As is the case for every Reason for the Season ornament release, the focus is on Christ. Each year the ornament design centers on another facet of the incredibly beautiful character of Jesus. As a creative who seeks to glorify God through my art, I try to remain mindful in my daily practice of Bible study and take note of verses and themes that will effectively communicate the wonderful gift that is Jesus through my chosen artistic mediums. For this particular collection, I have my original watercolor and ink designs reproduced on clear acrylic ornaments whose beauty is further enhanced when the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree shine behind them.
Each summer, my boys and I choose a book of the Bible to study together. This past summer, we chose to take a closer look at the gospel of John, a book that focuses heavily on the earthly life and ministry of Jesus. We got to spend our days reading about how Jesus called His disciples, interacted with the people of His day, met their needs, healed their disease, and exemplified how He wants His followers to live. Is it any surprise then that in our modern world full of the toxic and destructive "you do you" ideology and focus on hyper-individualism masquerading as self care that the countercultural character of Jesus present in this gospel commanded our attention? More specifically, the character trait of humility displayed by Jesus time and time again and in a multitude of different situations not only inspired the design of this year's ornament, but also led us to take a deeper look at the precious nature of Christ so that we may love Him more and treasure Him most.
One such example of humility that got us talking during Bible study this summer was the story of the night during Passover when Jesus washed His disciples' feet (You can read all about it in John 13). We talked about the time period and historical context which involved discussions about unpaved streets, footwear options or lack thereof, lots of walking, really dirty, stinky feet, and why foot washing was a necessary practice. But we spent the most time discussing what Jesus, Son of God, was teaching and revealing to them (and to us) on a spiritual level as he physically washed twelve pairs of very different feet.
You see, this would still be an incredible story if each set of feet belonged to man who passionately loved Jesus with all his heart. Incredible because this means the King of Glory bent His knee before his subjects and the Master stooped down below His servants and humbled Himself by performing a seemingly lowly task.
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. PHILIPPIANS 2:5-7
But through this state of lowliness, He was communicating eternal truths to their hearts. Using an act they knew well as an illustration, He was telling them that He loved them. That they needed to be not just physically, but also spiritually clean, and He was the only one who could cleanse them of their sins. That as His followers they needed to submit themselves to His tender care.
But not only these things. Because as He washed the feet of doubters, self-promoters, cowards, deniers, and betrayers in the basin, He was showing them the power of His forgiveness and love. He knew what was in their hearts, yet He washed their feet anyway. He was about to go to the cross to die for every sin they had committed and ever would commit. In this humble act, He displayed in part what He would do in full a few days later - bear the burden of our filthy sin and conquer its power over our lives, offering to cleanse us and forgive us and to make a way for us to be reconciled to God through the shedding and covering of His precious blood.
Just like the water being poured from the jar, the blood of Christ would flow to cleanse us from our iniquities, cover our guilt, and allow us to stand with borrowed righteousness before a holy God. Jesus spent His 33 years on earth pouring out His life so that God would be glorified and that we may know Him. He humbly served to show us the Father.
These words from the gospel of Mark encapsulate the powerfully selfless, and loving humility of Christ -
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. MARK 10:45
Whenever you hang this ornament on your tree, I hope it causes you to set your heart's affections on our humble Savior who came to serve and give so that we may receive the blessings of forgiveness, salvation, and reconciliation with God; and in doing so, spur you on to humbly serve and love and forgive others so that they may "see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven" (Matthew 5:16) and come to know Him by receiving the gift of salvation that is made available through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Shop the Ornament
This year's Reason for the Season ornament "The Servant Leader" features an original ink & watercolor design by Whitney Hornbuckle of Southern Whit Studio printed on sturdy acrylic. It also comes with a gold ribbon for hanging.
*Ornament Styling Tip*
Most times I leave the gold ribbon because I love the way the shimmery strand pops against the dark green branches of my Christmas tree. Other times, I sub in a different ribbon in the color of my choice if I'm hanging the ornament by itself to be a festive feature on a favorite house plant or wreath or decorative item. Pictured below is the ornament strung with a 5/8" rosy colored satin ribbon.
(click this link to purchase)
