By Marianne Wood

What’s a tradition, gesture, or habit that reliably brings joy into your life?

This question, posed on a strip of copy paper, appeared at a nametag-making station at a recent holiday party. I picked it after a quick review of the choices and thought, “How nice, our hosts have given us a starting place for good conversations.” This gift, though unused at the gathering of neighbors and friends, sparks my thinking about the gift of creativity. Creativity reliably brings me joy in many ways.

Earlier, I wrote about curiosity, a gift that I have accepted and developed. The gift of creativity, too, needs fostering. Through exposure to the work of others, the natural world, a lot of trial and error, and inspiration from above, artists tap into a supernatural resource. Creativity often emerges as small as a mustard seed. I believe we all have these possibilities within us.

Through a program at my church, Creatives Connect, I have seen a muralist grow a business from minuscule to mighty, a writer go from obscure to popular, and many who had just a little confidence bloom in their expressions.

And for a number of years, The WELL Church has offered creative people the opportunity to exhibit works of art, writing, musical composition, photography, and textiles. This year, we have a sampling of all, including four poems and two musical compositions. From young to old, all have been welcome to display whatever speaks the message “God With Us,” our Advent preaching topic. You will see the gift of creativity on display in the following photos. On a recent Sunday, exhibitors spoke about their work in the gallery. 

Touring Sunday, Dec. 14

A Selection of Works

Shaped by His Presence and Called to Faithfulness

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you are also being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22 ESV

If you would like to see these works and more, visit the gallery on Sunday mornings until mid-January or reach out to us here: arts@thewellabilene.com.

Marianne Wood enjoys writing, painting, and teaching art