Recently, I went to see a movie called “Empire of Light.” The main character, played by Academy Award winner Olivia Colman struggles with mental illness. She works at a cinema in the early 1980’s, which was a tumultuous time in England. Strikes and violence often filled the streets and racial tensions fractured the relationships between its citizens.

There was so much light from the other characters in this film. All of the employees of the cinema showed great compassion, support, and love for Colman’s character, when each of them are faced with their own challenges. And the movie reminded me of a favorite passage in the Bible.

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.
Isaiah 9:2

Where in your life could you be that light for others?

For the past few years, my Christmas cards come from a local Newport, Rhode Island watercolor artist and graphic designer, Eileen Pollina. Most years, I use one of her lighthouse cards and I have also used the Newport Pell Bridge with Santa flying over with his sleigh. Her cards, ornaments, stickers, pillows, tea towels, candles, etc… bring me so much joy. Her use of colors, whimsy, with a whole lot of love go into every one of her creations.

I used the following message in my card this year:

Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance–a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved.
May love fill your heart and home this holiday season and in the coming year!

You can find all of the wonderfully joyous art from Eileen at her online shop https://www.eileengraphics.com/home. Or if you visit Newport, she has a lovely shop on Thames Street.

Art can bring light into our world, just like the friends in “Empire of Light.”

Marcie Doll