ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

When an artist does a sketch, it’s usually a forerunner of a future painting. The painter sometimes needs to take a photograph without using a camera. These sketches aren’t finished art, but in some cases, they cause us to think and prepare for the final result. When I found this sketch, it reminded me of what my life was before I knew the truth of Jesus’ mission. Like this bird, possibly stuck in the clutches of an icy pond, I was floundering. Trying to find ways to free myself of sins that continued to haunt. That observation made me realize that I couldn’t free myself. I needed someone to do it for me.

In the season of Advent, we are focused on the coming Messiah, but through the ages we’ve added many traditions to go along with it. The Christmas tree – the songs and carols – the elaborate feasts – the decorations – the over-spending – the fruitcake – potential time for engagements – gifts and so on. We place a nativity set to remind us of the first Christmas, but do we really see the significance of this humble birth? We look ahead to the reason for this event, but do we see the final result. Advent is meant to prepare ourselves for the birth of Jesus, the Son of God and Son of man. The greatest gift of God, snuggled in swaddling clothes – would grow up to become the final atonement for all of our sins.

Like ships that pass upon the open waters,
We sail through life effortlessly, or so it seems,
Under the surface there are tangles and weeds that strangle,
Above, prevailing winds determine the journey,
There are perils at sea as in all parts of living,
Storms that take our breath away,
Dangers that surround and drown us,
No matter the breadth or depth,
No matter the willingness or weakness,
No matter our desire or passion,
There is still only one way to reach home,
By taking His hand and following Him,
By living life with Him at the helm,
By putting complete trust in the pilot,
The Captain of the ship, Jesus, will lead us to our eternal home.