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A companion podcast to guided art or prayer experiences & initiatives at Grace CMA Church.
Advent Painting #4: Love
As you look at painting number four, entitled “Love,” allow your eyes to scan the painting slowly, focusing on its details. Note the colors and textures of the background, the angel's wings, her facial expression, the reflected light of the candle. Now, take a step backward and try to take it all in at once. How does the painting impact your emotions? Where does it take your thoughts?
Allow those emotions and/or thoughts to come more completely into focus.
Respond in prayer to the Lord however you feel led.
As the artist, Brian Bailey, was working on this painting, he pondered the famous verse, John 3:16.
We know from this verse that God was motivated by love when He sent His Son to earth.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Take a moment to place your faith in the truth that God loves you. Thank Him for loving you enough to send His Son to save you.
The Bible also teaches us that this love revealed in Christ’s coming to earth ought to be the model and motivation for our love for others. Philippians 2 says:
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
In the same way that the angels bore the joyful message that God’s love was being expressed through Jesus’ birth–you and I can be messengers of God’s love through the way we live our lives.
Ask the Lord for opportunities to share His love with others this Christmas season.
When you’re ready, move to the next painting and push play on the next episode.