Christianity, Devotionals, The Writing Life

Creativity and the Incarnation

Jane Duquette

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I feel happy and fulfilled when I do anything creative. I can feel depressed and useless when I ignore an urge to create. I believe, since we are made in the image of the great Creator, there is something in our Spiritual DNA that desires to create — a story, a painting, a song, a flowerbed, a delicious dinner. God works in us “both to will and do of His good pleasure.”

When I’m writing my novel, St. Anne’s Island, I feel fully myself. I know that nobody else can create the story I am writing. My unique fingerprint is on the work. It may be imperfect, but God will grow me through my obedience to His promptings. Sometimes words flow without effort. Upon re-reading a passage, I have thought, “Where did that come from?” When God’s in control, I write better than I know how to write.

I think all true creativity is incarnational, requiring only a willing vessel  for God to use. The Father called the virgin Mary to  be willing to create His only begotten Son. She agreed to  the angel’s news with the words, “Behold the handmaid of the LORD: be it unto me according to thy word.”

The LORD is the Prime Creator, the only One who creates something out of nothing. When we humans create, we must use materials that God has already made.

  • God created color and the mathematics of perspective and line before the first person painted a picture.
  • God created music before the first human was led to build an instrument to demonstrate the melodies God put in his heart.
  • God created words at the very beginning. He is the Master storyteller.
  • God wants his children to allow Him to create beauty through them. True art.

The most beautiful art that survives to this day seems to have been created by Christ-followers. I believe God painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel through the agency of Michelangelo.

I believe God used the pen of this artist to remind us of His love for us sheep.

Shepherd & Lamb

Who doubts that God used Handel to write the Hallelujah Chorus?

When you were a child, did you ever want to paint, write songs, or books? God creates those desires in us because He wills us to birth something that honors Him. Why do we let those impulses wither on the vine? Fear of failure? Fear of success? Fear of man? Fear? Remember, “God hath not given us the spirit of fear.”

So, I encourage you to rebuke the whisperer of doubt and fear. Pray and begin. Take the first step of faith. Then another. As you take the first step, God will move. He will honor your faith step and empower you to do what He gives you the desire to do. Every creative person you have ever heard of — Beethoven, Rembrandt, C.S. Lewis–started out as a beginner, taking those first wobbly steps by faith.

God delights to take ordinary people of low estate and create through them. It is because we are ordinary that He receives glory. Take courage from the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary about the incarnation of Jesus. “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

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Published by Jane Duquette

I am a born-again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, who taught foreign languages for 25 years in Christian schools. Twelve years ago I "retired" and returned to writing and illustrating. My husband Tom, our dog Jack and I spend summers in Alaska, fishing, writing, painting, gardening, and watching wildlife. We spend winters in Florida, biking, gardening, writing, and painting.

14 thoughts on “Creativity and the Incarnation”

  3. Really good post. I too, can relate to what you are saying about writing. If God is leading me, my writing is so much better than trying to dig something out from inside of me. I love it when it flows from Him! So hope you are doing well! Best Wishes! ❤❤❤❤

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      1. Hi, Valerie.

        Sorry to be so late in seeing this.

        I have had a hard time setting up my Website to market my book. Yes, it was released in March! It’s on Amazon. The title is St. Anne’s Island. I have received wonderful reviews which is encouraging. Since it’s my first published book, I have been trying to learn how to marketing it world-wide. That’s hard.

        So far, I have only had mostly local friends leave reviews with Amazon. I do hope you will read it and let me know how you like it.

        Blessings!

        Jane.

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      3. Hi Jane, I’ve been thinking a lot about how you can market your book. You can contact Christian bloggers (Jeyran Main, Seven Sisters, who do book reviews and have them review them on their site. You can do interviews with your local Christian radio station. You can go on Pubby and review other people’s books and they review yours. You can go to your local library and see if you can do a book signing. You can usually sell your book to others and sign your book out in the lobby. You can speak to
        Christian women’s groups and take your book to sell. You can do a Press Release through various companies. I used a place called Fiverr and they have all kinds of advertising tools you can use. I just wanted
        to share a few thoughts.

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