34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.” (NLTse) Luk 2:34-35
Have you no decency left at all, sir? On this day, of all days, can you not set aside your political venom? Christ’s gift belongs to all sides, left and right.
^Even those who do not agree with the status of messenger, can certainly agree with the peace and caring for others advocacy of his message. It does in fact repeat that of others, like the Buddha, and not just “bible based” faiths.
Merry Christmas, and think of the message, not just the magi.
Because God the Father, Son and Spirit are eternal and omniscient; this birthday was planned before the creation of earth and mankind.-God knew the single law in Eden would be broken in the test of human free will, so God pre-planned the one way of salvation through the voluntary sacrifice of God the Son to atone for human sin. Therefore the day of birth (not dated in the scripture) was the culmination of God’s Plan, and the beginning of the sinless lifetime of Jesus, who is God the Son.-The world was blind to the event, but God’s angels announced the long-awaited birth to the temple-priest-shepherds who quickly went to see baby Jesus. The Magi in Babylon, taught by Daniel during the 70 year captivity of the Hebrews/Jews, were believers and astronomers, and when they saw the new star in the West, they prepared for the journey that brought them to Jerusalem to see the young prince, and King Herod asked the temple leaders who informed him of the Micah prophecy of the virgin birth to be in Bethlehem. The Magi followed the star which led them to a house where Joseph and Mary were living at that time. King Herod ordered all boy-babies up to the age of 2 years to be killed, trying to eliminate Jesus as God’s Heir to the Throne of David. God gave warning to the Magi to leave without telling Herod and warned Joseph to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt to be safe until Herod’s death.-Varvel has the picture correctly interpreted, and the true Bible story needs to be more widely taught.
While PEACE ON EARTH is a worthy goal, there is no peace on earth due to religious fighting. Jews…Muslims. Christians..Atheists. Even in sunny Florida, the religious factions fight over the State Capital’s displays. Humbug indeed.
http://cnsnews.com/commentary/david-limbaugh/cross-was-preceded-cradle-printed 2 pages on landscape. I found this article this morning, 12/26/14 and I just began reading David’s new book“Jesus On Trial”, already a NYTimes Bestseller! Attorney David Limbaugh, Rush’s brother, “affirms the truth of the Gospel” – found in the Judeo-Christian Bible, the writing of the Hebrews as inspired by God….our canon of 66 books that carry the indelible stamp of God, given, written and preserved by God for mankind. “God is not willing than any should perish”….for "God so loved the world (of humanity).-You cannot find any other religious book that compares with God’s Bible anywhere on earth! And that is in spite of Satan’s attempts to deny God’s Word since Adam’s days in Eden!Every pagan religion on earth came from God’s Enemy, the Rebel Lucifer/Satan, who inspires every atheist and false religionist and every war was instigated by Satan, politically and in the realm of religion. The battle is worth it, to join and to fight for the truth of God’s Book! Every person ending in the Lake of Fire with Satan will be there for rejecting the only available Saviour, Jesus the Christ of God.
@lostinbagoPerhaps you should read where “the punishment that brought us peace was upon him.” The two events are not separate. Justice and mercy are two sides of the same coin.
So, are you leaving this bit of torture porn up until Easter, Gary? Because the guy did more on Earth than getting the (^(^*(&^ beaten out of him by rightwingers who opposed his message of social justice and charity.
ishannon5289 over 9 years ago
Even if you are are not Christian, it is a very good piece of art.
axel_g Premium Member over 9 years ago
34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.” (NLTse) Luk 2:34-35
Kylop over 9 years ago
Gary, you put one of these together every year and its wonderful art every time. Thank you. Merry Christmas
Anweir88 over 9 years ago
Absolutely beautiful
Anweir88 over 9 years ago
Have you no decency left at all, sir? On this day, of all days, can you not set aside your political venom? Christ’s gift belongs to all sides, left and right.
Dtroutma over 9 years ago
^Even those who do not agree with the status of messenger, can certainly agree with the peace and caring for others advocacy of his message. It does in fact repeat that of others, like the Buddha, and not just “bible based” faiths.
Merry Christmas, and think of the message, not just the magi.
kline0800 over 9 years ago
Because God the Father, Son and Spirit are eternal and omniscient; this birthday was planned before the creation of earth and mankind.-God knew the single law in Eden would be broken in the test of human free will, so God pre-planned the one way of salvation through the voluntary sacrifice of God the Son to atone for human sin. Therefore the day of birth (not dated in the scripture) was the culmination of God’s Plan, and the beginning of the sinless lifetime of Jesus, who is God the Son.-The world was blind to the event, but God’s angels announced the long-awaited birth to the temple-priest-shepherds who quickly went to see baby Jesus. The Magi in Babylon, taught by Daniel during the 70 year captivity of the Hebrews/Jews, were believers and astronomers, and when they saw the new star in the West, they prepared for the journey that brought them to Jerusalem to see the young prince, and King Herod asked the temple leaders who informed him of the Micah prophecy of the virgin birth to be in Bethlehem. The Magi followed the star which led them to a house where Joseph and Mary were living at that time. King Herod ordered all boy-babies up to the age of 2 years to be killed, trying to eliminate Jesus as God’s Heir to the Throne of David. God gave warning to the Magi to leave without telling Herod and warned Joseph to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt to be safe until Herod’s death.-Varvel has the picture correctly interpreted, and the true Bible story needs to be more widely taught.
Crabbyrino Premium Member over 9 years ago
While PEACE ON EARTH is a worthy goal, there is no peace on earth due to religious fighting. Jews…Muslims. Christians..Atheists. Even in sunny Florida, the religious factions fight over the State Capital’s displays. Humbug indeed.
kline0800 over 9 years ago
http://cnsnews.com/commentary/david-limbaugh/cross-was-preceded-cradle-printed 2 pages on landscape. I found this article this morning, 12/26/14 and I just began reading David’s new book“Jesus On Trial”, already a NYTimes Bestseller! Attorney David Limbaugh, Rush’s brother, “affirms the truth of the Gospel” – found in the Judeo-Christian Bible, the writing of the Hebrews as inspired by God….our canon of 66 books that carry the indelible stamp of God, given, written and preserved by God for mankind. “God is not willing than any should perish”….for "God so loved the world (of humanity).-You cannot find any other religious book that compares with God’s Bible anywhere on earth! And that is in spite of Satan’s attempts to deny God’s Word since Adam’s days in Eden!Every pagan religion on earth came from God’s Enemy, the Rebel Lucifer/Satan, who inspires every atheist and false religionist and every war was instigated by Satan, politically and in the realm of religion. The battle is worth it, to join and to fight for the truth of God’s Book! Every person ending in the Lake of Fire with Satan will be there for rejecting the only available Saviour, Jesus the Christ of God.
Michael Peterson Premium Member over 9 years ago
I thought the Christian torture porn was for Easter.
38lowell over 9 years ago
Finally!
Bassrox Premium Member over 9 years ago
Glorious. Absolutely glorious. Thank you, Mr. Varvel!
echoraven over 9 years ago
gorgeous art!
echoraven over 9 years ago
gorgeous art!
s.l over 9 years ago
@lostinbagoPerhaps you should read where “the punishment that brought us peace was upon him.” The two events are not separate. Justice and mercy are two sides of the same coin.
William Bednar Premium Member over 9 years ago
This is not Art, it’s propaganda!
anniebodyhome over 9 years ago
Reminds me how grateful I am. Wonderfully done Mr. Varvel, thank you!
lonecat over 9 years ago
I know you don’t believe in God, but I didn’t know you believe in Gawd.
Michael Peterson Premium Member over 9 years ago
So, are you leaving this bit of torture porn up until Easter, Gary? Because the guy did more on Earth than getting the (^(^*(&^ beaten out of him by rightwingers who opposed his message of social justice and charity.