Light both shines and speaks.
Jesus is The Light of the world.
Rembrandt’s use of LIGHT is so important.
Watch our Truth in Two to find out why (full text below).
Jesus: The Light of the world.
Subscribe to “Truth in Two” videos from Comenius (here). Mark is President of The Comenius Institute (website). Dr. Eckel spends time with Christian young people in public university (1 minute video), teaches at Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis, and interprets culture from a Christian vantage point (1 minute video). Consider becoming a Comenius patron (here).
Picture Credit: Luke Renoe, Snappy Goat, Counterlight
FULL TEXT
Rembrandt, a Christian painter of the 17th century, is a world-famous artist. Rembrandt’s source of illumination is a key to understanding his work. Rembrandt’s painting of a “Philosopher” suggests knowledge requires Light from Outside. A print of this painting hangs on the wall coming into my study, as a reminder.
The Prodigal Son by Rembrandt is the second framed painting, I bought for prominent placement in our home. Repentance by the son is received with unconditional forgiveness by the father; Rembrandt painting himself as the son. We are all “the son,” in need of The Father and the forgiveness only He can give. Reread the story on which the painting is based in Luke 15, pondering the last line for yourselves, “He was lost but now is found.”
But during the Christmas season, it is Rembrandt’s Nativity scene that captures my attention. There in the darkened chamber you see Mary, Joseph, farm animals, shepherds, and other visitors. But the source of light is not coming from outside the group. No. The light is coming from the baby. The light is so radiant, so bright, the face of the child, is almost indistinguishable from the light.
And what does Scripture say? John 1 says Jesus IS the light, shining in the darkness. John 3 says the Light has come into the world. But it is Jesus’ own words in John 8, about Himself, that says it all. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” During this Christmas season, may you see, The Light.
For Truth in Two, this is Dr. Mark Eckel, President of the Comenius Institute, personally seeking truth wherever it’s found.