I am prewriting for the days I know I will be traveling – a Christmas gift to travel….

There is a wonderful painting on our church wall, Jesus kneeling in the Garden of Gethsemane, a depiction recreated in the 1940’s by a local parishioner,  house painter, inspired from a very famous painting rendition from 1890’s Heinrich Hofmann, titled Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane (or The Agony in the Garden).

The church’s historian mentioned that today, seventy years ago it was dedicated and installed into our church building. Also noteworthy, is that seventy years ago later that same day that the day that would live in infamy, the bombing of Pearl Harbor occurred. This was so important to the collective nation back then – we will forget the past if we do not remind our children about it. And yet, as our church historian pointed out – that we have come a long way and yet that painting is still there – hanging in the church 70 years. 

And I had to think – well, amazing that everything will come and go but the one, ONE, remaining constant is the Lord – never changing – and always loving.

Jesus in the worst of circumstances (as we see it in earthly ways – even the apostles were asleep from sorrow) – was strengthened and continued. Jesus completed His Mission.

In Infamy and Forevermore – the Lord Lives and Lingers and LOVES.

Amen – and Blessed Christmas wishes to you all!

Luke 22:39-46 New King James Version

The Prayer in the Garden

³⁹ Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. ⁴⁰ When He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

⁴¹ And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, ⁴² saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” ⁴³ Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. ⁴⁴ And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

⁴⁵ When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. ⁴⁶ Then He said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.”