Advent Journey

Week 1: Hope in Waiting – All Creation Waits

“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12)

Waiting is essential to my creative process. Knowing that my paintings take hundreds of hours to complete, I have had to grow in patience that they will turn out in the end. Now that I have been a full-time artist for almost 15 years and completed many works, I have gained trust in my process. Even when a painting is looking rough or there are problems that need to be fixed, I patiently keep working with the hope that it will eventually resolve.

I wish it was always this easy in my life. Whether it be waiting to get married someday or waiting to buy a home despite the current housing crisis. But even more importantly, waiting for the day that I stand before Christ and all my doubts cease.

The word “advent” comes from the Latin adventus, which means “coming.” Historically, the Church’s season of Advent was a time to fast, pray, and be stripped bare, contrasting the glorious light of Christmas day. This parallels the winter season when the trees lose their colourful leaves and the sun sets early, leaving us in cold silent darkness. But we look forward to December 22nd when the days start getting longer again with the coming of the sun.

In my paintings, I often depict a menagerie of wild creatures. Jesus came into this world cradled in an animal feeding trough, likely surrounded by oxen and sheep (Luke 2:7). His public ministry began in the wilderness living among the desert animals—perhaps a viper and vulture (Mark 1:13), and his final journey into Jerusalem riding on the back of a donkey (Matthew 21:1-7).

Throughout my body of work, the theme of creation’s waiting for redemption has been a major inspiration (Romans 8:19-22). I wonder if the shepherd’s flock that journeyed to see the Christ child experienced a hopeful longing when they gazed upon this baby’s face.

Leading up to Christ’s arrival, the Israelites experienced 400 years of God’s silence and the relentless persecution under the Greco-Roman Empire. Yet, they held on to God’s promises, eagerly awaiting the coming Messiah.

It is sometimes difficult for me to have hope when I look around the world today. But I am reminded throughout Scripture of how God was faithful in the past and has been in my own life. I find hope in the Apostle Paul’s words, “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Each of our lives is a canvas that God is painting. Maybe we think it’s messy and chaotic right now, not unlike Mary and Joseph’s stay in Bethlehem. But the question I leave for us to ponder is whether we will trust God to make a masterpiece of it? …just like he did with the humble baby born in a manger who was crucified, buried, and raised back to life as the King of Creation.

Josh Tiessen
International Award-Winning Artist

Prayer:

Creator God, in this season of celebration, may I not be de-sensitized to “creation’s groans” in the people and places around me. Help me to be a light in the darkness. Cultivate in me the spiritual fruit of patience in the now-and-not-yet reality of God’s kingdom.

Reflection:

In the winter season, waters freeze over, trees and plants lay dormant, and wildlife such as the Black Bear hibernate. Reflect on how you can make space in Advent for stillness and rest––patiently abiding in Christ even amidst the frenzy of holiday shopping, decorations, and Christmas parties.