When I first discovered these beautiful tapestries, designed by Sir Edward Burn-Jones as part of the Pre-Raphaelite movement in Britain, I became fascinated by the Arthurian literature of the time and the idea of the pursuit of the Holy Grail. The Holy Grail or Chalice, is the very cup that Jesus used at the Last Supper and the attainment of this treasure has motivated many a knight to travel great distances and suffer tremendous hardship for their King.
All of us have our own version of the “Holy Grail”
The big promotion…
The prestigious degree…
Hitting a certain number in our savings….
The dream vacation……
The perfect family celebration…..
and yes even the publication of a book:)
But at the end of it, do we ever feel at peace…..do we ever feel like we have achieved our Holy Grail?
As you enjoy all the rich details and colors of the scene, try to make it personal by putting yourself in their shoes…..let yourself wonder….did these knights feel changed the day after?
Let yourself wonder about those famous wise men, who traveled so far with gifts for their baby king …how did they feel the next day? Did bowing at the feet of God incarnate, change them?
Does all of our Christmas traditions, our gift giving and reaching out to our friends, does all of this change how we view ourselves in the New Year?
Renew your picture of our God who is love and is seeking each of us. Yes! the “Wise Men” brought precious gifts to the baby Jesus, but their greatest gift to him was their presence….and by their presence we are changed as they bring the world to worship the new born King.
As you view this moment in detail, see how God desires us….that he is with us. I pray that you see that the “Holy Grail” is really within our hearts as we let the knowledge of God’s love for each of us fill our cup each day of the coming New Year.
(It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, vs. 3, by Edmund Sears)
And ye, beneath life’s crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow,
Look now! for glad and golden hours
come swiftly on the wing.
O rest beside the weary road….
and hear the angels sing!
God’s Peace and Blessings be with you today and this week!
