Brenda Stichter, artist

I think it was the sunset. That was what started it. Last night, the sky was beautiful, and it took me completely by surprise.  The day had been unseasonably warm, and we actually had a severe thunderstorm warning here in Northern Indiana. (Two days before Christmas!) We had torrential rain during the day, and I did not expect to see any sign of the sun. As I prepared to leave the house for yet another foray into the last minute shoppers, I glanced out the front window of my house, and thought, "Did someone put up a street light clear out here?" The wet road was glowing pinkish gold.  Drawn to the window, I saw the vista of sky against the darkened woods and fields, and it literally made me pray, and maybe cry a little. "Oh, Father GOD, merry Christmas to You! What a gift!" That magenta sky, the blacked branches and shadowed fields, the shining road... and Christmas lights on the neighbor's house. Oh boy did those twinklers look ridiculous against the Heav...

Behold the Lamb (Christmas) Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” And he said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham said, “ God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them walked on together. Genesis 22:7-8 (New American Standard Bible)  The next day [John] saw Jesus coming to him and said, “ Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!  I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God.”  John 1:29, 34 (New American Standard Bible) In November I started through the Bible, and this section from Genesis has been on my mind this Christmas season. I have been especially struck that GOD provided for Himself a Lamb. It moves me that GOD loves us so very much, that HE provides everything required to satisfy the need for holiness - for acceptance.  HE wasn't just making life easier ...

There is now a short video of me online in preparation for my December 2015 exhibit at  the Gallery in Warsaw, Indiana.  I am so excited to share it! I hope you enjoy it.