12 Day Advent in Art: #7 Light

"Light in the Wilderness" (Red Willows, Oakley), 22 x 30

In him was life;
and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness;
and the darkness comprehended it not.
--John 1:4-5

It was during one of the darkest times in my life that this scene spoke to me, and offered hope. I love the way the light travels over the distant mountains, just grazing the treetops, and is reflected in the river below. Next to the darkness, the willow branches grow a deep red, a symbol of the Savior—both his sacrifice, and the robe he'll wear when he returns.