Easter is on the way!

I can’t think of a better way to get ready to celebrate than by remembering what Jesus did, and how that changed who we are—always and forever.

He took all of our yuck and sin, and replaced it with His beauty. He freed us from all our strongholds— He traded places with us.

And all this after becoming us—becoming human!

He went through all the torture, pain and suffering because He wanted to be able to be with us.

He wants a relationship with us!

We are the joy set before him—being able to be with us is the prize that he clung too while enduring all of the unimaginable suffering.

Imagine that kind of Love! Literally laying down His life so He could give a life to us:

A life of abundant freedom, joy unimaginable.

A life lived with Him, for Him and because of Him.

Years ago I wrote a poem about this, and the transformation and freedom He gave us when he died on the cross. I always wanted to put that poem to art, but could figure out how to capture it all in one painting.

Then I got into collage, and realized I could literally put the whole thing in my painting!

And that is what this Bride of Christ painting is all about. The culmination of all He made us to be, so we will be ready as His bride.

Here are the words to the poem:

(FYI-the words are clear on the print!)

Garments

Copyright by Merri Lewis 2010

It’s time for a change of apparel, it seems

These garments no longer fit

The dark sweats of shame do not compare

to the beautiful garments of praise

My Savior has wrapped me in new clothes today

They are beautiful, made for royalty

It is hard to imagine  how He intended

These gem-laden garments for me

The crown of beauty is on my head

The oil of joy flowing down

As God claimed me as one of his own

The spirit of despair was cast down.

He’s turned my tragedy to treasure

He took my filthy ash-covered self

Wiped off my face and my head and my heart

He replaced it with heavenly wealth

So now I accept his healing touch

The reflections too much to bear

Unworthy, I am but made worthy by Him

It’s time to exit this lair

I would love to hear from you! Please comment below, or by email (merri@artsandblessings.com) or for quicker interaction with me as well as with other readers, post your comment on my facebook page! I can’t wait to hear from you!

He’s unbinding the bondage while binding my heart

breaking the links of the chain

With gentle love and skilled hands

He is healing my pain

From trembling to bravery

from fear to boldness

I step out anew on this day

I trust Him with what He has done

And I’m hearing the words that He says

“All beautiful you are, my darling

there is no flaw in you”

Your words pierce through my heart

“Show me your face, let me hear your voice”

I look in the mirror- I fear falling apart

“For your voice is sweet and your face is lovely”

I believe what you say, I am ready to start

Adopting the way that you think

transforming my mind, renewing my life

no longer will I hide or flee

All yours, I am

Now courageous and strong

Conquering strongholds within

Free to be who you fully intended

when you carefully crafted me