December 3: The Grand Architect
♫ Music:
Colossians 1:15 (ESV) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation
Colossians 1:15 (VUL) qui est imago Dei invisibilis primogenitus omnis creaturae
Colossians 1:15 (BGT) ς στιν εκν το θεο το ορ του, πρωτ τοκος π σης κτ σεως
THE GRAND ARCHITECT
As we gaze upon the infant and contemplate the wonder of who he is, the Scriptural declarations about this child magnify the mystery all the more. “He is the image of the invisible God.” The significance of this statement may not be readily apparent since the Bible declares that God created all of us—male and female—in his own image (Genesis 1:27). Yet Christ was not created. He existed eternally with God and has now identified with us through the incarnation. So, in what sense is he the image of God?
The cradle of Jewish culture into which this child entered associated this statement with the wisdom of God. Personified Wisdom was the image of God in his goodness and was with God at the creation of the world. Proverbs 8 elaborates on this theme:
When he established the heavens, I was there; when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside him, like a master workman, and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the children of man. (Proverbs 8:27-31)
Jesus, as the Wisdom of God, was the grand architect of creation. This is the mystery of the nativity. How can it be that the one who established the heavens, the skies, the earth, and the seas be found as an infant lying so vulnerable in a small town in Israel? How could the master craftsman of creation be found as a baby among animals and peasants? Why this profound condescension—unparalleled in history?
The next phrase only adds to the wonder. He is “the firstborn of all creation.” At first blush, the pronouncement may appear to indicate that Jesus was the first being that God the Father created. But the assertion has to do with the rights and responsibilities of the firstborn. Notice what God declares regarding David in the Psalms: “And I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth” (Psalm 89:27). This is a declaration of sovereignty. The one who lies in the manger is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Once again, we step back and marvel. How can this be? Why would this happen?
Could the God of the universe love us to this extent? That he would humble himself so utterly? That he would identify with us in flesh and blood? That he would sacrifice all dignity and honor to become like us?
What kind of God is this? How could we be so fortunate and so blessed?
Clint Arnold, Dean, Talbot School of Theology
MIGHTY CREATOR—FIRSTBORN of ALL CREATION, from whose hand have come all things, and in whose power is the wind and the seasons, help us to prepare our hearts for this season that celebrates your coming to earth as a helpless babe. For your wonderful plan and for your unfathomable love, and its eternal provisions for our souls, we give you unending praise! Amen
O Magnum Mysterium
Joel Sheesley
Oil painting
About the Artist and Art
Joel Sheesley's paintings address a variety of themes having to do with the human person's connection to place and culture. An active artist and exhibitor, Joel currently shows his work at Gescheidle in Chicago. Sheesley who has taught in the Department of Art at Wheaton College since 1974 received Wheaton's Senior Scholar Achievement Award in 2000 and an Illinois Artist Fellowship Grant in 2002. Sheesley’s painting, O Magnum Mysterium (O Great Mystery) was inspired by the ancient Christmas chant by the same title and also by Hugo van der Goes’ Portinari Altarpiece. Sheesley wanted to create “A beautiful reflection on the meaning of the incarnation, which is significant not just for human beings but for the entire creation.”
Website: http://www.joelsheesley.com/
About the Music (Piece #1)
O Magnum Mysterium is an ancient chant from the Christmas morning (Matins) prayer service. Over the centuries many composers have reworked the chant putting it into a wide variety of new settings.
O Magnum Mysterium Lyrics
O great mystery,
And wonderful sacrament,
That animals should see the new-born Lord,
Lying in a manger!
Blessed is the Virgin whose womb
Was worthy to bear
Christ the Lord.
Alleluia
About the Composer
Morten Lauridsen (b. 1943) was composer-in-residence of the Los Angeles Master Chorale (1994-2007) and has been a professor of composition at the University of Southern California, Thorton School of Music for more than 40 years. A recipient of numerous grants, prizes and commissions, his works have been recorded on more than 200 CDs, five of which have received Grammy Award nominations. In 2007 he received the National Medal of Arts award from President George W. Bush, the highest award given to artists by the United States Government.
Website: http://mortenlauridsen.net/
About the Performers
The Concordia Choir, under the direction of Dr. Rene Clausen, is widely considered one of the world’s premier undergraduate vocal ensembles. The 72-voice choir is a leader in interpreting and advancing the Lutheran choral tradition. The choir’s long and distinguished history dates back to its beginning in 1920. The group has performed in nearly every major concert hall in the United States including Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center.
Website: http://www.concordiacollege.edu/music/ensembles/choirs/the-concordia-choir/
About the Music (Piece #2)
Today He Who Holds Creation is an ancient Christmas hymn of the Eastern Orthodox Church. It has been sung for hundreds of years. This hymn speaks of Christ’s incarnation and manifestation in the flesh. The verses echo and repeat those sung at Pascha (Easter), reflecting Christ’s death and resurrection. Jesus lay as an infant in the cavern in the reign of Caesar Augustus that He might lay in the tomb under Pontius Pilate. He was hounded by Herod that He might be caught by Caiaphas. He was buried in baptism that He might descend into death through the Cross. He was worshipped by wise men that the whole of creation might adore Him in His triumph over death.
Today He Who Holds Creation Lyrics
Today, He who holds the whole creation in
His hand is born of a virgin.
He whose essence none can touch is bound
In swaddling-clothes as a mortal man.
God who in the beginning fashioned the
Heavens lies in a manger.
He who rained manna on His people in the
Wilderness is fed on milk from His mother’s breast.
The Bridegroom of the Church summons the Wise men.
The Son of the Virgin accepts their gifts.
About the Performers
The St. Seraphim Orthodox Church Choir sings in English with a majority of Church singing done according to the Russian-style practice, although hymnody from other traditions (including contemporary American) is sung. The choir is led by Father Lawrence Margitich, who has been a member of the parish since 1980. The Christmas hymns in the Advent Project are from the recording Behold Your God: Eastern Orthodox Hymns for the feasts of Nativity, Theophany and the Meeting of the Lord.
Website: http://saintseraphim.com/store.html