto a promise I pray that the Lord will bless you and keep you and shine his glorious face upon you this season. May you spend some time as we move into the new year under the stars. And may this year be the year of break through and singing! Hallelujah!

Exhibition Coming Soon

This coming spring Tetelestai will be on display at Luther Seminary. Stay Tuned!