For anyone who has seen my “inner room” (or my only room at seminary!) it is impossible to miss my prayer corner filled with icons. Now, I’m not talking about those tiny things on your computer screen, but those sacred images which have such a rich history in the Christian tradition. In fact, one of the most pressing issues of the Second Council of Nicaea (787) was the preservation of the use of sacred images in Christian prayer. Moreover, no less than the great John Damascene (a doctor of the Church declared by Leo XIII in 1890) dedicated much of his ministry to the defense of icons – you can check out his work for free here.
So, why all this fuss about icons, and even more so about the importance of setting up a little oratory, or prayer space in our homes?
In a word, because all of creation is an icon of God and has been re-created through the Incarnation. If you think about it, there is nothing in creation which does not in some way speak to the wonder and majesty of God. Even the seemingly most insignificant creatures (ladybugs, for example) testify to the creative power and greatness of God. What’s more, though, is the fact that God did not only create our humanity, but in Jesus Christ, actually took on our own humanity. In this way, our humanity not only bears the image of God, but has actually been taken up into God Himself.
In the use of icons and sacred images, there is something much more than decorative beauty or fine artistry taking place. Through the co-creativity of the human and Divine Artist, the mystery of the Incarnation actually re-creates this material world to give glory and honor to God. St. Paul beautifully speaks of this in Romans 8:19-23.
For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.”
In this passage, he shows that all of creation (yes, all of it) eagerly longs for the revelation of the children of God. Who are those children? Those of us, who by baptism, have been adopted by the Father through the Incarnation of the Son. And by the work of the Christian artist co-creating through the work of grace, creation is being given back to the Father in honor and glory.
This is the exact same thing we are called to do in our homes – to allow the reality of the Incarnation to penetrate every fiber of our lives so that all of creation can glorify God.
In the Christian East, there is a long tradition of calling icons “windows to heaven.” I think it is an apt description. For what will be taking place in heaven? All of creation giving glory and honor to God. And with the use of icons, that reality can begin to take place even now.
So, take some time. Find some beautiful icons and set up a home altar or oratory. After all, the whole of creation, including our own homes, is eagerly awaiting for you and I to reveal the reality of Christ’s Incarnation.
Here are a couple places who make beautiful icons for your home: