The Empty Tomb
A visual symbol that can be placed on the cover of service bulletins, within the written liturgy, or on a large screen display.
Black and white .jpeg image for download.
Description of The Empty Tomb
Representational of the resurrection is the empty tomb. The actual rising of Christ is not described in the gospels and for many years was not depicted in art. In the darkness of this print we are reminded of Christ's death. Yet the strength of the light—the renewal of life—is most powerful. The tomb becomes the place in which we are reminded that death meets life, that the Son is reunited with the Father. And, with the mourning women who are the first witnesses to the empty tomb, we realize Jesus Christ is not here, yet present with us at the dawning of a new day.
Scripture References
- Luke 24:5b
- Job 19:25
- Romans 6:9-11
Occasions for Use
- Easter
The image is an original linoleum block print resulting from a printmaking process in which an image is drawn on a block of wood covered with a thin layer of linoleum, and then hand-carved to expose areas that will be white. Ink is rolled onto the block, covering the surface not cut away. Paper made from the mulberry tree is laid on top and hand rubbed with a Japanese barren or wooden spoon. In transferring the ink to the paper the resulting image is a reflection of the design placed on the block. It first appeared in the book Visuals for Worship (Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2006) which is no longer in print.
When using the image please include the following acknowledgment: “Linoleum block print by Elizabeth Steele Halstead."