(Luke 2:8-20) The shepherd watches his sheep as the angel looks down to announce the coming of the Savior, the Light of the World. As the light reveals the darkness of the world, the joyous announcement of the Good News is proclaimed: A SAVIOR HAS BEEN BORN, HE IS CHRIST THE LORD. Appearing first to shepherds, the Great Shepherd has been born who would keep, lead, and love all of His sheep.

Take heed, lest the tares of the day wither your life away. Keep on keeping on, do the next right thing. Inching, build a back pocket of fertile soil. “Let this day be an adventure with You, and not just a burden of things to do.” (Charles Drummond)

As I go through my life at my workplace, others rarely talk about God. Christmas time is different. Suddenly, our whole society is embracing the birth of Jesus. Every time someone tells me “Merry Christmas” they acknowledge the birth of my Saviour. Everything, the decorations, the music, the cards in the mail, remind me of the ever-lasting promise God gave the world over 2000 years ago.

For me it is a joy and challenge to create on a Biblical theme. The new-born Christ is painted with a special glow, but at the same time simply. By using this type of composition I want all of us to have a feeling that we are present, right there

…and the glory of the Lord shone around them… (Luke 2:9) Just as the shepherds looked to the sky at the brilliant light announcing Jesus’ birth, we look to the “Light of the World”

The beautiful music of John Bach, The Magnificat, gave me the vision to paint this work. (With God All Things Are Possible) Gabriel the Ark Angel gave me a new revelation, vision, and direction. I hope to show this message in my work, and be a better servant.

From the Manger to the Cross to the Resurrection. The Tree of Life grew to its full potential and the Word is fulfilled in Christ Jesus. The concept is that from the moment He was sent in swaddling clothes into the manger His path was predetermined. Every step He took from that moment on was leading to the cross. Once the life debt was paid, His resurrecting and return to the right hand of God is how we know He lives. The tree growing from out of the manger, represents the cross. The empty tomb with the angel standing on the stone, the resurrection.

As I paced around the room my mind contemplated the best way to take a photograph of a newborn. Nervously, I asked the couple to stand on either side of their baby and clasp hands. I knew this wouldn’t be their favorite photograph, but my inner fine artist was crying out. As they were holding and releasing their hands, I clicked away hoping to get something. I was happy to create a moment that as a believer gave me great peace. A baby in it’s makeshift bed and a father standing over him.

I am a visual artist living in north Texas. I am originally from Oak Cliff, Texas. My artwork exhibits passionate and thought provoking interpretations of surreal imagery. A reflection of the depths at which I reach into my soul to bring these images to life. In an attempt to invoke one’s senses and experience emotional and surrealistic stimulation I labored over the challenge of visually expressing myself in this LIFE long journey. The visual and sometimes physical LIMITATIONS were the challenges I faced. It was outside these boundaries that I found myself straining the limits of texture. My process is entirely done by hand and leaving only my fingerprints as lasting impressions beneath the strokes of my brush.

As the Magi approach, the SIGNS ARE PRESENTED: In the Heavens (The Bethlehem Star), in the Firmament of Sunrise; in Divine Covenants and Events; and in His WORD (The Burning Bush from which is written: “I AM Almighty GOD;” “Know Before Whom You Stand;” “I AM With You”). CLOCKWISE: The Tree of Life, and the first blood sacrifice in the garden; His covenant with a sleeping Abraham; Jesus in the sacrifice of Isaac; the Passover blood; the birth of Christ; the Saviour’s cross and resurrection; Israel encamped; the consuming fire and Mt. Horeb; the Shekinah glory; and the LORD’s return. What time is it now? Look for Jesus Christ in this chronology of His signs.