https://youtu.be/CFu4KLfJ5E4 Star of Wonder, star of royal beauty bright by Salt of the Sound
I know some of you have heard me speak about the above painting before "The Nativity" by Piero della Francesca circa 1470-5 (https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/piero-della-francesca-the-nativity) regarding the significance of the three goldfinches within the picture space. However it is a layer of tonal value that we so easily miss that has caught my attention today.
It is Epiphany , the 6th January traditionally the day the Magi arrived at the stable, when the star rested over the stable where Jesus lay. In the painting above is a pale area that represents the Star of Bethlehem; it is placed in the top left hand corner of the painting. It is pale, it seems to exude light and if you look very closely to my eyes it is in the form of a Cross. Another reminder then that the Light of the World manifest as a tiny babe will become the sacrifice for all to redeem us of our sins. It is a potent symbol in the nativity scene depicted and a reminder of how much was done in order to save us.
However there is another image of the Adoration of the Magi that is captures the essence of how we all can adore the Christchild. Sandro Botticelli and Filippio Lippi's (https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/sandro-botticelli-and-filippino-lippi-adoration-of-the-kings) packed imagery is crammed full of figures wanting to be part of the story, the fluid edges of the painting leave perhaps room for us to be included too in observing and adoring Jesus.
In one of the meditations on Pray as You Go today was a moment of the examen which encouraged us to think what we would say and think if Jesus was placed in our arms as a baby. For me it pulled me up short whilst I was walking. What would I say if Jesus was placed in my arms? I think I would just gaze. Like the star of wonder which we sing about at this time of year, I think I would just gaze. Jesus so often holds me in His arms, to have the opportunity to hold Jesus is a thought that I need to process further. I wonder what you would think and do if Jesus was placed in your arms? But there again, is He not dwelling in us as we desire to dwell in Him. Hmmmm now that is something to think about.
"This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: he has given us of his Spirit."
1 John 4:13
https://youtu.be/ZelKoxGvAdU Be Thou My Vision, Salt of the Sound
We will gather virtually again at 9.30 am on Friday mornings until Omicron gets a bit more stable. So many of our group are in the vulnerable categories it makes sense to go easy at the moment, it won't be long before we can meet up again.
Here is the link - just click on this at 9.30am on Friday morning and wherever we are apart we will be together in prayer......
Peace be with you friends <><
Caroline :)
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