This Advent, C4SO’s theme is “His Kingdom Come.” The kingdom of God on earth came first through Creation, then through Christ’s Advent, and will culminate in His final coming. God’s presence throughout scripture ties together this ancient longing for kingdom past, present and future.

On our blog and social media during Advent, we are featuring scriptural paintings by the Rev. Lauri Diamond of Redemption Anglican Church that represent God’s presence, from the Garden of Eden; to Abraham and the sacrifice of Isaac under the countless stars; to the presence of God both entering and leaving the temple; to Christ as suffering servant in front of Gethsemane and the cross. Together we are visually exploring the scripture narrative, meditating on how the kingdom has come and longing ever more for its fullness.

Day 18 of Advent
Wednesday, December 20

Here the Son prepares to return to the Father. But Jesus is Emmanuel, God-with-us. He promised to never leave them or forsake them. He knows He must conquer death and make way for His Spirit to come and live in His people. He leaves them with a new commandment: love one another as He loved them. God’s presence as a servant gives His church their directive.

~Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
John 13:3-5

 

[Painting by the Rev. Lauri Diamond. Meditation used with permission of Redemption Church.]

For more helpful Advent resources from around the Diocese, visit our Advent 2017 Resource Page.