This painting by African-American artist Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859-1937) depicts a scene often imagined as we begin the Advent season. Tanner was born in Pittsburgh and was the son of an AME minister. Always interested in religious subjects, he travelled to Egypt and Palestine and painted this perspective on Gabriel’s visit to Mary upon his return to France where he spent his later years. With Gabriel shown only as a bright light and Mary as a humble, serene girl, both in a detailed Middle Eastern setting of fabric and stone, Henry Ossawa Tanner brings us to the gravity of this moment and the blinding significance of this young girl’s response to an angel of the Lord. Tanner displayed this work in Paris in 1898 and it was purchased by the Philadelphia Museum of Art the next year. It was his first work to arrive in America and remains in the collection of the Philadelphia museum.

As we wait and prepare now for the birth of the Christ child, may we be with Mary in this scene. May we face our own moments of decision and commitment with her faithful, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”  Luke 1:26-38

Amen.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church