Acrylic  36” x 48” - Deuteronomy 32:11    

God is seen as a great eagle beating her wings over the nest, urging the young to get out of their warm security and learn to fly. As well, the imagery of the light bursting out of the clouds and punching holes in the darkness is revelatory of God’s present activity in the spiritual realm over our city. As He did in the beginning, brooding over the darkness, once again God says, "Awaken the dawn! Let there be light!" The following words are from a song written to go with this painting.

The Spirit of the Holy
One o’er the city holds vigil,
Stirring up the winds of holiness with the wings of an eagle.
Mounted high in the sky, You see the lies.
With Your wings tucked back and Your talons forth,
You fall on oppression and devour rejection.
You release the captives and prey on the darkness.
Let there be light! Let there be light!

Awaken the dawn! Darkness be gone!
Into shattered emptiness the words come, "Let there be light!"
With Your eyes piercing through the sorrow -- Let there be light!
There’s a glimpse of hope and a new tomorrow -- Let there be light!
And You stir Your children to learn to fly -- Let there be light!

The Spirit of the Holy One o’er the city holds vigil,
Stirring up the winds of holiness with the wings of an eagle.
A shriek ends the rest. You force the children from the nest.
With Your wings tucked back You fall from the sky,
To teach Your little ones; to spread their wings on the wind;
To raise their heads and use their eyes -- to soar like an eagle.
Let there be light! Let there be light!

-       Rik Berry