READ Luke 1:1-23
FROM THE ARTIST | Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman
Zechariah is dressed in a breastpiece, ephod, robe,
checkered tunic, turban, and sash, just as the book of Exodus specifies. In my
painting, gold, blue, purple, and crimson yarns are woven together and
bejeweled with engraved stones which bear the names of the sons of Israel
(Exodus 28:4).
Zechariah stands in the Holy Place wearing the most
meticulous of garments. Does he expect to encounter the divine? Or is he just
going through the motions, lighting the incense as an all-too-familiar scent
fills the air?
After all these years of fulfilling priestly duties and
“living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the
Lord” (Luke 1:6), Zechariah and his wife are still childless. Regardless of
their desire for children, in their culture and context, childlessness bore the
implication of God’s contempt.
I ruminated on this image… a weary priest wrapped in layered
fabrics, colors, symbols, textures, and rare stones that proclaim God’s
providence and power. The contrast is not lost on me.
I often try to neglect my weariness by putting on a veneer
of unwavering trust in God—while feeling like I may suddenly unravel into a
pile of beautifully-curated threads, stones, and gold accessories.
In this image, I decided to depict the angel as smoke from
the altar of incense. Zechariah has one hand over his mouth in fear and
disbelief, while his other hand cradles the notion—not yet hope—of his son’s
existence.
Do you bind up your weariness in a neat and tidy bow, put
your head down, and project okay-ness like me? What would it look like to
acknowledge our weariness, quit powering through, and open ourselves up to what
God might have in store for us? Perhaps we’ll meet an angel.
PRAY: Breathe deeply as you gaze upon the image above.
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
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