SAVIOR
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." ~ Luke 2.10
Savior.
It’s a name that calls aloud who Jesus Christ is to us, and who we are to him. The name Savior is relational–it connects one who needs saving, and one who saves: one who is drowning, in great peril, facing grave danger or imminent death….and one who rescues, protects, delivers to safety, and revives.
What images come to mind when you think of our Savior? Perhaps you visualize Jesus as an infant, picture him ministering to the poor and oppressed, think somberly of his crucifixion, worship him in awe as you remember his triumph over the grave and anticipate his coming again. The New Testament writers name Jesus as Savior in connection with these very moments (Luke 1.46-47; Luke 2.11; John 4:42; Acts 5:30-31; Philippians 3:20-21).
We tend to speak of our Savior in personal terms, telling of Jesus’ amazing grace that “saved a wretch like me.” Let us not forget, though, that the greatness of our Savior extends far beyond what he has done for any one of us. As the passages above remind us, Jesus is Savior of the entire world. He is the Savior who brings repentance, forgives sins, and rules from heaven where he holds everything in his control. He is more than our personal Savior. He is the hope of all the ends of the earth(Psalm 65:5).
When our Savior returns to make all things new (Revelation 21:5), the whole creation will resound with praise: “Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!”
Prayer
Jesus, You are Savior and Rescuer of all who are lost and without hope. Thank You for coming to my rescue. Thank You for being the Savior of the world. Amen.
Salvator Mundi ("Savior of the World") (1499-1510)
by Leonardo da Vinci
(oil on walnut panel) (Mohammad bin Salman collection)
Salvator Mundi (Latin for “Savior of the World”) is attributed to the master of the Italian High Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci.
The painting depicts Jesus Christ in an anachronistic blue Renaissance dress, making the sign of the cross with his right hand, while holding a transparent, non-refracting crystal orb in his left, signaling his role as Salvator Mundi and representing the ‘celestial sphere’ of the heavens.
It is not a bright painting and appears more muted in its color scheme. We see soft hues of blues, browns, and fleshy tones. The pigments were also reportedly applied in painted layers to achieve different shading and lighting effects, for example, the flesh tones were reportedly started with “brighter” colors, which were then layered, similarly, the drapery was started with darker shades.
We also notice delicate shading on His face which gives the composition a natural yet striking appearance.
The curled locks of His hair appear soft framing his face. We also see contrasting textures on the patterned trims on the edges of His blue robe as well as the softer folds of His robe.
Nota bene: This painting was auctioned in 2021 for a record $450 million dollars.
(adapted from online article Art in Context t.ly/LCLYZ)
Salvator Mundi ("Savior of the World") (1499-1510) by Leonardo da Vinci (oil on walnut panel) (Mohammad bin Salman collection)
Salvator Mundi (Latin for “Savior of the World”) is attributed to the master of the Italian High Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci.
The painting depicts Jesus Christ in an anachronistic blue Renaissance dress, making the sign of the cross with his right hand, while holding a transparent, non-refracting crystal orb in his left, signaling his role as Salvator Mundi and representing the ‘celestial sphere’ of the heavens.
It is not a bright painting and appears more muted in its color scheme. We see soft hues of blues, browns, and fleshy tones. The pigments were also reportedly applied in painted layers to achieve different shading and lighting effects, for example, the flesh tones were reportedly started with “brighter” colors, which were then layered, similarly, the drapery was started with darker shades.
We also notice delicate shading on His face which gives the composition a natural yet striking appearance.
The curled locks of His hair appear soft framing his face. We also see contrasting textures on the patterned trims on the edges of His blue robe as well as the softer folds of His robe.
Nota bene: This painting was auctioned in 2021 for a record $450 million dollars.
(adapted from online article Art in Context t.ly/LCLYZ)
Playlist Daily Highlight
Take the time to listen . . . really listen to the words of this song. Reflect on them. Let God’s spirit speak to you in this moment.
