The Art of Christmas
What do you think of when you think of Christmas: Tree, food, decorations, family, shopping, The Nativity, movies, Santa or music?
What would Christmas be like without the turkey and Brussels sprouts, festive jumpers, ‘Home Alone’ or Wham: singing ‘Last Christmas’?
My favourites are our fabulous December events at church (online this year), watching ‘The Muppets Christmas Carol’ and listening to seasonal eclectic music from the classic carols to ‘Mary’s Boy Child’ by 70’s megastars Boney M!
When you stop to think about it, Christmas generates so much creativity across all of the arts. It’an explosion of imagination and inventiveness...and I love it!
I see it as a reflection of the very first Christmas. Just look at what God did when He told people about the birth of His Son...
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.””
Wow! What a sight and sound that must have been – and how creative!
Whilst the great composer Handel wrote the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ from ‘Messiah’, tears fell onto the manuscript and he said: ‘I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the Great God Himself’.
You see, there is something most powerful, beyond words even, when the arts connect us to the living God. After all He is the ‘Source’ of all creativity. No wonder Handel was moved to tears!
As you prepare for Christmas, let me encourage you to let the ‘art of Christmas’ speak to you. Marvel at the wonder of Jesus, the God-child, and the incredible message...
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”
Artwork: ‘A Baby Born in Bethlehem: The Angels’ by Joshua Hill http://joshuashill.me/
Also, why not check out our live stream service every Sunday at 10:30am, simply go to www.hopebasingstoke.org/livestream
Stay safe & God bless
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader