Scarlet Robe Creations

Another dream.  This one came with urgency, chasing sleep away without mercy.  It wasn't like the previous one.  The one he'd had in Nazareth while he was thinking of quietly seeking a divorce.  That dream answered an agonizing pain in his heart.  It came with the warmth of knowing his love for his betrothed was not in vain.  The spirit of God touched him.  He was entrusted to protect the child in Mary's womb, from a world spinning out of control. Urgency. He jumped up from his slumber.  She would wonder why.  The child might fuss. Just a few days ago, the magi had visited their tiny abode.  Star seekers.  Men of wisdom who spoke of a certain star, and its announcement of a king's birth.  They brought gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh.  They'd made mention of their plan to return to their land by a different route.  They too had received a dream in their slumber.  Herod was evil, but every Israelite knew that....

The Migration of Abraham and his Relatives to Canaan - Jozsef Molnar Too many heartaches, to much violence. Ishmael strikes Isaac on the soil of a foreign land. A celebration of lights brings out the evil of hatred. The sons who claim Abraham as father know nothing but hate. Wipe clean the earth of God's chosen. Where does that leave the despised? Those whose ancestor has been promised descendants. Children who crave each other's blood, one born from the womb of a slave, the other from a womb once barren. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Have you heard the angels sing glory, while shepherds watched their flocks, protecting the sheep from darkness? Have you listened to a donkey bray and an infant cry when you came near an old stable? Have you carried a lost sheep on your shoulders, going to a manger, seeking the child who came for the lost? Have you heard about the one who is coming, the one who will baptize with the spirit and fire? Have you watched the fishermen throw nets into a barren sea and haul in an abundant catch because He made it so? Have you listened to a blind man tell what he hoped to see once washing the mud and spit from his eyes? Have you seen the leper who came back, leaving the other nine, to offer thanks to the one who touched him? Have you sat in a field listening all day, as the poor were told they were blessed and the weak were offered inheritance? Have you witnessed the crowd going to Jairus' house, convinced the child was dead, and not sleeping? Have you heard about His entry through the gat...

The Dream of Saint Joseph - Raphael Mengs God is with us, Emmanuel, a prophecy of divinity. A virgin will be with child, unto us a son will be given. God is with us, dreamt by a son of David. The Holy Spirit has fulfilled the promise, spoken, after the fruit was eaten. God is with us, Emmanuel, a name above names. The serpent's head shall be crushed, sinners will be cleansed, when God is with us. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

The N ativity of Christ - Francesco Francia Come all, willing to travel, willing to step out from your comfort. Come, and walk beside those who will find, those who will stand at a cave's opening, and know a woman has given birth. Come shepherds, in from the fields, carrying your sheep on you shoulders. Come, following the guidance of an angel, the one who sang of glory, and spoke of peace to all. Come wise men, from eastern lands, bringing gifts for a king. Come, following a light in the dark sky, a star beckoning seekers, and announcing royal birth. Come all, those who have waited, and those who've just realized. Come, the child is sent for you, for all those who wish to step from darkness, and into the light of His love. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Nearly one hundred miles, over land unyielding, rocky roads, where one could easily stumble. One hundred miles in sandals, a donkey, a woman with child, nearing her time. How strong is faith when love is challenged, when trust is placed on a dream that God is with us? Nearly one hundred miles from Nazareth to the City of David. A journey ordained by prophets, ancient words on papyrus. One hundred miles with faith, a deep trust in a light, which has broken through darkness, and fulfilled a promise. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

The Angel Appearing to the Shepherds - Govert Flinck Sing tonight, shepherds, as you watch a star dance, causing eyes to look up into the night sky. The promise is fulfilled in humble glory. Sinners rejoice. Forgiveness has come to those who seek. Sing tonight, angels, as you bend to earth, touching the strings of your harps of gold. In the glory of this night, born to the earth is peace, a child whose name will bring solace to those of faith. Come out from your slumber, from the fields of labor, the angels have sung out, announcing a gift to those ready to receive. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Silent night, interrupted by the bleat of the sheep, the heavy breathing of a shepherd, the howl of a wolf in the distance. Holy night, ministered to by men unlearned, the scourge of those whose hypocrisy lifts them above the herd. Silent night, when darkness gives way to light, and those who have never unrolled a sacred scroll, listen. Holy night, illuminated by the word, blest by a promise fulfilled, announced to those who tend sheep. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

The Torah Scribe - Ephraim Moses Lilien He looked up into the night sky from his perch outside the temple.  He was a scribe.  One who studied.  One who knew.  The star to the south seemed to take a dominant place in the night sky.  Perhaps he'd seen this star before, but he thought not. "Jeremiah," he said to the young boy, who had followed him out to the wall, hoping to be of service to his master. "Here I am," Jeremiah replied, standing before the respected scribe. "Look to the south," the scribe pointed, a long thin finger, toward the star, just in case the boy was unsure of direction. "Do you see that star?" "I do." "Do you think there is some meaning tied to its appearance?" Jeremiah was unsure how to answer.  He knew little.  His master knew much. "I seldom look at the stars," Jeremiah offered in response. The scribe smiled.  He was a decent man, and he cared deeply for the young boy who served him. "O...

The Carol of the Bells is playing. Piano notes speak out softly. It seems as if the melody should be offered by a bell choir with a cluster of voices adding a seasonal lyric. But there is just piano. One piano, Two hands with talented fingers, nothing to accompany the musician but faith. The Carol of the Bells is playing. I close my eyes and try to hear every note. I need nothing more than the melody, the gentle combination of ivory and ebony keys, the flow of a pianist lost in his music. One piano, recorded on a disc of vinyl, for a single listener to embrace. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. Matthew 3:11 Saint John the Holy Glorious Prophet, Baptist, Forerunner - Menologion of Basile II There is a voice shouting out a song of repentance. Even vipers will gather in his shade. He sings to you of water, and the need of your spirit to turn back. He humbles himself, reminding some that there is one greater, still to walk this desert, in whose sandals he could never tread. There is a voice filling the wilderness with lyrics. The sheep come to have water poured over, the goats brood in their pompousness, turning farther from God. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

His winnowing fan in hand, he will clear the threshing floor Matthew 3:12 Wheat and the chaff, divided, those who know the infant and the son crucified are gathered to the divine. Those too proud for tears will be given to the flames. His winnowing fan divides what has bore fruit and what has not. Chaff is cast away, meant to stoke the flame, while blessed are those, who know the name of the thresher. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

"Rachel, wait up!" She glanced over her shoulder as she cut down the narrow alley between two low slung buildings.  Caleb, a boy who did odd jobs for her father, was running after her, with the vibrant energy of an eight year old.  She had no interest in picking up her pace.  Her twelve year old arms carried a bundle of some importance.  The last thing she wanted to do, was drop it. "Where are you off to?" He said upon catching up. "I have a chore to perform, Caleb.  And may I ask if your mother knows that you are out in the street at this hour." "Your father asked me to run an errand.  The streets are very crowded." "Exactly," Rachel replied. "He's very busy.  The main streets are full of people.  You need to be careful, Caleb, you could be trampled. "Is that why you've slipped between buildings?  Are you trying to keep from being trampled?" Up ahead the alley opened.  There was a cluster of men, a few women, a h...

Holy Patriarchs - Menologion of Basil II It is often we manipulate to encourage God's hand. The Patriarchs did. Sometimes they bartered, creation to creator. Sometimes they twisted promises to achieve a desired outcome. God's time. Even we who have seen the Patriarchs stumble, and know God's promises are fulfilled, bargain for one more piece of manna, or the gift we are not ready to receive. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Chora Church - Istanbul - Ancestors of Christ A list of ancestors. Matthew's roadmap for the Jews, from Abraham to David, to the time of exile, from Babylon to the promised birth. Luke's guideline for Theophilus, showing the nature of He without sin, from birth back to Adam, that one might know. We read both lists, often without considering the roads taken to bring God's promise to a stable in Bethlehem. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author . https://www.goodreads.com

The Annunciation - Carl Heinrich Bloch Did it begin as a light, where no brightness should have been? The darkness still reigned. The people still walk in shadows. And the light spoke, words some have longed to hear. "How can this be?" The question of a child. God has chosen. The wait has been long. The garden is a memory, distant. The wilderness has never faded. Highly favored daughter, ancestor of David, The line of kings intersects at the birth. Did it begin as a light, in the corner where a shadow dominated? The darkness has no choice but submission to the one promised. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

"You say that you are spiritual." The statement is spoken by a young woman, a college student, with light brown hair, green eyes and petite features.  She is dressed plainly, a blouse and jeans.  She wears a silver cross around her neck. "I don't adhere to any particular faith... or religion." The response comes with a haughty air of confidence.  The second woman is older, by ten, maybe twelve years.  She is tall and thin.  She has a piercing in her eyebrow and a star tattooed on the back of each hand. "It's foolishness, you know," she continues. "I know that there is something more than what we have here... in this life.  I know that I'm a good person.  So, there is no need for me to submit to the rites of religion." "You're open to anything." the college student states, warming her hands on her mug of hot coffee.  Her comment is not a compliment, but a statement of concern. The older woman responds, after taking a sip ...

A placard, above the crown, the helmet, the head bloodied by thorns. The king of His people. Do the symbols mock Him, or those who rejected Him? "He is not our king," say those who felt one man should die before a nation should perish. Those who stand for rituals and hypocrisy, at the risk of salvation. A placard, of beaten flesh, calling some to lower their heads, others to scoff. A public display of life submitting to death, only to live again. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb. Pieter Symonsz Potter - Jacob Urging Leah and Rachel to Flee The unloved. A bride by trickery. The one who ached to be held by a husband who considered her worthy. The pain of Leah was witnessed, as all is seen. Her prayer was heard, as the LORD listens. And she was given children, if not her husband's love. The unloved, the bride of trickery, bears the line of priesthood as the LORD's answer and the lineage of the savior. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

One is planted to glorify creation. There is a tree in its center, full of life. From the dust comes man, and beside him a mate. But serpents speak here, and some fruit tastes of evil. Another is planted to glorify defeat. There is a tomb in it's center, empty for now. From the rough hewn cross of Roman death comes the crushing heel, and the fruit of salvation. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

A lighthearted piece for a Mid-November day She opened her door to him.  The minister from her church.  She showed him a seat, and beckoned her sister's help in preparing something for lunch. She laid out meats and cheese, crackers and fruit.  The rolls were fresh, but as she set them on the table, she took note that her sister, the younger of the two, had wandered into the other room, to sit and listen to the reverend. There was work to be done.  She sliced the rolls in half, cut cubes of cheese and laid them out on the plate, just so.  She huffed a few times, hoping the exasperated sound would seep into the other room and remind her sister of her responsibility. Their mother had always said, "A host must serve.  Every guest must be served." She looked at the food she was preparing, by herself.  While her sister sat and listened to the minister, rather than do the task assigned. She stepped through the doorway dividing the kitchen from the living room...

It's a long journey, setting out for the purpose of being counted. Brought together by an angel, emissary of 'I Am', and the donkey is gentle. How many miles on tired legs? The woman bears new life, kicking in her womb. The man takes on the responsibly, of teaching God about Himself. They know little of the days ahead, call it trust, call it faith. Frustration will tighten its grip when the inns are full and labor pains strike. But the journey is long. Perhaps songs are sung among a caravan. Excitement might be added to each step, by a song of Exodus. Centuries beyond Moses, travelers no longer in chains, Bethlehem looms, not Babylon, and the song speaks not of a desert, but of salvation. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

The altar on a barren hill, a sacrifice, one seen as the world's victory, one brought forth by man's own sin. The altar among the sinners, gazed upon by the curious and afraid. Some have run to shelter after denial takes root. An altar of purification, crossed beams of rough hewn wood. The serpent is crushed by an act of love. The altar on a barren hill, the arms of the lamb spread wide. "Come to me," He says, "and I will give you peace." copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

And he dreamed that there was a ladder set upon the earth, the top of it reaching to heaven; and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. Genesis 28:12 Jacob's Ladder - Wencesles Hollar From heaven to earth, ascending and descending, angels. some coming to the soil of this world, others returning. A place of holiness, where the LORD has stood and promised offspring, as the dust. From heaven to earth, a dream, unquestioned upon rising. The stone beneath his head is of a sacred place, a piece of ground blessed by the LORD. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Only He could have saved us, no one else. To think otherwise is folly, a foolish endeavor. We are not strong enough. We are weak, as He made Himself weak. We are in need, as He has come in fulfillment. The world says, "Be filled with the strength of self, be an individual who needs not a single prayer. Be free of all chains." Choose instead to bind yourself with chains of faith. Choose instead to lean on the beam of rough wood. Choose instead to be saved by He who already has. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said, "Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you." He replied, "Go tell that fox, 'Behold..." Luke 13:31-32 Christ with the Pharisees - Ernst Zimmerman Go to the fox, the king who is false, and say, "He has chased out demons, sent them to the swine, and caused them to fall into the sea. He has healed the sores of those you would not lay a hand for blessing on. He has placed His finger on the ear of he who was deaf, and rubbed mud and spit on the eyes of the blind." How can one doubt who has heard these things. Has he not looked into the eyes of those who speak, telling of good things that have been done, good things by He who was promised, good things by He whose heel will be wounded. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Do you see, a cloud rising, warning of a storm? Do you feel the wind, it's warm southerly air, touching your scalp, telling you that the temperature of the coming day will be warm? How is it that you know these things, but cannot grasp what is to come? How is it that you do not understand the signs of the times, the signs of war, signs of hunger, signs of disease? How is it, you can learn so much about this world around you, and still know so little? copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

A marriage. A man takes the hand of his wife. Male and female. He said this, when they were too busy with their own questions. Why do we sully a gift? Why do we offer vows unholy, and define a covenant, between a woman and a man, by the world's twisted pride. A marriage. A beautiful bond for life. A foundation built on rock. As we have heard, a man and a woman, and the approval of the Lord. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Walk before me, and be blameless Genesis 17:1 Walk in the presence of the one who refers to Himself  as El Shaddai. Face to face, aware of His nearness, aware of His love, aware of the all encompassing holiness. Offer each moment of the journey with a sincere heart, one centered on worship, for this covenant is holy. You will not be perfect, or without sin, for you are the created, and He is creator. Did Adam walk like this, before the fruit was taken, when he was blameless, when he was innocent, when the garden was young, and he dwelled among the eternal? Walk in His presence. Be wholehearted in devotion, for His sandals will tread beside yours, regardless of your stride. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

  Of all the sin, flesh to flesh, brother slays brother. Jealousy crawls beneath the skin, a viper with sharpened teeth.   He who has slain will be driven from sight of all that is. An unbearable penance for an act of malice.   The creation of clay and breath has broken the immortal heart and walked away from the Lord’s presence. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Enmity. Opposition and hostility. Inimicus, the serpent is her adversary. Thus is the divide between she and the snake, her offspring and his. Slither on your belly as He crushes your head, and takes from you your grasp on the soul. He steals from your sight the deceived, by the piercing of His heel. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

They long to come in from the darkness, those who knock on the door, those he does not know, those who were not prepared. They waited with those who kept their lamps lit, the ones who kept their hearts focused, the ones who warned them, the ones who were prepared. They were elsewhere in body and spirit when the father sent the son. They sought pleasure in the here and now, rather than in eternity. We long to come in from the darkness, now, before the time is late, now, before we have neglected the oil, now, before we are left knocking. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Spoken into being, the utterance of a word. Light becomes light, and darkness has no hold. Day and night, the first word. Separated, water from water, a dome, the sky. Pleased in the evening, the second word. Gathered waters, make place for rock and soil. A whispered breath bears fruit. The sower of creation, the third word. Then there were lights, greater and lesser, to light the day, mark seasons, days and years, the fourth word. Life filled the seas. Birds took to the sky. Every creature, large and small, filling creation with life, the fifth word. Every beast of the land, wild and domestic, to cover creation. Then the image of the creator, given breath, the sixth word. Universe created, a finished task, a time to set down tools, to focus on worship, and to rest, the seventh word. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Jerusalem - James Tissot How beautiful, the temple. Built to honor Yahweh, by a people, any people, all who would lower their heads in prayer one moment, and cheat their brother the next. How frightening, not a single stone laid to rest on another. Signs of destruction on every horizon. A people led off as slaves without a home, without a building of stone to offer homage. How beautiful, a faith needing no structure, a faith needing only a word, printed on the heart. How beautiful, a faith without boundaries, where the heathen are welcomed, and the pious are unmasked. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

  The Charge to Peter - James Tissot The rock. Jesus has built His church on the faith of one who will deny. The foundation is a fisherman, a man once ruled by the sea, a man of strength, a man of humility, a man who will sob when the rooster crows with the sunrise. A stronghold. A man whose words  are often rewarded and chastised. A man who will draw a sword to defend, and cower in an upper room. A man who will feed the sheep despite his humanness. A man who the Spirit will fill with conviction. A man who will be the reflection of the Lord's church. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

"Each morning, you are given a choice," the reverend says after moving to the side of the pulpit. He wears black slacks and a dark gray shirt.  His collar is open and his reading glasses rest on the bridge of his nose.  His brown hair has the tendency to always look uncombed, whether it be Sunday morning at the pulpit, or Friday night at the local high school's basketball game. Once he stood behind the ornate piece of wood as if it protected him from some worldly judgement.  In those days he wasn't as confident in his ability to pastor a flock.  Now he often seeks a position of deeper intimacy with those who step through the doors of their Father's Home. "Every morning," he continues. "You and I we have a choice.  Now you know I'm not talking about breakfast.  About whether to have coffee or tea, cereal or eggs.  That is a choice that nourishes your body.  I'm speaking about... you guessed it... your soul.  We have doctors out there to addre...