TIP of the day: Merry Christmas

1. Search for "Feast of the Nativity" OR Christmas in either:

Search ==> Media

Tools ==> Library ==> Media Browser

Note that the results in the Media Browser correspond to the Media Collections section of the Search. The difference is that one can filter by facets in the Media Browser but not in the search

2. One can, however, limit the Search by media type ... and yes, it appears that art images includes clip art.

3. Or one can click on your shortcut bar icon for the text this week and take advantage of their art index - indexed by subject, scripture reference, lectionary reading ...

4. Pick an image that interests you - some samples

To turn an image into a meditation or scripture study:

• Place the Scripture and the art side-by side.
• What elements of the passage correspond to the details of the painting? What elements are omitted? What does the inclusion/deletion of elements tell us about what the artist considered essential to understanding (or even recognizing) the event?
• What elements of the painting are traditional but not scriptural? Where did these elements come from? Why do they have such appeal that they appear in the painting?
• What elements of the painting reflect the artist enculturating the biblical event - i.e. placing the event in the artist's world? What do these elements say the artist's understanding of the religious significance of the event depicted in the painting?
• What is the resulting overall theological and biblical message of the painting?

5. If visual art is not your thing, the Text This Week also provides a lectionary based index of music: