To reprieve a bad day is a wonderful thing, to re-discover true joy is an even better one. Recently, I re-discovered my true joy after a visit to the
Upon arriving, the first noticeable
aspect of the museum was the transport to Asia . The
entrance of the BGC is adorned with Japanese
Christian art carefully crafted by internationally renowned artist Sadao
Watanabe. Watanbe expressed his art through many colorful stencil prints and
even through intricately detailed kimonos (yes, kimonos). Watanabe converted
from Buddhism at the age of 17 and lived to express His love for Jesus through
his own artwork. The exhibit told the Biblical
story in a refreshing new way, from an Asian perspective. The exhibit served as
proof that Christ is not only for Western eyes; but, for all eyes moved to gaze
upon Him and His glory.
Upon leaving the entrance area of
the Billy Graham
Center Assisi hung adorned with his mightily moving
words, “You are wisdom. You are peace. You are beauty. You are eternal life.”
St. Francis, of course, was referring to Christ. The most touching banner
featured a tribute to Martin Luther whose words were hauntingly beautiful.
Luther said, “When you have Him you have all; but you have also lost all when
you lose Him. Stay with Christ, although your eyes do not see Him and your
reason does not grasp Him.” Other banners included in the exhibit were
dedicated to; Oswald Chambers, Jonathan Edwards, Blaise Pascal, John Wycliffe,
Gregory the Great, and even Justin Martyr. It should be noted that a wonderful
bookmark collection featuring these banners in miniature form can be purchased
through the Museum’s Gift Store. These are great to use as actual bookmarks;
but, are suitable for framing as well.
As I walked through the Rotunda of
Witnesses, I was brought to a darkened room where I watched a short film on the
History of Evangelism in the United States .
The film featured many of the names revealed in the Museum’s expansive History
of Evangelism in America exhibit which was exhaustive. The exhibit featured actual items used by some of
Christianity’s most notable names, such as a John Eliot Algonquin Bible circa
1663 (pictured), an actual Cotton Mather sermon, a saddlebag used by 19th
century circuit riders, an original copy of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, a Civil War
Bible used by soldiers, a baseball signed by Ty Cobb (given to Billy Sunday)
and so much more. The exhibit accurately depicted the struggles and sacrifices of America ’s
earliest evangelists. One would be hard-pressed to walk through the exhibit
and not have your fervor for evangelism reignited.
The next portion of the Museum is
entitled the Cross of the Millennium. When walking into the room one is drawn toward a
beautiful crystal crucifix illuminating from the center of the circular shaped room.
The crucifix is designed impeccably by artist Frederick Hart and features a
Star of David etched into the front side of the cross. As you make your way around
the room, you will be moved to see Christ's eyes following your
eyes. No matter where you go, or where you are, He never takes His eyes off of
you. This is true in the Cross of the Millennium section of the Billy
Graham Center Museum
The next section of the museum
features a dedication to the life and ministry of America’s evangelist, Billy
Graham. The exhibit here is astounding and leaves no stone unturned in regards
to Mr. Graham's life and ministry. You will find writings from Mr. Graham dating back as early as his grade school years, a diploma from Florida Bible Institute, an extensive collection of metals and awards
Graham has received, as well as letters from celebrities like Johnny Cash and
Muhammad Ali. The most astounding part of the exhibit is Billy Graham’s
traveling pulpit. I had the opportunity to actually stand behind the pulpit and
gaze down at Billy’s actual sermon notes. This was the same pulpit and these
were the same notes used to share the Gospel with millions of people. Standing
behind Mr. Graham's pulpit is an emotionally humbling experience.
The final part of the Museum is a Walk Through the Gospel, where you will find yourself walking on new ground,
literally, as the room you enter is an exact replica of Skull Hill, the place where
Christ was crucified. You will be hard-pressed not to notice the enormous wall painting done by
artist Jan Styka. The painting, which is at least 30 feet long depicts the crucifixion of our Lord. One can spend an
afternoon or so examining each and every carefully placed artistic detail, all
of which document the day of Christ’s brutal execution on behalf of sinner’s
like me. Turn to your right and you will find a hallway shaped like a cross. You will walk down the cross-shaped hallway and gaze upon a large hanging wooden
cross, which is hypnotic in its splendor. You will then approach another dark hallway (meant to
resemble Christ’s tomb), with the words, “He is not here. He is risen,” written
overhead. Walk just a little further and you will enter a room that literally
looks like the skies of heaven. The room repeatedly plays the Handel chorus of
“Hallelujah!” as you gaze about the blue skies and white clouds both above and
below. This, of course, is a representation of what heaven may actually look like. The
last banner; however, makes the “view of heaven,” seem small in comparison to
what heaven will actually be like. The banner, which is the last you will see
inside of the museum, is a reference to John’s words in Revelation that we can
rest assured that the Risen Christ will personally wipe each and every tear
from our eyes in a place with no more sorrow and no more pain.
The Museum also offers the
opportunity to have uninterrupted moments of reflection with God, inside of a
beautiful chapel. After being so inspired to re-connect and re-kindle with my
greatest joy, Jesus Christ, I took the liberty to fall to my knees, praise God,
and thank Him for the wonderful opportunity of walking with Him and being loved
by Him, both in this life and the next. May I suggest you do the same?
Rekindle your faith and rediscover
your joy. Visit The Billy Graham Center Museum as often as you’d like, as many
times as it takes. The Museum is located inside the Billy
Graham Center 501 College Avenue ,
in Wheaton , IL FREE and donations are welcome.
