The Hands That Carved Christ
OCTOBER 19, 2023

But I will see you again and your heart will rejoice.
John 16:22

Recommended Reading: Habakkuk 3:3-6
German sculptor Heinrich Dannecker had a reputation early in his career for sculpting beautiful Greek goddesses. But as he got older, he felt he needed to pour all of his strength, talent, and time into a masterpiece; so he set out to sculpt a representation of Christ. It took three tries before he was satisfied with his carving, and it turned out to be so beautiful that when people laid eyes upon it, they could do nothing but love and adore. Hearing of Dannecker’s expertise, Napoleon desired to commission a carving of Venus for the Louvre, to which Dannecker replied, “Sir, the hands that carved Christ can never again carve a heathen goddess.”

For centuries, artists such as Dannecker have been creating beautiful portrayals of Christ that have both inspired and comforted people. But are we really capable of imagining what the risen Savior will look like? Even the most glorious of sculptures and paintings can only depict His human image; they cannot come close to showing the beauty, majesty, love, and perfection we will see on that glorious day when our Lord and Savior returns.

Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone but in every leaf in springtime.
Martin Luther