Scarlet Robe Creations

Dream of Saint Joseph - Gerard Seghers "God with us." The words of an angel in a dream. The impact of truth. The burden cast onto your shoulders by the world's hypocrisy melts with the shadows of doubt. "Do not be afraid." A son will be brought forth, a promise of the prophets. A sapling that will grow into a mighty tree. The righteous branch that will save His people. Behold, and the words of Isaiah manifest themselves in the vision. The angel has come and spoken that the man might accept, what the world will not. copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

The Adoration of the Shepherds - Bartolome Esteban Murillo Bethlehem Ephrathah, insignificant, you have a voice among the prophets, yet you were silent. When there was cause to embrace, you stood in the shadows, ignoring new birth, divine flesh. When the shepherds sang praises, you saw the filth on their flesh, considered them drunken, not worthy of your ears. Bethlehem Ephrathah, small among the clans, you have been witness to a prophecy you chose not to hear. Were there wise men among you who sought a king you waited for? Did they lead you to poverty rather than wealth. Do you slumber now, City of David? Do you know tomorrow's world will be changed by love, not war? Bethlehem Ephrathah, pathway of cultures to come, a child has touched your soul despite your complacency. copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Stained Glass - 15th Century Germany A name, Holy, spoken by Mary, a young woman, the mother, the one chosen, pure in heart, when greeted. Hail, speaks the cousin as the child in her womb dances. Grace fills this moment, like few to pass. The mother of my savior has come. Proclamation of the soul, the promise of generations. Spirits exult in prophecies fulfilled, for God has come to save His people. copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Adoration of the Christ Child - Gerard Honthorst A promised beacon willing to guide me home. Flesh coming into the world to absorb every stain of my sin.   The Word of the Father spoken through the sonnets of prophets. Songs of Kings and angels weaving the fabric of a covenant.   Come into our world, for we are no longer shepherds. We are bound to luxury and not the land. We do not see the signs of Your time.   Come as a child, when our hearts are coldest. My soul longs and my heart aches. Come as my savior pour out upon me Your cleansing blood. copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

"Is it perfect?" Marcy said as they stopped along the short path. It was quiet on the edge of the woods, walking through the tree farm.  She loved the sound of snow crunching under her feet.  The three inches that had fallen three days ago was crusty underfoot.  The sun was trying its best to melt winter's dressing.  Marcy could feel the glowing warmth on her face, despite the cold temperatures. "Better than perfect," Robert replied. This would be their first Christmas as husband and wife.  They had come out to tag the tree.  It would later be cut down and Robert would pick it up with his Ford F-150 next weekend. "Will the star fit on top?  It is my Grandmother's star.  It has to fit on the top." "It will," Robert assured her. She wrapped her arm around the crook of his elbow. "If I listen," she said. "I can almost hear the sap running through the bark." "You're thinking of Maple Trees." "Nope.  I am...

The Annunciation - Bartolome Esteban Murillo There was a light, dancing where no light had been. A voice signing a sonnet known only to those with the purest hearts.   He calls and the one who listens is most blessed. She takes each word, holding it dear, question out of innocence, not doubt.   Child, chosen by the light of your heart. The spirit embraces you, and generation upon generation will look to your humility as they seek their own. copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

View of Bethlehem at Night - Josef Langl Bethlehem waits. Gabriel speaks. Zechariah questions. Mary says, "I am the Lord's servant." A visitation. A child dances in the womb. Elizabeth speaks a blessing. Mary sings of humility. His name is John. Zechariah's response. The voice in the wilderness. Born of the barren. Bethlehem waits. The day of longing. The cousin of John. Savior of the poor. copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

  Come Lord, as the infant you were in Bethlehem, as the teacher you were in Galilee. Speak to the veils before my heart, to the dirt on my soul.   Come Lord, as the friend at table, in Bethany or the Upper Room. Speak to my hatred and fears that I might understand Your love.   Come Lord, risen after long days of darkness. Step out from the tomb of my sin. Speak to me with the voice of my shepherd.   Come Lord, into a world sleeping, a world unprepared, a world unbelieving.   Come Lord, to the meek, to the impoverished, to the lonely.   Come Lord, into a feeding troth, with filthy rags and straw. Come into my heart, at times as cold and desolate as the manger and claim me as Yours. copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author