Daily Devotion - The Light of the World

The Light of the World, William Holman Hunt, 1904 (St Paul's Cathedral)

A Daily Devotion written for St Stephen's Rochester Row. 

The founders of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood were inspired by the paintings of the fifteenth century that displayed minute attention to detail and were drenched in symbolism and story. The story of the most iconic painting to emerge from the movement is a fascinating account of how Victorian entrepreneurialism and the age of Empire created what became the most travelled artwork in history and one of the most recognised Christian images in the world. 

The Light of the World, or at least the third and largest version of the painting by William Holman Hunt, is normally on display in the Middlesex Chapel at St Paul’s Cathedral but has been temporarily removed while work takes place to create a National Covid Memorial. 

The painting shows Christ standing in a moonlit garden, raising his hand to knock at a door covered in brambles and ivy which, with no handle on the outside can only be opened from within. Christ carries a lantern - the light of conscience with another light behind his head - the light of salvation - illuminating the scene. Inscribed into the golden frame that was specially designed for the painting are the words of Revelation 3.20; ‘Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice and open the door I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me.’

The door in the painting represents the human soul. 

Lord Jesus, Light of the World,

help us to hear your voice today.

Shine your light wherever there is darkness in our lives.

Grant us the courage to open the door of our heart to you.

Amen.

Find out more about the The Light of the World in an online talk organised by St Paul’s Cathedral at 7pm on Thursday 4th November. Register for a free ticket at this link

Image : The Light of the World, William Holman Hunt, 1904 (St Paul's Cathedral)