I was recently asked to paint a 'Robin on a branch' for a dear lady's 85th birthday. Robins are very special to this lady, and indeed, I seem to have met many a person for whom robins have a very special meaning. There is a little one that comes to visit me everyday, and his brave audacity and beautiful song are captivating!
An ancient folk tale tells of how the robin got his red breast...how he saw the suffering of Jesus on the cross and drew near to remove a thorn from Jesus' head. In doing so, some blood stained his breast. Of course, that is just a folk tale, we all know the redness is more to do with territorial defence and attracting a mate. However, if, seeing a robin makes us remember that tale, and in doing so, remember the price Jesus paid to save us, maybe we too will draw near with a song of praise!
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