“Man by the Fall fell at the same time from his state of innocence and from his dominion over nature. Both of these losses, however, can even in this life be in some part repaired; the former by religion and faith, the latter by the arts and sciences.”— Francis Bacon

When Mary Magdalene anointed the feet of Jesus with expensive perfume, many of the onlookers were indignant. After all, her act of adoration was unnecessary, a costly use of resources that might have gone to nobler purposes. But Jesus rebuked this indignation and welcomed his disciple's flourish. In much the same way, artists throughout history are often seen as superfluous, their work an unnecessary luxury. Accordingly, they are often unappreciated. Yet this dismissive attitude cannot undermine the value of artists' work. Jesus himself is pleased with every creative endeavor that celebrates the beauty of his world. Since ultimately, it all celebrates of his Father.

CALL TO WORSHIP 

To all who are caught the world’s narrative of sin and death, turn your eyes heavenward.
We turn to God our Father, for our aching hearts need a new story.

Your loving Father calls you into his story of love and redemption.
We turn to God our Father, for his word is life to us.

The word of God is rich and true, may it stir in us a new song.
Father, grant us eyes to see the Kingdom of heaven and hearts to treasure it.

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Lord, we have valued accomplishment and efficiency, certain that our strategic efforts will amount to something.
Forgive us for trusting ourselves as gods.

Lord, we have judged for ourselves what is worth our time and what is worthless.
Forgive us for trusting our own judgments instead of yours.

We have been preoccupied feeding our egos and our comfort. The kingdoms we pour our time and resources into are already crumbling.
Forgive us for rejecting your kingdom, and toiling after fleshly rewards.

We come humbly before you, our maker and redeemer.
We acknowledge that your ways often seem strange to us.

We confess that we are blind to so many aspects of your kingdom.
Jesus, open the eyes of our hearts.

King Jesus, you are attuned to every need, yet still you delight in extravagant beauty.
Jesus, may your splendor captivate our hearts.

Lord, you even invite us into your kingdom, bidding us taste, see, enjoy!
May your loving acceptance eternally satisfy our souls.