SALVATION
written and illustrated by Marianne Moessner Chen ; illustrated by Emmi Chen ; Iris Chen ; Isaiah Chen ; Martin Chen ; Tracy Chen
A volume offers an epic prose poem and artworks that center on the worship of Jesus.
Marianne Moessner Chen’s prose poem details Jesus’ mission, birth, life, eventual death, and resurrection. This unusual biography is accompanied by artwork that seems to embrace many mediums, including charcoal, oils, colored pencils, and even digital photography. The illustrations emphasize the poem and even complement the content. The art was created by the author and members of her family, a beautiful and heartwarming touch. Much of the art is abstract, depicting concepts like love and pain, while other images are more straightforward, such as a painted portrait of Jesus and an illustration of a temple. The poem features different names for Jesus as it relates the story of his life. (The reference section at the end of the book includes more than 40 names that he has been called in various cultures and religions.) The poem dives into some of the most well-known and iconic moments of Jesus’ life. The first part of the poem covers Jesus’ intentions to come to Earth to save humanity after Adam and Eve sinned as well as the savior’s birth to the Virgin Mary and his baptism. The next part discusses events from Jesus’ life, such as his multiplying loaves and fishes to feed the hungry, raising Lazarus from the dead, and healing the sick. Near the end, the poem turns somber as it portrays Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection and then uplifting as it explores the new church (“Individually humanity / Needs to accept / Isus Hristos, His Sacrifice, / His bodily Resurrection, and / The forgiveness of sin! / He is Savior, Lord, / Healer and Deliverer!”). Overall, the eclectic illustrations and Marianne Moessner Chen’s lucid, inspirational poem make for an absorbing and easy reading experience focusing on Jesus’ odyssey. Celebrating each part of his journey, the work is perfect for adults as well as children who are just learning about these concepts and events. The art only enhances the poem’s sentiments and lessons.
An engaging Christian poem with plenty of striking illustrations.