Advent 2017

5th December 2017

Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”

Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! But now, since you didn't believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.”

Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah to come out of the sanctuary, wondering why he was taking so long. When he finally did come out, he couldn’t speak to them. Then they realized from his gestures and his silence that he must have seen a vision in the sanctuary.

When Zechariah’s week of service in the Temple was over, he returned home.



"How do we react to the promises God makes unto us? In delight do we seek a keepsake? Or in doubt do we demand proofs?

...God is faithful. God is trustworthy. God is unlike the world altogether. Unto faith, God grants signs in abundance: rainbows, pillars of fire and cloud...and this sign: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."

Now if Zechariah were trusting the good news of the messenger, Gabriel's next words would fill him with immortal delight, for by them the old priest would realise that he is seeing the one who sees the face of God...But Zechariah is MIStrusting, DISbelieving. His question is meant literally. "How shall I know this? By what proof shall I know the truth of this news?"

"I stand in the presence of God" in this care sounds terrible, for it means: God sends this news! It is God whom you mistrust!

...the Lord says, "Surely I am coming soon." (Rev. 22:20). And what do you say to that promise? Jesus says, "I am coming soon!" And how do you respond?"

Preparing for Christmas, W. Wangerin Jnr.

TFL!
Bernie x

Take Me Deeper - September Week 4

Well, this piece was so much fun to create! It feels as if it almost created itself, other than one sticky moment with the water when I almost gave up and started again! Love how it turned out and the little 'story' that appeared - it's an encouragement for me at this moment with all the 'darkness' that's around in our Parish Church.

September Week 4 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit

I think there's something about Isaiah that just speaks to me - it's as if an invisible hand has reached in and grabbed hold of my heart! So I almost had no choice about what to work with when I wrote out the words of Isaiah 43:2 - 

"Do not be afraid - I will save you. 
I have called you by name - you are mine.
When you pass through deep waters I will be with you;
your troubles will not overwhelm you."

That second line - wow! I knew straight away that I wanted the water in the image. I again used the same 5 textures that I've used all month, rearranging them in layer order, opacity and blend mode. I loved the shapes that appeared in front of my eyes with this last combination and which, once the water was in place, suggested the shapes of mountains covered in bushes and trees! So I enhanced the trees idea with some brushwork, and tried to give the appearance of darkness closer to the water. 

The lady is, of course, one of the HKC Digital images  (I've loved finding this subtle new away of working with them this month!). She has passed through the deep waters, the darkness at the water's edge representing her troubles. They have not overwhelmed her though as she has continued on her journey and reached the top of the mountain, when she worships and is bathed in light to represent blessings from God, and perhaps also being chosen. 

This 'story' of the picture didn't come to mind until I spotted it myself when the piece was finished! It wasn't a conscious story I built into the piece! Love it when that happens, and looking at this such an encouragement for me at this time!
TFL!

Bernie x

Take me Deeper - September Week 3

Remember, if you'd like to join us it's never too late - each piece of art I've produced has been a blessing to me in its own way! You can find all the info HERE! Just join HKC if you're not already a member and then register for the class!

September Week 3 - The Promise of Wisdom

The one verse that I worked from that just felt so meaningful and the opposite of how the world thinks and acts was 1 Corinthians 1:26-30 - 

Now remember what you were, my brothers and sisters, when God called you. From the human point of view few of you were wise or powerful or of high social standing. God purposely chose what the world considers nonsense in order to shame the wise, and he chose what the world considers weak in order to shame the powerful. He chose what the world looks down on and despises, and thinks is nothing, in order to destroy what the world thinks is important. This means that no one can boast in God's presence. But God has brought you into union with Christ Jesus, and God has made Christ to be  our wisdom. By him we are put right with God; we become God's holy people and are set free.

I had exactly the image in mind for this piece and again used the same five textures in a different combination in respect to layer order, opacity and blend mode. Plus a couple of CU brushes and the HKC Digital image of course which just seemed so appropriate!

TFL!