Tag: art

Exploring Advent-Angels and Shepherds

Luke chapter 2 describes the biblical account of shepherds in Bethlehem who encounter an angel announcing the birth of the Savior. The angel’s message brings joy, encouraging the shepherds to visit the newborn Messiah. The Advent season leads to Christmas in the Christian liturgical calendar.

 

Shepherds and Angels

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.
Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them.
“Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.
The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

Luke chapter 2, New Living Translation 

 
Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois, 60188. All rights reserved.
shepherds raising arms to the sky
Shepherds drawing by Bill Hart

Bill Hart-WWII veteran and artist

The late Bill Hart was a professional artist. He served in the United States Army during World War II and was part of the force which invaded and liberated  France in 1944. You can read Bill’s story at this link. 

Advent- four weeks before Christmas

The season of Advent, which comes from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming” or “visit,” begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year for Christians. [Liturgical — from liturgy, which means the forms and functions of public worship.]

Many families observe Advent with Bible readings, lighting candles, songs, and stories to remind them of the events leading up to the birth of Christ as told in the New Testament. (these are affiliate links for you to consider and help support this blog with a commission on any purchases you make while reviewing)

Tidings of Joy Fabric Advent Calendar (Countdown to Christmas)

sharing the HEART of health

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an evergreen wreath with holly

Dr Aletha

Many people find using their phones a convenient way to read and meditate on the Bible. And it’s easy to do so with the Dwell Bible App. With Dwell you can listen to and read the Bible and special devotional offerings for Advent, Lent, and throughout the year.

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The Heart of Art at The University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma is renowned for its successful athletic programs, particularly in football, softball, and gymnastics. However, it also excels in the arts, showcased by the Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art and the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, highlighting both artistic and educational pursuits.

If you have heard of the University of Oklahoma at all, it’s probably because of our football team, which has won several national championships. Or maybe you’ve heard about our softball and gymnastics teams, also national champions.

But the “university on the prairie” is also a leader in the arts.

I was a student there and met my husband in the 1970s.

I took these photos during visits to the campus in Norman, Oklahoma, about 30 miles south of Oklahoma City.

The Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art

From the acclaimed Weitzenhoffer Collection of French Impressionism to more than 6000 works by Native American artists,the museum’s holdings are vast, varied and nationally significant.

Thomas Brent Smith, Director, in Sooner Magazine, Summer 2025
cabinet, chairs, sculpture
Hester Hall, home of the College of International Studies
dancer
“State of Grace”, artist Robert Taylor
pottery1
Native American pottery
2016-03-05-11-21-40
native1
“The Guardian”

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History 

The Sam Noble Museum at The University of Oklahoma inspires minds to understand the world through collection-based research, interpretation and education.

Sam Noble Museum

They may not be “art”, but the natural history museum exhibits are informative and inspirational.

Exploring the HEART of learning

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

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The University of Oklahoma also has two medical campuses, in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. After my years in Norman, I attended the medical school in Oklahoma City, which is where I became

Dr. Aletha
a rearing horse statue