Tag: Conservative Artist

The Angel Story

Christmas, digital art, Thoughts and Musing

Luke 2:10

 

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” 
King James Version (KJV)  

By this time tomorrow most of the United States will be covered by a blanket of wrapping paper.   I can picture in my mind that the responsible member of house is standing by with a snow shovel ready to plow through a brightly colored avalanch of Christmas joy. Great care must be taken during this task lest small chilchildren be lost within an embankment paper and empty boxes.  It’s easy to be swept up in the trappings of the celebration when you are only two feet tall.  As an adult,  it’s easy to to get lost in the excitement and preperation of the season. We have a tendency to focus on the doings  and overlook the beings.  I imagine that when the angel visited the shepherds that they may not have noticed at first.  Tending livestock requires multitasking.  Hedges must be maintained, animals are constantly wandering off, adequate food and water needs to be available and sibling rivalry has to quelled. Its very much like managing a family gathering. The Herald Angel would have needed to use that trumpet to get everyone’s attention.  “HEY, OVER HERE! EVERYONE FOLLOW ME! WE’RE HEADING INTO TOWN TO SEE THE BABY JESUS!” 

When they arrive there is more chaos.  The sheep are still wondering off, the wisemen’s camel train has taken over the parking  and now the cattle are lowing. Mary would have been a nervous wreck without the grace of God.  Everybody is there to see the precious gift laying in a manger.   The noise and clamor of the inn fade away into the night as the baby opens his eyes and the true gift is realized.  

It’s easy to get lost in the excitement.  There are plenty of distractions. Everything from twenty-four hour T.V. specials to making dinner and enjoying the surprises under the tree. Take a little time to stop and let all these things fade into the background and appreciate the true gift of Christ.  

The Orange Story

Back and White Photography, Christmas

One of Christmas traditions that my family practices is peppermint candy and oranges.  Every year my grandfather would buy a crate of oranges and bag them up with peppermint candy to hand out to friends and family. This was the thing he looked the most forward to every year. The story behind this gifting tradition goes back to the Great Depression.  He came from a large family and during those times almost nothing was bought from the store. They played with hand carved wooden toys. They wore handmade clothes.  The food was raised and harvested at home.  An exotic fruit like the orange was a luxury.  But his father would splurge at Christmas and there was enough money for each child to have one orange and a large piece of peppermint candy.  One year one of his sisters had just finished peeling her orange and dropped it into the dirt. My grandfather couldn’t allow her to go without Christmas and gave her his orange.  The simple act of sacrifice became an expression of love every year.  The true meaning of Christmas is sacrificial love.  The original gift that was given was the child in manger who grew up to hang on a cross and restore to us that which was lost. 

    Remembering You 

    Color Photography

    I remembered you today.  I  thought about the long walks to check the fences and care for the animals.  I remembered the stories of your brothers and sisters.  The stories that you brought home from Europe.  I remembered the gentle wisdom and the laughter.  I remember the work we shared and the adventures we had. I remember us. I miss my best friend.  I  love you.  Merry Christmas paw paw.  

    Entwined 

    Back and White Photography, Thoughts and Musing

    We grow as one.  

    We live as one. 

    We strive together ever upwards.  

    I will carry you to the sky, you will keep me rooted in the earth.  

    We are more than friends. 

    We are more than lovers. 

    We are one life,  one path, one determination. 

    We are entwined. 

    Coming home 

    Color Photography, Thoughts and Musing

    Open your heart, I’m coming home- Pink Floyd 1979

    Currently,  I still have a day job.  My obligations keep me away from the ones I love.  There’s nothing more pleasing to my eyes than the roads that take me home.  The quote from Pink Floyd may have a deeper esoteric interpretation but to me it describes the heart’s cry to be with someone he loves.  Home lies just beyond the setting sun and my heart’s desires fuels the journey.