Advent through Epiphany 2003-2004

Ruth Tietjen Councell
"Annunciation"

Oil on canvas, 24"x24", 2003.

Then Mary said, " Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me
according to your word."
Luke 1.38. NRSV

We see Mary at the moment she is visited by the mystical vision in which she is told that she is to be the mother of the Savior. She is illuminated from within by golden light. She sees not an embodied angel but perceives its presence within her, and hears the message with the ear of her heart. She gives herself deeply and wholly to the spirit which has come upon her, and with her hand she both expresses awe and accepts God's will.