Much of my time involves trying to paint pictures with words. Such is the nature of sermon writing—and even certain kinds of academic papers. But I also get to help generate flyers, postcards, PowerPoint slides, and other printed or digital material with graphical components. The mix is enjoyable, and I love being able to do both in my line of work.
For the past couple months, I’ve been collaborating with a few artistic folks in our church to create a float for the upcoming holiday parade in our town. It’s a simple Nativity scene design, but it’s one that will rise to about 11 feet off the ground—12 when it’s placed on the trailer.
Jesus said when he is lifted up, he would draw all people to himself, which is why we’re doing this in the first place. We want our neighbors to come to know him. His life-changing love is for everyone. The irony is that the float will be lifting him up at the moment of his shocking descent, which we call “Christmas,” when the second Person of the divine Trinity stepped across the stars of the universe and enfleshed himself to become one of us. It’s the miracle of all miracles, and it is as disarming as it is profound.
The sides of the elevation platform will feature signs with our church’s name and public tagline, “Christ Community Church: A Place to Hope, a Place to Heal.” Walkers will be passing out candy canes to the crowd, with invitations to the Christmas Eve candlelight service, my favorite worship experience of the church year.
Today we started the painting phase. All components have been primed, and tomorrow we will try to add the colors. Our small team of “elves” is having a blast. As we work, I silently pray that Jesus will do some widespread “drawing” on parade day, Saturday, November 30. Atter all, the greatest Christmas present people could ever receive is Jesus himself.
Progress Update
My friend Dan is helping with the carpentry.
Totally unrelated: I may need to post a picture of myself (which I hate to do) because I grew a goatee for No-Shave November. Most people are saying I should keep it. Maybe I should take an online poll. 🙂