The Arts

Iceland has a rich community which engages in the arts. They have an appreciation for artwork, architecture, and music. There is a community aspect which flows between these as well. Within the churches we have visited, there have been some common themes, but on the whole they are very unique. There have been beautiful stained glass pictures in the churches we have visited. There have also been very different styles of altars and crosses. One of these churches had a very unique piece of artwork behind the altar which was a triangle of stone with glass inside which light would flow through. I will try and get a picture of this up. I also have come to appreciate the architecture used to construct these churches we have been to. I love how they have constructed the churches in a manner where sound is exemplified. We attended a funeral today which had around 500 attendees and the pastor did not have to use a microphone to be heard throughout the church (we were sitting in the back and I had no trouble hearing him). This is a great example of stewardship because sound systems are not necessary if the sanctuary is constructed with proper materials.

There have also been artwork in the houses we have visited. I have not really seen the classic United States wall which family photos are placed upon. I have seen more artwork on the walls, some of which are recognized throughout Iceland by most people, than I have seen pictures. Also, the houses I have visited have had quite a few bookshelves filled with books, which supports the love of learning I have picked up on from Icelanders.

We have been blessed to experience how music is an integral part of the Icelandic culture. While staying at Skálholt we had a wonderful dinner which was followed by fellowship. We, the students, introduced ourselves to the pastors attending the lectures and following this, we were asked to play some music for them. Jeff played a song and then we sang another with him. After this, we were all surprised when one pastor began singing and the rest followed. They sang probably fifteen or twenty songs that evening, with varying harmonies, and it was such a wonderful experience for all of us. We were gathered into a rich heritage which allows for songs to be passed down from generation to generation that most people know by heart. I will never forget that wonderful evening.

Along this same vein, we attended a bonfire this evening celebrating the last day of Christmas. At this bonfire, there was a singer and a piano player on a truck bed with a sound system singing songs. The songs were Christmas songs and some that were geared towards the children (children's songs). Many people were singing along with and were encouraged to do so. I love how the music in this place ties the community together in heritage and celebration.

God, thank you for creation and blessing your people with creativity. I thank you for the rich heritage of the Icelandic people which we have been blessed to experience. Please allow us to use the arts to glorify you. Please allow the people to be safe here on the roads as it is raining and icy out. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to learn about community. Amen.