They start trickling in during September and by the deadline date the file is very thick. Then the fun begins — lots of oohing and ahing, endless exclamations of, “how cute” and “check this one out.”
And then the work begins: only one can be on the cover. This year we had many very strong candidates and we debated, discussed, advocated for them all.
It is not easy to choose, and if we didn't have a deadline, perhaps we never would. We look for skill, of course, but that varies at different age levels. So, we look for imagination; but that too is partially a function of age. We also look for understanding: how the gospels are interpreted and revealed through the drawings.
Our cover this year — by Bethany Morton, age 12, Glencoe, Ont. — is a simple, strong image of a classic manger scene. But this one looks as though it could happen next door. The Wise Men are now replaced by ordinary folks who have left behind a roast in the oven, that phone call to a far-away friend, a train set or Barbie dolls to be part of something they just know is far more special.
Jennifer Reid's — Knox, Dunnville, Ont. — stained glass window, which is found on the cover of our pull-out Advent calendar is a masterwork. Once again it is a mixture of the classical and the modern with a strong theological centre. Look at it with great care; all the important elements are there within the cubist presentation.
A different lesson is learned by the drawing found on the top of page 24. While his autism holds Matthew Wegman back in some areas, his skills as an artist are gifts he can openly share; and he does so by drawing the Christmas program cover at St. Paul's, Carluke.
Bottom right on page 21 is an anniversary celebration: 40 leaves are used in the wreath to mark each of St. Paul's, Brampton's years.
The painstakingly detailed mosaic on page 34 is by Heather Bunting of London, Ont., who has been expanding her horizons as a Christian artist while being a mom.
The neo-Victorian image on page 20 is by Morgan Acker, age 15, of Harvey, N.B.
Any one of these artists could be a professional, and their submissions help brighten otherwise dreary October days at the office. Your entries give us a glimpse of how young Christians make sense of this thing called Christmas.
So many stories, so much talent, shared openly. The staff at the Record is humbled by the response.
Click images to enlarge.
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