Category: Art

What is Eastertide?

On By Aaron AllisonIn Anglicanism, Art, Church History, LiturgicalLeave a comment
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Do you wish that Easter wasn’t over? Good news! It is not.
 
When observing the church calendar, Easter starts on Resurrection Sunday and is celebrated for several weeks. This season is also known as Eastertide. It is 50 days of celebration until Pentecost Sunday.
 
If you are interested in learning more about this, take a listen to this informative and enjoyable podcast from Renovare with Nathan Foster interviewing Dr. Lacy Borgo.
 
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The picture is of a stain-glass named Women at the Tomb (circa 1150) in Chartres Cathedral (Chartres, France)

Learning from Joseph

On By Aaron AllisonIn Art, CIL News, DevotionalLeave a comment
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I have noticed a lot of people struggling with their mood, outlook, and emotional health in the last few weeks. I love how authentic everyone is with their feelings. This vulnerability is so much better than the days when Christians wore masks of perfection.
 
Still, why now? Is it all the recent rain? Is it the winter darkness and lack of vegetation? Is it the loss of momentum from New Year’s resolutions?
 
While I don’t want to minimize anyone’s personal experience, I must observe that some of this angst is predictable. Most years, we start January with some level of optimism but seem to plod through the winter months with a survival mindset. While winter doesn’t bother me as much as some people, believe me – I have my challenging times each year!
 
I wrote all of this because I think Sunday’s sermon is going to help people. We will look at a statement Joseph made in Genesis 45:5, “God sent me ahead.” Discovering Joseph’s perspective on his life may give you some perspective on yours.
 
Join me at CIL at either 9am or 10:45am.
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“The Recognition of Joseph by His Brothers”
Date: 1816-1817
Artist: Cornelius, Peter von, 1783-1867

David’s Three Anointings

On By Aaron AllisonIn Art, CIL News, DevotionalLeave a comment
Beth and I will be ministering at CIL this Sunday (July 8). I am teaching on David’s three anointings, in a message called “The Anointing is a Process.” Bring your pen to take notes, because I have a lot to share in this teaching. We’ll finish service by taking communion together, and Christ will be exalted.
 
See you at either 9am or 10:45am.
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Samuel Anoints David, ca. 239 C.E., Dura Europos Synagogue, Syria. (Art Resource, NY.)

A Pastoral Visit

On By Aaron AllisonIn ArtLeave a comment

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This painting called A Pastoral Visit (1881) by Richard Norris Brook.

This work reminds me that spiritual formation doesn’t just occur in weekly worship, but also in homes, around tables, and in casual settings.  The practice of conversation is a pastoral tradition, and an important custom of society.  Plus, our hearts yearn for meaningful conversation.

If you like this painting, take a couple of minutes to read its description from the National Art Gallery, and it will add depth to this picture.

https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.166432.html

I enjoy the resources from Biola Univesity’s Center for Christianity, Culture and the Arts.  In their Lent devotionals, they highlighted this painting, which led to further investigation on my part.