How does a Weary World Rejoice? We Sing Stories of Hope: From the Artist

READ Luke 1:46-55

FROM THE ARTIST | Rev. Nicolette Peñaranda

Two years before the birth of Jesus, during the Pax Romana, one of the worst public executions happened a half day’s walk away from where Mary grew up.* She came of age during a time of occupation, more than likely unable to recall a time of true peace and liberation. Mary’s song rings of a dream that not only she but her ancestors dreamed of, and she would be the one to give birth to the savior of her people.

Fast forward thousands of years and the same land where Mary grew up is still being occupied. One can imagine that the cries for liberation and the prayers for justice still ring down the streets of Bethlehem. To me, Mary’s song of praise is still valid for the women of Palestine and for the people who still raise their children under the duress of war and occupation.

This image is a nod to Palestine. The background operates as a foundation, built with the colors of the Palestinian flag and with collaged scriptures that celebrate women. Elizabeth and Mary are both in Palestinian regalia but from different generations. Elizabeth, centered and holding her belly, is in an outfit inspired by a photograph of a woman from Ramallah, dated sometime between 1929-1946.** This was intended to emphasize the generational differences between the two. Mary, on the other hand, is in more contemporary Palestinian fashion. A stipple effect was used to highlight the intricacy of Palestinian embroidery in both garments.

What felt important to me is the placement of Mary and Elizabeth. Rarely does Elizabeth get to be the center of the story, as her pregnancy becomes an accompaniment piece to the birth of Jesus. But here, Elizabeth is in the foreground. She gets to be the star while Mary places her arms around her, comforting her, and proclaiming the good news of what is to come. Mary is the hope that we see in all youth.

Pray: Breathe deeply as you gaze upon the image on the left. Imagine placing yourself in this scene. What do you see? How do you feel? Get quiet and still, offering a silent or spoken prayer to God.

reprinted with permission from A Sanctified Art

* For more context, read: “Birth of a Revolutionary: The Shaping of Jesus’ Politics,” in The Politics of Jesus, by Obery M. Hendricks, Jr. (New York: Three Leaves Press, 2006).

** “Ramallah woman,” photograph taken either by the American Colony Photo Department or the Matson Photo Service between 1929 and 1946. At the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ramallah_woman_15029v.jpg