Last week presented a debate over masculinity between Pastor Mark Driscoll and author/blogger Rachel Held Evans. My latest post on Burnside examines this from an artistic lens. Rembrandt's Sacrifice of Isaac has particular poignancy when seen in its historical and contemporary contexts.
Please read and comment there.
"This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.' All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus." (Matthew 1:18-25 NIV)
Merry Christmas. This is one of my favorite pictures of Joseph and the baby Jesus by Guido Reni circa 1635. As a father, I see the love and tenderness in this moment. Joseph's gift on that day is now ours to celebrate. Thank God for His wonderful gift.
Just posted on
Burnside "Re: Nude Art." Spencer Tunick is the focus of this piece. His mass nude stages are discussed with a positive outlook. Please read and comment here and
there.
