"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb, through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. They will see his face." (Revelation 22:1-4)
Thanks to all who are joining our Mary Garden Contest journey!
The contest gives us a chance to share beauty and some pleasant sights of summer. We see it as a way to celebrate life and hope at a challenging time as the world struggles to come out of the COVID crisis. We enjoy walking this garden path and we hope you do too!
At the same time, the motif of the “Garden” helps us to contemplate SALVATION HISTORY.
The Garden of Eden of Genesis, chapters 2 and 3, was the paradise the Lord intended to share with us – until we lost it through our pride and rebellion. Still, throughout the Old Testament the Lord does not abandon us and He holds out the hope that His unfaithful spouse will become His faithful Bride, His lovely garden (Hosea and the Song of Songs).
In another Garden, Gethsemane, the work of our redemption, the passion of the Christ, begins. As paradise is lost through the fruit of one tree, on the wood of another tree the Lamb of God sacrificed Himself and opened the door to paradise and eternal life.
Now we await the New Eden: paradise restored and so much more.
It is no accident that the Bible begins in a garden, Eden, and comes to a grand finale as the New Eden “comes down from God” (Revelation. 21: 10). Yet what is finally revealed is much more than a garden: it is the radiant Holy City, Jerusalem. God Himself will abide in it. He will be its light and abundant life will incessantly flow from His throne. We will see His Face.
Many think of the Book of Revelation as full of frightening prophetic scenes of cosmic spiritual warfare and divine justice. Indeed it is! Yet, as pains of childbirth, they fade in the last chapters before the transfiguration of creation, the Heavenly Jerusalem. All God’s promises are fulfilled.
“And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” (Revelation 21:23)
We invite you to see your Mary Garden, your sacred space, humble as it may be, as a quiet witness that tells this story of light to a world that often can seem quite dark!
The true light, which enlightens everyone, has come into the world. (John 1:9)
- The second annual Mary Garden contest is sponsored by the Museum of Family Prayer. Photo entries are due by July 26, 2021. Prizes will be awarded. Helpful information and inspiration will be added to the contest webpage throughout the contest.
