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.

Fourth Sunday of Advent
(Sunday, December 24)

God the Messiah, the human Eternal Son, returns to his Earth. He is the One who is “Faithful and True,” bringing final judgment, justice, and everlasting peace. Jesus returns as the King who will reign over the heavens and earth made new.

~Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself.  He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.
Revelation 19:11-13

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