The enthusiasm for AI art has gone from “Wow!” to “meh” and maybe that will change as we learn how to use a new tool better. But we’ll never stop saying “Wow!” about the real world God has crafted all around us. This year we asked you to dig into this reality, the beauty most certainly, but also the brokenness – we live in a world broken and groaning, though we can thank our Father for the evidence of His hands that we can see all around. As David declared, “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Ps. 19-1-2), and what’s true of the skies above is also true – when we have eyes to see – when we peer down at the ground beneath our feet. The entrants to our contest this year did a lot of peering both high and low, and we hope you will enjoy the results of their investigating as much as we have.
Below is a selection of not only the winners but also some of our favorite images from the adult category. These are worth lingering over and being reminded that “the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof…” (Psalm 24:1a)
Be sure to check out the youth entries too!
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WINNER
Resurrection Light
My wife and I were driving along a dirt road on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, when we stumbled on the ruins of an old stone church and its accompanying grave. As we tried to discern the names of those buried centuries ago, we were awe-struck by the setting sun’s beautiful backdrop for the gravestones. Amidst death, Christians have hope in our Resurrection Light. Though this local church now lay in ruins, Christ is yet alive, and is building His Church!
– Gerrit VD
RUNNER-UP
God Gives the Growth
Man plants amongst thorns and thistles; in rain or drought on this side of eternity but God still is merciful and gives the wonderous growth.
– Judy S
Complexity and Genius Design!
“We found God’s fingerprints all over the West coast of Vancouver Island this summer! This curious creature came out of hiding to see us. Fascinating as it moved, incredibly complex and yet orderly, clearly intelligent as it came to the surface of the tide pool we were exploring. Strength as well, when I nudged it with a stick, it grabbed it and pulled it right out of my hand! I laugh when I hear people try to argue that there is no intelligent design and it’s all ‘by chance’. This little guy is a perfect example of exquisite creativity that only God could think up, and make so perfectly wonderful!”
– Andrew G
As I watched my children play in our backyard pool at the close of a Summer day, I became captivated by the light catching the water droplets flying off their active bodies. It didn’t even look real, and I was reminded of how quickly my children (and myself!) can dismiss amazing pictures assuming they’re “just AI”. It reminded me to pull out my camera and freeze those water beads, proving that real life moments can be incredible when we take the time to stop and notice!
– Natasha H
Psalm 107: 29, 30 “He stilled the storm to a whisper, and the waves of the sea were hushed. They rejoiced when the waves grew quiet. Then he guided them to the harbour they longed for.”– Emma VB
A Starfish
This photo of a starfish at the aquarium shows the intricate and complex details God made them with. His designs always show that He is a God who loves beauty!
– Juliana VO
Real Meets Artist Version
We try to capture the beauty of God’s creation, but seeing the reality of God’s creativity can only cause us to praise Him.
– Michelle B
The Path of Life
‘Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.’ (Psalm 16:11) We can take comfort that God is omnipresent. However difficult and challenging life may seem — the mountains to climb and the valleys to cross — when we stop and look around, we can be thankful that God is with us and that all things work for good to those that love Him.
– Liz T
Rugged Beauty
This old, delapitated shed is nestled among the beauty of the mountains in Smithers, British Columbia. Although the shed has fallen into disrepair, the landscape is beautified by the wild roses. This scene is a reminder that human creations do not last, however it also speaks to the lasting beauty that God’s creation provides for His creatures to enjoy.
– Keziah Z
Springing Up
My one year old daughter was enthralled seeing crocuses peeping out of the ground this spring. After the long darkness and death of winter, the new life of spring is a loving reminder that God creates beauty out of chaos and makes even our dead hearts beat again for His glory.
– Kaitlyn VD
Dance of the Cosmos
Sitting on the grass next to our flower garden, I was drawn in by this perspective of the cosmos in the wind—dancing, craning, reaching for the heavens. I was reminded that all creation truly does sing His praise, and our Creator was pleased to use these fleeting flowers to point us back to Himself.
– Gerrit VD
A Well of Hope
It was taken by myself a few months ago in the town of Wuanjok, South Sudan. We were in this village to repair the well seen in the photo, the well had not been operating for many years. This little girl with a huge smile, seated next to the newly repaired well was the image of HOPE amid the poverty and brokenness that surrounded us.
– Reuben V