Original Artwork

Gabriel's Message

Artist: Ron DiCianni

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SYNOPSIS:

Imagine how Zechariah felt as the angel, Gabriel, appeared before him to tell him his wife would have a child. Gabriel had to preface his message with, “Do not be afraid!” That was likely both a magnificent and terrifying moment for Zechariah! Gabriel’s Message brings to life that moment in time and reminds us that sometimes what appears to be terrifying is really a blessing of enormous proportions. Luke 1:11-22

ARTIST NOTE:

My human attempt to portray a heavenly messenger falls short of what Gabriel must have looked like. My imagination tells me that it was spectacular beyond belief, and yet I tried to picture Gabriel so that Zechariah would be able to relate to him. I believe that God isn’t interested in scaring us or confusing us. Rather, His desire is to reveal Himself and His plan to us. It’s possible that Gabriel appeared as a man to Zechariah. Surely any other form would have distracted from the message which was far more important than the messenger.

I used an aggressive posture for Gabriel, trying to imagine that moment when Zechariah, who might have been praying, heard the voice of the angel. Gabriel needed to say, “Do not be afraid.” I might have needed CPR! I am told that terror usually accompanies a visit from an angel. I also felt that it was possible that Gabriel appeared gradually, walking right through the altar to approach Zechariah.

The colors in the background include purple and crimson because I wanted to suggest the draping of the curtain that separated the altar of incense from the Holy of Holies. Zechariah was not allowed back there as that was reserved for the High Priest exclusively.