Enjoy the samples of Christmas art contributed by members of RTBC during Advent season, 2024.
Arlene Dela Cruz
Solace in painting
I favor to paint nature, as trees, water, and snow peaked mountains reflect peace and God’s glory for me. My painting doesn’t do justice of the magnificent beauty of the world God has created for us to enjoy and appreciate.
I actually gifted this painting to Eugene during our courtship and it found its way back to me when God’s plan for us came in fruition. He has blessed us with 26 lovely years and praying for many more years building memories and serving Him together. -- Arlene (Gigi)
Kenya Rodriguez, Acrylic on canvas-board
As I grow and mature in my walk with Christ, I cherish these days more. Now, I have a better understanding of the meaning of love.
What is love?
The world will show you that love comes in many shapes and forms. The world's love is temporary. In order to get more love, it takes more of you. It is not a healthy love constantly living in a cycle of give and take. That is why I am grateful the Father never stopped seeking me. He took my hand, opened my eyes, and freed me from my prison. That is just a small fraction of what God’s love is. God’s love can be described with infinite words and actions.
In this season, you can see that love through His son. Like many believers and nonbelievers, we all know that the picture of the manger is Jesus’s birth, the cross is Jesus’s death, and the rolling stone is Jesus’s resurrection. Now, as believers, we have the knowledge through His spiritual wisdom to understand the magnitude of the significance of these events. I know the 'why' now, and I am grateful for what he did for us.
God’s love gives me hope, and it fills my heart with peace and joy. -- Kenya Rodriguez
Safe in Egypt, Acrylic on canvas, Gail Hamilton
The picture depicts my impression of Joseph, Mary and Jesus safely in Egypt soon after his birth, having escaped the clutches of those who would do him harm.
The shape is irregular, as though it were a piece taken from the mosaic of the life of Jesus.
As I painted the sky, I intended only clouds and swirls and brushstrokes. Later, as I looked at the completed sky, I saw suggestions of the Father and the Spirit watching over the family, as the parents watched over the child.
I am reminded that we are ever in the care of our God, and we can ever live in his peace. -- gail hamilton
Dance of Joy
The "Dance of Joy" is a South Indian dance that beautifully portrays the story of Christmas. It begins with angels proclaiming the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, to shepherds in the fields. Meanwhile, the wise men from the East bring their gifts to honor the King of Kings.
The "Dance of Joy" is a celebration of the forgiveness of our sins through Jesus' sacrifice and a joyful invitation for others to join in worshiping Him. (Watch the dance here.) -- Blessie Pradeeka Bollepogu
Rhoda Layos, Acrylic on canvas-board
Morning has broken.
Hope lies ahead.
God’s love and goodness in all our days.
(Psalm 23:6) -- Rhoda Layos
Faith, Hope and Love, Janie Patterson
The wall hanging is made using batik fabrics on a sewing machine. Batiks are defined as fabric that is dyed using a wax-resist technique to create patterns. Hot wax is applied in a design to undyed fabric which is then dyed. Patterns are revealed after the wax is removed.
The wall hanging is called Faith, Hope and Love which are depicted by amorphous angels that each contain a shape. Faith is represented by a cross, Hope by a dove and Love with a heart. -- Janie Patterson
