Gloria in excelsis Deo - Christmas 2023
Updated: Aug 22
Recently I was changed through an encounter with a newborn baby. As the wee darling grabbed my finger, it felt like all the cares and stresses of the world just melted away—a moment of connection and pure beauty. Now, as I have been reflecting on Christmas, it struck me that Jesus would have reached out and grabbed Mary or Joseph's finger too. What precious moments they must have shared as his full humanity and divinity broke through into the world.
For this new piece, I have illustrated this image as a traditional digital stained glass artwork. This honours our tradition of beauty through glass, but in a modern digital way. The structure and colour makeup have been done accurately, as I did for the books of the Bible windows poster. So, if anyone wants to turn this illustration into a stained-glass reality, just let me know.
The Latin on the artwork is Gloria in excelsis Deo et in terra pax homínibus bonae voluntatis. Which translates to Glory to God in the highest and peace to his people on earth. This is taken from scripture (as below), which announces the good news of Jesus's birth and is also sung as a hymn of praise at Christmas time. This version of the hymn with an orchestra on YouTube is powerful and well worth a listen.
Perhaps you might like to use the image to reflect on what Christmas means to you:
- Where have I and/or we experienced beauty breaking through?
- How would I and/or we like to give thanks for divine presence in our midst?
I hope this new image reminds us that surprises can break through in unexpected beautiful moments.
Meri Kirihimete
~ Jane
> New Greeting Card Download: To combat shipping costs, and as a response to requests, I have created a new downloadable Christmas card available for purchase.
> High Quality Print: Order your fine-quality print of this new Gloria in excelsis Deo Christmas image.
> Free designjane Resources: Download free Advent resources
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