The Meaning of the Advent Wreath

"How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world."
                                                          William Shakespeare, "The Merchant of Venice"

As the girls have grown older, I continue to incorporate new traditions. In the past, so much of Christmas was centered on shopping & their activities. I am now enjoying friends more and adding new traditions to my holiday routine. One is the addition of my own advent wreath. I love the meaning of the Advent Wreath...it helps us to stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas amid all the distractions of the world.

The four virtues Jesus brings to us:

The first candle symbolizes HOPE.   Isaiah 60:2-3
We can have hope because God is faithful and will keep His promise made to us.

The second candle symbolizes LOVE.  Mark 1:4
God kept His promise a Savior who would be born in Bethlehem.

The third candle symbolizes JOY.  Isaiah 35:10
The angels sang a message of joy.

The fourth candle symbolizes PEACE.  Isaiah 9:6-7
The Prince of Peace...the angels announced the good news of a Savior.

The fifth candle is white...Christmas Day!    Luke 1:68-79, Luke 2:1-20
                                       

JESUS is the spotless Lamb of God, sent to wash away our sins! His birth
was for his death, his death was for our birth!

Prepare your hearts with HOPE, LOVE, and JOY as we look forward to
Christmas Day to celebrate our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Ways Angels are Involved in the Lives of Believers

Angels are actively involved in our lives if we are children of God...on a daily basis.

When we repent, angels rejoice. There are points of repentance that take place at the moment of conversion. but subsequent to conversion, God intends that we should continue to be repenters. That is the Holy Spirit within us...convicting us that we have sinned against God. We should have a lifestyle of repenting before God as He reveals issues and needs in our lives. When we repent, the angels rejoice!

Angels encamp around us. Psalm 34:7 "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and He delivers them." A boundary...a protective hedge...
The enemy can't get to us without getting through an army of angels that "encamp" around us.

The angels protect us from harm. Psalm 91
This is one of my favorite verses.

Angels are sent to rescue us from impossible situations. Acts 5, Acts 12
God will make the decision...not for every situation.

Angels provide strength when we are weak. 1 Kings 19

Angels will carry or escort us to heaven at the time of death. Luke 16

Angels...God's Messengers...Fulfill their Created Purpose

Most of the angels do fit into one or more of these categories:

 1.They fulfill their created purpose through the worship & praise of God in heaven.

The prophet Isaiah saw this vision of heaven in Isaiah 6 as he was allowed to look into the throne
room of heaven. There he saw the seraphim, a particular class of angels, whose full-time job was
to worship, praise, and bless the Lord. They serve God and please Him by worshiping Him & blessing Him.

2. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, the angels are involved in helping God to execute His judgments here on the earth.

Look at the book of Revelation...many times it is the angels who are actually executing the judgments of God on earth.

3. Angels are God's messengers sent by God to minister to believers here on earth.

If you are a child of God, angels are involved in your life on a daily basis.

Angels are "God's Messengers"

Angels are created beings. That's why they are not to be worshiped. Only the Creator is to be worshiped. They are immortal. They are not eternal because they did have a starting place. God created them...they do live forever. They are God's servants who carry out His business in the world.
Angels have one job...to serve God and do His bidding.

Psalm 103:20-21

Praise the Lord you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.
Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will.

Angels obey His word; they do His will.
They're God's obedient servants.

New Paintings in "Bloom Where You are Planted" Series

These are a few more small 5 x 7 acrylic in this series...perfect gift for a special friend.

The Many Faces of the Angels...which speaks to you?

The Angel Series has been extremely popular. Which one speaks to you?

                                                  "Angel Ascending"  (Sold)

                                                   "Angel of Protection"

                                                   "Angel Ascending"

                                                   Mixed Media, "Angel Ascending"

                                                            "The Power of Three"

                                                     "Mother/Daughter"

                                                    "Little Ballerina"

                                          Mixed Media, "Angel Ascending"

                                                             "Power of Three"

                                                        "My Angel"

                                                      "Angel Wing"

                                             "Praising Him", Folk Art Series

Whimsical Art of Rita Knight at Madison Artists Guild

The whimsical art of Rita Knight has just arrived at the Madison Artists Guild. Roosters, angels, and her new series, "Bloom Where You are Planted"will be available for purchase during the First Friday celebration in December and throughout the remainder of the year. Note cards of her paintings and mixed media pieces are also available. These are suitable for framing and have made wonderful small gifts for birthday, holiday, or special occasions.

"Bloom Where You Are Planted"

"Bloom Where You Are Planted" is from 1 Corinthians 7:17-24. It means...don't wait to realize your dreams. Regardless of where you are in life, don't wait until things get better or put it off until tomorrow. The time is NOW. You may be in a situation where you are struggling or going through emotional pain...you may be in a situation you are longing to exit...whatever the reason, we usually wait for the moment when things will get better or we will have enough money.  Time is moving on. Life is all about evolving. Many are held back by fear...fear of the unknown, so we stay within the familiar.

Time waits for no one. After losing several family members in a short amount of time, I began to realize every day is a gift. Life will never provide the perfect setting for your dream to unfold. You have to make it happen...bloom where you're planted!

"Bloom Where You Are Planted" Series

"Bloom Where You Are Planted" Series

This series was inspired by a painting that I did earlier this year. They send a message that so many of us need to hear. They look great on a small easel or framed. They also come with a color-coordinated envelope if you want to mail one to a friend.

 This is the painting that inspired the series, "Bloom Where You are Planted", (Not for sale)

Trinkets New Jewelry at Athens Interiors Market, 2015

Trinkets has the new trends for the season covered...antler necklaces on soft leather, dream catcher, longhorn, and feather silver hoops, gemstone pendants on soft leather, horn necklaces, horn cuff bracelets, organic gemstone bracelets...in addition, 18K gold-plated earrings to jewelry with sparkle & shine for the holidays...but, still red & black favorites.

                                             Sponge Coral Bracelet with Silver Toggle Clasp, $48

                                      Black Sequin Shine on Sterling Silver Ear wires, $36

                                Black & White Batik on Silver Hoops, $28  Necklace, $24

                                                     Black Shark Tooth Earrings, $28

                                                      Red & Black Chain Necklaces, $24

Angels, Angels, Angels...

The angels I have been painting have taken a life of their own. I do know they are painted intuitively, and I never know what the angel will look like...until it is finished. Recently, they have been spreading love & healing to loved ones who are going through a difficult time...the onset of a disease, the loss of a loved one, the passing of a child, etc. The angels seem to be falling into three categories, "The Power of Three", "Ascending Angels" and "Mother/Daughters-Sisters". To view more, go to www.ritaknightart.org