“Good Tidings of Great Joy,” Ensign, Dec. 1992, 34
“Good Tidings of Great Joy”
Most of us love to find a quiet moment, away from the bustle of the holidays, to enjoy the words of the New Testament that tell of Christ’s coming to earth. The following entries from the Church art competitions may enhance the telling of the Christmas story and may help us visualize the marvelous events associated with Jesus’ early mortal life.
The Magi, by Sean Wyeth, oil on canvas, 1988.
“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
“Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. …
“And, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” (Matt. 2:1–2, 9–10.)
Keeping Watch, by Robert A. McKay, oil on canvas, 1989.
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:8–11.)
The Lamb, by Marilee B. Campbell, pastel, 1985.
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” (Luke 2:52.)
Mother of My Lord, by Jenenne Goodwin, oil on canvas, 1990.
“And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
“And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
“And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost.” (Luke 1:39–41.)
Birth of Jesus Christ, by Lynn Wood, oil on canvas, 1987.
“And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
“And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:15–16.)
The Holy Family, by Mary Lou Burgoyne, oil on canvas, 1987.
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7.)