Walk you through the night ...

One of my favorite singer/songwriters, Cherie Call, wrote a touching little song wherein she talks to her newborn son promising to hold him tight and walk him through the night. It is definitely a favorite of ours.
As Mary pondered all that she alone knew about her newborn son, she no doubt had similar feelings of love and commitment. As Cherie sings, "Rest your head now while I hold you tight, and I will walk you through the night".
The good news that the angel brought so many years ago was that unto us (you and me), a Savior (not just any baby) was born. I like to think that He "will walk us through the night" of our mortal lives. Thank you, Cherie, for penning such a meaningful and touching song.

For we have seen his star ...

The wise men described in the New Testament came seeking the new King ... "for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him". May we ever be seeking to worship Him through out our lives ...

See the Joy

I did two Christmas paintings this year, each of brass bells. We choose the "red" one to use as our Christmas card for 2015 ... hope you enjoy!

Christmas stories by candlelight

Each year I do a "Christmas" painting that we use for our family Christmas card. This is the 2014 version. I wanted to do an old fashioned "scripture by candlelight" composition. I had done one similar to this one years ago as a study with Jerry Yarnell. Hope you enjoy ...

Winter Glow

Our group painting class asked that we do a study that would teach them how to paint a winter scene that could be used as a personalized Christmas card. They chose one of my earlier paintings depicting a quaint little snow covered cabin as a subject. Though we are painting that particular scene, I wanted to try another approach on my own, so I came up with this composition. I enjoyed doing this peaceful scene depicting the soft glow of winter. Acrylic on canvas 24"x18"

To you is the song ...

As our choir has been preparing to sing “Carol of Joy” by Eileen Barry this year, I have been touched by her lyrics. At first, all I of my concentration was on learning the music, so I didn’t catch the beautiful message.

While rehearsing the other day, these words really sunk deep into my heart:

“Oh fearful world, to you is the song--
“Peace with your God, and pardon for wrong!
“Tidings for sinners, burdened and bound--
“A carol of joy!
“A Saviour is found!”

"Earth wrapped in sorrow, lift up your eyes!
"Thrill to the chorus filling the skies!
"Look up sad hearted--witness God's love!
"Join in the carol swelling above!"

Along with all of the great things about mortality, it also brings some bad news into our lives … we will all die, and we will all struggle with weakness and sin. The good news that the angel brought on that incredible night in Bethlehem so long ago was that, “… unto you (each of us) is born this day in the city of David a Savior (not just a baby) who is Christ the Lord”. And He can fix both parts of the bad news!

In my mind’s eye, I could see the heavens opened with choirs of angels singing praises while the shepherds watched their flocks by night. I had been wondering what our Christmas card would be this year … I didn’t wonder anymore! Hope you enjoy this painting and I hope the message of hope and peace permeates your homes this Christmas season with a “Carol of Joy”!

"... because there was no room for them in the inn ...

As Maureen and I were thinking about what painting we could use for our Christmas card this year, we realized that we had already used my previous Christmas-themed pieces, so I started to ponder what would be an appropriate subject.

Whenever I consider doing a "Christmas" or other religious-themed painting, I try to approach them with an attitude of reverence, and try to make myself worthy of the inspiration I seek. Each such experience has helped me to grow in my understanding and has provided me a new perspective and humility.

This experience was no different. It didn't take long for this composition to distill in my mind and before I knew it, it was out of my head and onto the canvas! Once again, the sacredness and veracity of this event were confirmed in my heart. May the tenderness of the Christmas season bring hope to all who ponder its significance ... may we always be able to find room for Him in our lives! Acrylic on canvas 15" x 30".