The prophecies

Folk Series Collection Part 3

Where are they going?

At first glance this painting may appear to be the Holy family fleeing to Egypt in the dead of night. Look more closely.

I actually painted this image to commemorate the Feast of Candlemas (Also known as The Presentation of the Lord). Mark your calendars for this Friday, February 2, the day we will celebrate this feast, 40 days after the birth of Christ.

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In Scripture

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. -Luke 2:22–24

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Symbolism within the work

Some elements that I incorporated into this painting:

• Two turtledoves or pigeons - A sacrifice offered to the Lord specifically by the poor (those who couldn’t afford a lamb), according to Jewish custom.

• The light, emanating from Christ, piercing the darkness - referring to Simeon’s prophecy that Jesus would be a light to the gentiles.
  

That day the Spirit led him (Simeon) to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised.
I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”
-Luke 2:27-32

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• Candles - Traditionally one of the ways this feast day is celebrated, specifically because of Simeon’s prophecy.

• Mary’s pierced heart - Referring to another prophecy that a sword would pierce her soul. (Luke 2:35)

• The curtain of the temple torn down the center - A foreshadowing of the completion of Christ’s sacrifice, his death on the cross.

• Yellow roses - symbolizing enlightenment and wisdom.

• Red roses - symbolizing Christ’s passion, and Mary’s sufferings.

Add this to your collection

This unique painting can be found here: https://paintedsanctuary.etsy.com/listing/1306095038

Wishing you a wonderful week,
-Kristina

P.S. Do you like knowing more about the symbolism in the art I create?