The cover art for “Dear Christians, One And All Rejoice” (Kloria Publishing), is also the illustration to accompany the first stanza of Martin Luther’s hymn. It is, in a sense, the centerpiece of the book.
Unfortunately for some of us, we must forego what is seen in that illustration. With common sense, Federal limitations and, in some cases, excessive state mandates heaped on for good measure, the gathering of believers has been greatly curtailed. Our only defense is that this has not happened out of neglect. I had no idea that this particular painting would one day create yearning to simply gather in church.
On the other hand, I did intend to play the “yearning card,” albeit with different purpose. When kneeling at the Lord’s Table, I am reminded, through the liturgy, that we are not alone in our praise of the Lord. Together with angels and archangels and all the host of heaven, we adore The Lamb. In the illustration, those sainted members of the family of God hover, as it were, above our heads. We don’t normally see them, but we know they are present. Family members in glory, the glorious company of the apostles, the noble army of martyrs, the goodly fellowship of the prophets, the young, the old, men, women, members of every nation; they join with us “with exultation springing.” We deeply yearn to one day be reunited with them.
Central to all this is an image of our Savior, Christ Jesus, which leads a procession into the sanctuary of the church. His ransomed children bow in honor as a reminder of His death passes by. And if such an image does not stir our memory, then surely Luther’s words do: “What price our ransom cost Him!”
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30” x 19” / $140
24” x 15.2” / $110
16” x 10.1” / $75
18.8” x 24” / $120
12.5” x 16” / $75
“Dear Christians, One And All Rejoice,” (Kloria Publishing) is available through Concordia Publishing House and Amazon.com
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