Unto Us A Child Is Born

The Advent/Christmas exhibition for Episcopal Church & Visual Art (ECVA), For Unto Us A Child Is Born, is now online, and it is a beauty.  Curated by photographer, The Rev. Wilfredo Benitez-Rivera, the exhibition is a collection of images inspired by the incarnation. 

Filled with divergent views of the holy mother and child's power, joy and vulnerability, this exhibition is as rich in color and  expression as those of us in the Episcopal Church have grown accustomed to for the Advent/Christmas exhibition.  Fr. Wilfredo describes the content:

"Looking at these works, taking them in with a contemplative eye and heart, one begins to cross the boundary between this world and the world of spirit.  It is from this world of spirit and devotion that these works of art originate.  There is no limit to the styles or media presented here:  there are paintings, drawings, woodblocks, photographs, sculptures, vestments, etc.  Yet all reflect the creative imagination of souls seeking and embracing the mystery of God coming to dwell in our midst, Emmanuel!" 

Fr. Wilfredo likens the diversity of artistic expression found in this exhibition to the divergent views held by church members on many issues, yet all celebrating God's descent into the world as one of us.  At a time when the Episcopal Church is experiencing such painful p0larization this exhibition is a refreshing reminder that it is "time to rejoice, for soon the light of the world will be upon us.  Rejoice, Rejoice!!!

Yes, it is time to rejoice over what unites.