The Power of Art

Each weekly article should be about something that happened within the past seven days that provides meaningful introspection. That might include things that affirm life, relationships, and/or spiritual and soulful reflection.

Of course, Christmas was the ‘big’ thing that happened. I came across something that relates to both this event and the New Year celebration to come. In advance, I apologize for the display of ignorance that will soon be clear. I expect many of you already know all about my ‘discovery’ this past week.

The Carol of the Bells.

I have listened to various renditions of this notable Christmas song and admit that today was the first time I looked up the lyrics. I love the arrangement but never understood the words. For me, the lyrics started and stopped with “ding dong, ding dong.”

I would happily have lived in my ignorance until the day I left this earth if not for clicking the suggested link in a social media post. When the video started, mixed emotions drenched me, and today’s article started its formation.

The follow-up research informed me that I had been listening only to what I thought was a ‘Christmas song’. But the origins instead came from Ukraine and proclaimed a bountiful new year.

“The original Ukrainian folk story related to the song was associated with the coming New Year, which, in pre-Christian Ukraine, was celebrated with the coming of spring in April. The original Ukrainian title translates to "the generous one” or is perhaps derived from the Ukrainian word for bountiful (shchedryj) and tells a tale of a swallow flying into a household to proclaim the bountiful year that the family will have.” Wikipedia

During the video, I heard, “Yes, art is a weapon.”

I was unnerved by that statement until I started thinking about it. I’ve decided that I believe that those 5 simple words are true. When making a list of my reasons, I could see that the thoughts and explanations would become lengthy in quick order.

Let me just bullet point several that came to mind. I will let you dwell on your thoughts about this sentence, saving us both a lot of time here.

• God created the world. If that’s not art what is? When we replicate this work through sculpture, painting, performance, song, architecture, photography, drawing, dance, and so many other forms of art, we must certainly be giving thanks and fulfilling God’s purpose of creation and beauty.
• As we realize our activities of creation, we bring peace to our souls. We are drawn into the emotions of joy and wonder as well as sorrow and sadness. This can easily be the connecting tissue between the heavenly and earthly.
• It’s been noted that our involvement in creating art can lead to a healthier body. This is for the creator as well as those appreciating the creation. Stress relief, lower blood pressure, and a sense of peacefulness are common results.
• The arts bring people together under an all-encompassing awe, the wow, if you will, of a shared experience that rejects everything but common connection and union.

Art is a weapon of love.

Anytime people are brought together, despite the rivalries, misunderstandings, misconceptions, antagonisms, and disagreements, we become more tolerant of each other.

We are more likely to be compassionate as we understand the lives of those outside of our circle.

The scale redistributes its balance as it records more similarities than disparities between us.

We become less concerned about minor inconveniences and more concerned about neighbors and their welfare.

We move away from ‘rightness’ toward ‘righteousness’.

I’m sure you will have a list of your own by now. If you’re convinced that those 5 impactful words are relevant, pick up your weapon of choice. And whichever art form you choose, share it. Always create – always share.

• Take photos of all things beautiful – and share them.
• Mold some clay into the representation of a pet, a favored architectural building, a demonstration of God’s creation, or the love of your life. Find a place of honor - a location available for all to appreciate.
• Dance in the grocery store.
• Sing in the shower. After getting dressed, take the tune outside.

Create something (anything) and share it. You’re combatting evil, illness, hatred, and violence.

Imagine what might happen if everybody did the same. Think about the year ahead and what is possible. That sparrow would indeed be prophetic.

Happy New Year

The Link that started this: Щедрик від CCO (Shchedryk)

What I hear when I think of the Carol of the Bells: St Paul's Cathedral Choir, Andrew Carwood - Carol of The Bells (Official Music Video)

The Original Lyrics: Ukrainian Lessons: Carol of the Bells: History and (Ukrainian) Lyrics with Translation

Today's Lyrics; Classic FM: What are the lyrics to ‘Carol of the Bells’, and what are its origins?