We often take ourselves too seriously, especially when it comes to the pursuit of holiness. Too often do I come across misconceptions about the many limitations and boxes people confine their notions of what saintliness can or should look like. I often think it’s because of the misunderstanding of what it means to seek God. When the Church is positioned as the one that says no to do whatever you want, people see it as a joy killer instead of a loving mother knowing what will hurt us.
Sin can lead only to temporary, fading happiness, if even, and always leaves you needing more than it could ever give. The season of Advent is not necessarily a penitential season like Lent, but penance and repentance is one of the best ways to prepare for the coming of our Lord. In some of the busiest days of the year, we go through different stages of acceptance and preparation for the coming of Christ and the season of Christmas.
As an artist, I have great appreciation for many of the extremely talented painters of the Renaissance, but there are many times that I just find the expressions on certain faces to be hilarious. In the spirit of not taking ourselves too seriously, here’s a journey through the 12 different struggles we face in the season of Advent as told by captions for Renaissance art.
12 Struggles in Advent as Told by Captions on Renaissance Art
1. Advent? Last I knew we were celebrating Easter?
Lorenzo Lotto – Portrait of a Man Before a White Curtain
2. Maybe I didn’t get into it last year, but I got this. Making a list and checking it twice.
Antonello – Portrait of a Man
3. Christmas season? Girl please, it’s Advent. Christmas starts December 25th.
Sofonisba Anguissola – Portrait of Asdrubale Anguissola
4. There’s so much to do, but I can’t remember what I’m supposed to be doing right now.
SofonisbAnguissola – Portrait of a Monk
5. I cannot believe I waited this long to go to confession. I can’t even handle this list.
Angelo Bronzino – Portrait of a Girl with a Book
6. I love you baby Jesus. Thank you, thank you for your mercy.
Mary Magdalene Crying Statue
7. I just need a few things, why does everybody gotta be taking all the parking spaces?
Anonymous Flemish Artist – Man Pulling Face detail
8. This world is crazy. Jesus, would you come already? Maranatha!
Pieter Coecke Van Aelst – St Jerome
9. All this preparation requires more celebration.
Jan Van Bijlert – Young Man Drinking a Glass of Wine
10. Yes, yes I do need to go to confession again before Christmas.
Sofonisba Anguissola – Portrait of a Solider
11. I had such hopes and dreams for this Advent, but now I’m just tired.
Moretto – Portrait of a Young Man
12. How did Christmas come so fast?
Face Detail
Week One
Advent Challenge
Advent is a busy time, but it’s important to live in it instead of the coming future of Christmas. Take time to enjoy it and experience the joy of Christ.
May your Advent season be blessed and fruitful.
