American artist and theologian draws inspiration from her Polish heritage and Thirteenth Assembly theme
(LWI) - The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) 2023 Christmas card artwork seeks to capture “that feeling of unity and collective witness” in the “One Body, One Spirit, and One Hope” theme that reverberated throughout the year, particularly at the Thirteenth Assembly in Kraków, Poland, last September.
Ms Kristen Opalinski, the artist and theologian who designed the card, is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). “This year, we were reminded of what it means to be a communion of churches in so many ways,” she says. Gathered in Kraków and across the globe, “we saw and bore witness to the pain and suffering in our world, but also to the love and light of Christ shining among us,” she adds.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it
– (John 1:5)
Opaliniski, who also created the logo and branding for the LWF Assembly, says the card’s design is inspired by her Polish heritage and the traditional folk art, wycinanki. She combines the assembly logo visual elements and other shapes and flowers to form a Christmas tree, topped with a shining star, as a reminder of this year’s message: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it” (John 1:5).
The images representing the assembly theme are reimagined within the light and hope of the Christmas season — a message that is deeply needed now,” Opaliniski concludes.
Every year, the LWF invites member churches to contribute a design for the Christmas card.
