Introducing "seasonal scribbles" - a serious of sketches using pen and watercolour, bringing together wildlife art and the Christmas message.
For Christians, creation points to God's power, providence, grace and goodness. In its own unique way, Winter showcases God's intricately designed world, from its seasonal rhythms to the sheer beauty of resilient animals that we spot during these cold, bleak months.
It's always exciting to see the birds that migrate to the UK for the Winter season. While their Summer breeding grounds are covered in snow and ice, Brent Geese fly thousands of miles from Siberia and Greenland to escape the harsh winters. Flying at night to avoid predators, the journey is undoubtedly arduous, but they do it because they know ahead of them lies a land with food and a warmer climate. Likewise, the Christian life is often described as a journey, where God leads, provides and through Jesus, offers hope for the future:
"Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long" Psalm 25:4-5.
Meanwhile, Stonechats are a frequent sight on Heathlands in the South, often heard making their distinctive call which sounds like two stones knocking together.
"Sing to the Lord, all the earth" Psalm 96:1
Many mammals including Badgers and Foxes become less active, foraging on food available when needed. Harvest mice build nests in grass where they shelter and store food for the Winter. God provides for even the smallest of creatures during the harshest of months.
"The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing" Psalm 145:15-16.
Just as C.S.Lewis depicted in his book "the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe," Jesus (represented by Aslan the lion) overcomes death (represented by the Winter and the witch). Christmas is a reminder and celebration of the promise, hope and victory brought by baby Jesus who came to die in our place and rise triumphantly.
"The people living in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.” Matthew 4:16
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