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Advent DevotionalAdvent DevotionalArt, Poetry, Songs, & Reflections for the Season of Adventsanctifiedart.org@sanctifiedart | sanctifiedart.org | contact@sanctifiedart.orgA Sanctified Art LLC is a collective of artists in ministry who create resources for worshiping communities. The Sanctified Art team works collaboratively to bring scripture and theological themes to life through film, visual art, curriculum, coloring pages, liturgy, graphic designs, and more. Their mission is to empower churches with resources to inspire creativity in worship and beyond. Driven by the connective and prophetic power of art, they believe that art helps us connect our hearts with our hands, our faith with our lives, and our mess with our God.Learn more about their work at sanctifiedart.org.sanctifiedart.org.

words for the beGinninGIf I could give you wordsfor the very beginning—for the stretches and the yawns,and the opening of eyes, for the first hiccups, and the first smiles, and the first purse of your lips, I would say, “Oh, dear child,how you are loved.”But the thing about love is you can’t stop there,so I would go on to say, “You are strong, stronger than you think. And you are not alone—look at these parents who adore youand these doctors and nurses fighting for you. And you are enough, already enough. You haven’t done anything yet. You’ve just been here, breathing, sleeping,and already, you are enough. And then I might say, “This world is a mess, but it is your home, and you can make it better, so always try to make it better. And maybe most important of all:there is a lovethat is bigger than my understanding,that moves through this world, and I call that love God.And that love is here, here in this room, and that love knows your name by heart.” Those are the words I would say to you as you stretch and yawn and open your eyeson the very first morning of your very first day. Let that be your foundation,like Zechariah did for John.Let love be your beginning. Poem by Rev. Sarah (Are) SpeedLayinG the Foundation (peace)11 | SANCTIFIED ART CLOSE TO HOME DEVOTIONAL | LAYING THE FOUNDATION(peace)Read Luke 1:57-80Commentary Elder Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri“I will trust the promise. You will carry me safe to shore…”Of the songs at the 2019 Presbyterian Youth Triennium,⁴ Rend Collective’s “My Lighthouse”⁵ was a favorite. As soon as those first bars of the song were played, the auditorium roared and came alive energized by, I believe, the Holy Spirit. The crowd of mostly young, high school age people burst into song, their hands raised high, the choreography performed harmoniously, their voices proclaiming, “I will trust the promise. You will carry me safe to shore…” I was moved to tears more than once, blessed by the message their young voices sang with conviction and gusto. Zechariah’s canticle in Luke 1 had such conviction. Having lost his voice for his initial disbelief, Zechariah regains it just in time to praise God for God’s mercy and to pronounce a blessing, a prophecy, to his son that would set the tone for John’s life and ministry. While the neighbors and relatives gossiped about the miraculous circumstances of John’s birth—circumstances that amazed as much as frightened them—they also worried, wondering, “What then will this child become?” (v. 66). Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit and knowing his son would become the “prophet of the Most High,” (v. 76) spoke words of vision to a newborn that grew strong in spirit and helped lay the foundation into the way of peace. In building God’s kin-dom, let us remember there is power in the words that we speak, to anyone, but especially to our young ones as we lay the foundation for their spiritual homes. “Your great love will lead me through. You are the peace in my troubled sea…"⁶ thousands of young Presbyterians sang these words that summer at the Elliot Music Hall.⁷ Claiming those words for their lives, their song also blessed all who heard and joined them. May we cast this vision of kin-dom and bless others with words and acts of love, hope, and mercy. May these words and acts strengthen our collective spirits and guide us all into the way of peace—guide us all home.SANCTIFIED ART CLOSE TO HOME DEVOTIONAL | LAYING THE FOUNDATION | 124 The Presbyterian Youth Triennium is a triennial gathering for high schoolers, youth leaders, and young adults sponsored by the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Cumberland Presbyterian Churches.5 “My Lighthouse” © Rend Collective/ Integrity Music. youtube.com watch?v=reAlJKv7ptU.6 “My Lighthouse” by Rend Collective.7 The Elliot Hall of Music is on the campus of Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana. Mon. | LayinG the FoundationSundayLuke 1:57-80

words for the beGinninGIf I could give you wordsfor the very beginning—for the stretches and the yawns,and the opening of eyes, for the first hiccups, and the first smiles, and the first purse of your lips, I would say, “Oh, dear child,how you are loved.”But the thing about love is you can’t stop there,so I would go on to say, “You are strong, stronger than you think. And you are not alone—look at these parents who adore youand these doctors and nurses fighting for you. And you are enough, already enough. You haven’t done anything yet. You’ve just been here, breathing, sleeping,and already, you are enough. And then I might say, “This world is a mess, but it is your home, and you can make it better, so always try to make it better. And maybe most important of all:there is a lovethat is bigger than my understanding,that moves through this world, and I call that love God.And that love is here, here in this room, and that love knows your name by heart.” Those are the words I would say to you as you stretch and yawn and open your eyeson the very first morning of your very first day. Let that be your foundation,like Zechariah did for John.Let love be your beginning. Poem by Rev. Sarah (Are) SpeedLayinG the Foundation (peace)11 | SANCTIFIED ART CLOSE TO HOME DEVOTIONAL | LAYING THE FOUNDATION(peace)Read Luke 1:57-80Commentary Elder Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri“I will trust the promise. You will carry me safe to shore…”Of the songs at the 2019 Presbyterian Youth Triennium,⁴ Rend Collective’s “My Lighthouse”⁵ was a favorite. As soon as those first bars of the song were played, the auditorium roared and came alive energized by, I believe, the Holy Spirit. The crowd of mostly young, high school age people burst into song, their hands raised high, the choreography performed harmoniously, their voices proclaiming, “I will trust the promise. You will carry me safe to shore…” I was moved to tears more than once, blessed by the message their young voices sang with conviction and gusto. Zechariah’s canticle in Luke 1 had such conviction. Having lost his voice for his initial disbelief, Zechariah regains it just in time to praise God for God’s mercy and to pronounce a blessing, a prophecy, to his son that would set the tone for John’s life and ministry. While the neighbors and relatives gossiped about the miraculous circumstances of John’s birth—circumstances that amazed as much as frightened them—they also worried, wondering, “What then will this child become?” (v. 66). Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit and knowing his son would become the “prophet of the Most High,” (v. 76) spoke words of vision to a newborn that grew strong in spirit and helped lay the foundation into the way of peace. In building God’s kin-dom, let us remember there is power in the words that we speak, to anyone, but especially to our young ones as we lay the foundation for their spiritual homes. “Your great love will lead me through. You are the peace in my troubled sea…"⁶ thousands of young Presbyterians sang these words that summer at the Elliot Music Hall.⁷ Claiming those words for their lives, their song also blessed all who heard and joined them. May we cast this vision of kin-dom and bless others with words and acts of love, hope, and mercy. May these words and acts strengthen our collective spirits and guide us all into the way of peace—guide us all home.SANCTIFIED ART CLOSE TO HOME DEVOTIONAL | LAYING THE FOUNDATION | 124 The Presbyterian Youth Triennium is a triennial gathering for high schoolers, youth leaders, and young adults sponsored by the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Cumberland Presbyterian Churches.5 “My Lighthouse” © Rend Collective/ Integrity Music. youtube.com watch?v=reAlJKv7ptU.6 “My Lighthouse” by Rend Collective.7 The Elliot Hall of Music is on the campus of Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana. Mon. | LayinG the FoundationSundayLuke 1:57-80

Tuesday | LayinG the Foundation (peace) Read Luke 1:57-80From the Artist Hannah Garrity In this image, Zechariah holds his baby boy. He speaks a blessing, a berakah.⁸ For his neighbors, he answers the question, “What then will this child become?” (v. 66). The intimate love of a father with his newborn son is captured in this pose. Patterns of water pour over John’s little shirt. Zechariah sees what his son will become and begins to speak his future into being from the start. As dawn breaks over Zechariah’s shoulder, his prophecy foretells God coming into the world—of light dawning in weary spaces. Zechariah relents. God has made Her statement. He could not speak until he de-centered himself from the story. He gives the name that Elizabeth has been called to give. Zechariah’s willingness to hear the call is the action in this moment. Traditionally, he would give his first born son his own name. His neighbors are shocked by the name he chooses to give, by the prophecy, by his being able to speak again. By removing his own personal and family legacy from the picture, he is truly able to give way to the greater narrative that God is calling him to participate in.This is an incredible moment of humility. As I created this image, I asked God’s help in identifying where I can step out of the way to forward Her vision for this weary world. She knows. Her work is greater than my legacy.PrayerBreathe deeply as you gaze upon the image on the left. Imagine placing yourself in this scene. What do you see? How do you feel? Get quiet and still, offering a silent or spoken prayer to God.13 | SANCTIFIED ART CLOSE TO HOME DEVOTIONAL | LAYING THE FOUNDATIONBerakah | Hannah GarritySANCTIFIED ART CLOSE TO HOME DEVOTIONAL | LAYING THE FOUNDATION | 148 The Jewish prayer of blessing expressing gratitude and praise to God.

Tuesday | LayinG the Foundation (peace) Read Luke 1:57-80From the Artist Hannah Garrity In this image, Zechariah holds his baby boy. He speaks a blessing, a berakah.⁸ For his neighbors, he answers the question, “What then will this child become?” (v. 66). The intimate love of a father with his newborn son is captured in this pose. Patterns of water pour over John’s little shirt. Zechariah sees what his son will become and begins to speak his future into being from the start. As dawn breaks over Zechariah’s shoulder, his prophecy foretells God coming into the world—of light dawning in weary spaces. Zechariah relents. God has made Her statement. He could not speak until he de-centered himself from the story. He gives the name that Elizabeth has been called to give. Zechariah’s willingness to hear the call is the action in this moment. Traditionally, he would give his first born son his own name. His neighbors are shocked by the name he chooses to give, by the prophecy, by his being able to speak again. By removing his own personal and family legacy from the picture, he is truly able to give way to the greater narrative that God is calling him to participate in.This is an incredible moment of humility. As I created this image, I asked God’s help in identifying where I can step out of the way to forward Her vision for this weary world. She knows. Her work is greater than my legacy.PrayerBreathe deeply as you gaze upon the image on the left. Imagine placing yourself in this scene. What do you see? How do you feel? Get quiet and still, offering a silent or spoken prayer to God.13 | SANCTIFIED ART CLOSE TO HOME DEVOTIONAL | LAYING THE FOUNDATIONBerakah | Hannah GarritySANCTIFIED ART CLOSE TO HOME DEVOTIONAL | LAYING THE FOUNDATION | 148 The Jewish prayer of blessing expressing gratitude and praise to God.

Read Philippians 1:3-11From the Artist Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman Paul’s letter is filled to the brim with affection, and models perfectly his prayer for the reader to live and move in the world from a foundation of overflowing love. When I began creating this image, the reaching, mirrored hands of the Close to Home logo emerged for me as a way to reference Paul’s outstretched, compassionate posture toward the Philippians as well as Paul’s hope for the reader to mirror that Christ-like embodiment. How do we determine what is best? We constantly strive, extending our hands and stretching our fingertips to get a grasp of the person of Jesus, having our lives transformed in love along the way.When I considered the metaphor of harvest that Paul provides, I knew I wanted to use botanical and fruit imagery. All of the flowers symbolize different kinds of love: Coltsfoot flowers representing maternal love and care, Forget-Me-Nots imaging faithful love and undying memory, and Heliotrope meaning eternal love and devoted attachment. At the center of the piece, the object of the hand’s reaching is a pomegranate, bursting open with seeds. Throughout history, pomegranates have been used as a symbol for royalty because of their richness of color and flavor, and for the crown-like shape on the end of the fruit. At times, this fruit was used as a symbol for Christ and resurrection as well. The split-open fruit with seeds spilling out represents Christ breaking out of the tomb.⁹ The hands are ready to receive the knowledge and full insight of Christ and to be nourished by the harvest of righteousness. PrayerBreathe deeply as you gaze upon the image on the left. Imagine placing yourself in this scene. What do you see? How do you feel? Get quiet and still, offering a silent or spoken prayer to God.15 | SANCTIFIED ART CLOSE TO HOME DEVOTIONAL | LAYING THE FOUNDATIONHarvest of Righteousness | Lauren Wright PittmanSANCTIFIED ART CLOSE TO HOME DEVOTIONAL | LAYING THE FOUNDATION | 16Wed. | LayinG the Foundation (peace) 9 Appleton, LeRoy H., and Stephen Bridges. Symbolism in Liturgical Art. New York: Scribner, 1969.

Read Philippians 1:3-11From the Artist Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman Paul’s letter is filled to the brim with affection, and models perfectly his prayer for the reader to live and move in the world from a foundation of overflowing love. When I began creating this image, the reaching, mirrored hands of the Close to Home logo emerged for me as a way to reference Paul’s outstretched, compassionate posture toward the Philippians as well as Paul’s hope for the reader to mirror that Christ-like embodiment. How do we determine what is best? We constantly strive, extending our hands and stretching our fingertips to get a grasp of the person of Jesus, having our lives transformed in love along the way.When I considered the metaphor of harvest that Paul provides, I knew I wanted to use botanical and fruit imagery. All of the flowers symbolize different kinds of love: Coltsfoot flowers representing maternal love and care, Forget-Me-Nots imaging faithful love and undying memory, and Heliotrope meaning eternal love and devoted attachment. At the center of the piece, the object of the hand’s reaching is a pomegranate, bursting open with seeds. Throughout history, pomegranates have been used as a symbol for royalty because of their richness of color and flavor, and for the crown-like shape on the end of the fruit. At times, this fruit was used as a symbol for Christ and resurrection as well. The split-open fruit with seeds spilling out represents Christ breaking out of the tomb.⁹ The hands are ready to receive the knowledge and full insight of Christ and to be nourished by the harvest of righteousness. PrayerBreathe deeply as you gaze upon the image on the left. Imagine placing yourself in this scene. What do you see? How do you feel? Get quiet and still, offering a silent or spoken prayer to God.15 | SANCTIFIED ART CLOSE TO HOME DEVOTIONAL | LAYING THE FOUNDATIONHarvest of Righteousness | Lauren Wright PittmanSANCTIFIED ART CLOSE TO HOME DEVOTIONAL | LAYING THE FOUNDATION | 16Wed. | LayinG the Foundation (peace) 9 Appleton, LeRoy H., and Stephen Bridges. Symbolism in Liturgical Art. New York: Scribner, 1969.

17 | SANCTIFIED ART CLOSE TO HOME DEVOTIONAL | LAYING THE FOUNDATIONSANCTIFIED ART CLOSE TO HOME DEVOTIONAL | LAYING THE FOUNDATION | 18Close to Home Journaling LayinG the FoundationLayinG the FoundationWhat is the foundation of your faith? Who has helped lay the foundation for you? How are you helping to lay the foundation for others? Journal or draw any thoughts or memories.Thursday

17 | SANCTIFIED ART CLOSE TO HOME DEVOTIONAL | LAYING THE FOUNDATIONSANCTIFIED ART CLOSE TO HOME DEVOTIONAL | LAYING THE FOUNDATION | 18Close to Home Journaling LayinG the FoundationLayinG the FoundationWhat is the foundation of your faith? Who has helped lay the foundation for you? How are you helping to lay the foundation for others? Journal or draw any thoughts or memories.Thursday

When"AndWeoldyoulayZechchildaawillfoun- --ribedaahcalledtionheldafor--Zechariah’s LullabyCRADLE SONG 11.11.11.11Music: William J. Kirkpatrick (1895)Text: Anna Strickland (2021)hisprowhatbaphetisbyofto--sonChristbeHeToNotblessedbringknowhimhopeingandtoyet-Zechariah’s LullabyCRADLE SONG 11.11.11.11Music: William J. Kirkpatrick (1895)Text: Anna Strickland (2021)dreamedheartsprayofandingwhattofor-heshawhatwoulddowswebethecan't-comelightseeAsForWe-Zechariah’s LullabyCRADLE SONG 11.11.11.11Music: William J. Kirkpatrick (1895)Text: Anna Strickland (2021)baGodtrustbyhasinJohnsentGod's- rockedvisiinionsmagtheofin-- - -temwhatapleyoutionthatwillto--Zechariah’s LullabyCRADLE SONG 11.11.11.11Music: William J. Kirkpatrick (1895)Text: Anna Strickland (2021)morndobuildThisAFromsongdreamblueZechtoprintsaproand-- riclaimhopeahandforsangaa---Zechariah’s LullabyCRADLE SONG 11.11.11.11Music: William J. Kirkpatrick (1895)Text: Anna Strickland (2021)forworlddreamhistoyetnewrefulbornnew"filled---219 | SANCTIFIED ART CLOSE TO HOME DEVOTIONAL | LAYING THE FOUNDATIONSANCTIFIED ART CLOSE TO HOME DEVOTIONAL | LAYING THE FOUNDATION | 20 Take SabbathTake SabbathNourish and sustain yourself with rest. Commit to a Sabbath activity today, perhaps one of those listed below:- Go for a walk outside.- Sit quietly and meditate.- Plant something indoors or outside.- Spend time with a friend or loved one.- Explore a new area of your town or city.- Cook or bake something using a favorite or new recipe.- Do yoga or exercise in a way that feels good for your body.- Write and mail a letter to someone you haven’t talked to in a while.- Organize or redesign an area in your home.- Draw or create something.- Dance or play music.- Write a poem or a song.- Watch a movie.- Take a nap.- Read a book.Zechariah's Lullaby Away in a MangerFriday | LayinG the Foundation (peace) Scan to hear the tune!Sat. | LayinG the Foundation (peace)

When"AndWeoldyoulayZechchildaawillfoun- --ribedaahcalledtionheldafor--Zechariah’s LullabyCRADLE SONG 11.11.11.11Music: William J. Kirkpatrick (1895)Text: Anna Strickland (2021)hisprowhatbaphetisbyofto--sonChristbeHeToNotblessedbringknowhimhopeingandtoyet-Zechariah’s LullabyCRADLE SONG 11.11.11.11Music: William J. Kirkpatrick (1895)Text: Anna Strickland (2021)dreamedheartsprayofandingwhattofor-heshawhatwoulddowswebethecan't-comelightseeAsForWe-Zechariah’s LullabyCRADLE SONG 11.11.11.11Music: William J. Kirkpatrick (1895)Text: Anna Strickland (2021)baGodtrustbyhasinJohnsentGod's- rockedvisiinionsmagtheofin-- - -temwhatapleyoutionthatwillto--Zechariah’s LullabyCRADLE SONG 11.11.11.11Music: William J. Kirkpatrick (1895)Text: Anna Strickland (2021)morndobuildThisAFromsongdreamblueZechtoprintsaproand-- riclaimhopeahandforsangaa---Zechariah’s LullabyCRADLE SONG 11.11.11.11Music: William J. Kirkpatrick (1895)Text: Anna Strickland (2021)forworlddreamhistoyetnewrefulbornnew"filled---219 | SANCTIFIED ART CLOSE TO HOME DEVOTIONAL | LAYING THE FOUNDATIONSANCTIFIED ART CLOSE TO HOME DEVOTIONAL | LAYING THE FOUNDATION | 20 Take SabbathTake SabbathNourish and sustain yourself with rest. Commit to a Sabbath activity today, perhaps one of those listed below:- Go for a walk outside.- Sit quietly and meditate.- Plant something indoors or outside.- Spend time with a friend or loved one.- Explore a new area of your town or city.- Cook or bake something using a favorite or new recipe.- Do yoga or exercise in a way that feels good for your body.- Write and mail a letter to someone you haven’t talked to in a while.- Organize or redesign an area in your home.- Draw or create something.- Dance or play music.- Write a poem or a song.- Watch a movie.- Take a nap.- Read a book.Zechariah's Lullaby Away in a MangerFriday | LayinG the Foundation (peace) Scan to hear the tune!Sat. | LayinG the Foundation (peace)

Advent DevotionalAdvent DevotionalArt, Poetry, Songs, & Reflections for the Season of Adventsanctifiedart.org@sanctifiedart | sanctifiedart.org | contact@sanctifiedart.orgA Sanctified Art LLC is a collective of artists in ministry who create resources for worshiping communities. The Sanctified Art team works collaboratively to bring scripture and theological themes to life through film, visual art, curriculum, coloring pages, liturgy, graphic designs, and more. Their mission is to empower churches with resources to inspire creativity in worship and beyond. Driven by the connective and prophetic power of art, they believe that art helps us connect our hearts with our hands, our faith with our lives, and our mess with our God.Learn more about their work at sanctifiedart.org.sanctifiedart.org.