Reflections on Advent: A Way of Peace
As we move toward the already-and-not-yet of Advent, we celebrate Christ's birth so long ago even as we know that Christ must be born in us again and again. Countless artists over the centuries have portrayed Advent themes and scenes; these block prints by Mary Allison Cates weave together the personal and the political with scenes of destruction and turmoil, juxtaposed with the image of a pregnant woman looking on as her child grows within her.
The quote from James Agee ties the images together: "In every child who is born, the potentiality of the human race is born again, and of each of us, our terrific responsibility toward life, and the utmost idea of God."
According to the artist, "New life happens, even in the face of global warming, war, poverty, and interpersonal conflict. May our saving Lord Jesus Christ be born in us again this Advent season, so that we may respond to our broken world by creating a way of peace."
Click each image to enlarge!
Comments
Sunny writes:
MA- I absolutely love these. They are beautiful- and remind us of how Christ continues to come into the world bringing hope in the midst of brokenness and desperation. Well done.
—November 26, 2007 at 09:52 AM
Viki Matson writes:
Divinity Girl:
I absolutely LOVE these prints!! ANd your explanation is amazing. I would love to have a copy of the bulletins to put on my office door during Advent.
Great work!
—November 26, 2007 at 09:54 AM
Brandon Gilvin writes:
These are awesome, MA!
—November 26, 2007 at 10:37 AM
Laura writes:
Amazing MA, but I expect no less! Thank you for reminding us what this season is really about.
—November 26, 2007 at 11:34 AM
Tiffany writes:
MA,
I love, love, love these. The 3rd one with the Memphis skyline is my favorite, and I would think especially meaningful for your church. Thank you for sharing your thought-provoking, hopeful art.
—November 26, 2007 at 02:11 PM
Sarah K. writes:
These are really, really beautiful. I found them personally very helpful as an image of hope. Thanks!
—November 27, 2007 at 03:27 PM
Amy SM writes:
Wow, just, wow.
—November 29, 2007 at 04:18 PM
Ruth Sorenson-Prokosch writes:
Gorgeous! What a gift to share with us-thank you, Mary Allison.
—November 30, 2007 at 12:17 PM
Susie writes:
If these were done up as a print, I would want to give them to every mom-to-be I know... Just sayin. :)
These are just stunningly beautiful.
—December 03, 2007 at 11:04 AM
Katherine writes:
I'm still pretty speechless about these- being pregnant during Advent, they mirror my immediate experience. Thank you so much for sharing them with us!
—December 05, 2007 at 10:44 AM
suzanne writes:
well, i'm almost speechless. i am so impressed and moved. so, where can i get a set?
slsv
—December 09, 2007 at 12:07 AM