I was first introduced to the concept of the bibelot by Professor Michael Strand, Art Department Chair at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. My students and I were privileged to have Professor Strand visit Lutheran High School of Kansas City to give a presentation on the Center for Liturgical Arts and how the bibelot played an important role in sharing faith in Jesus Christ through art.

My students were intrigued by the idea and were given a bibelot to share with someone or keep to themselves as a reminder of their personal relationship with Jesus. I had the opportunity to share a bibelot with my colleagues as it fit perfectly into the message I was charged with delivering during faculty devotion.

Since Professor Strand’s visit and our faculty devotion I met with a director of a local art gallery, Imago Dei, which supports and encourages spirituality in the arts. As I toured the facility I noticed a clear container full of bibelots. Our conversation immediately focused on the bibelots and the concept behind them. It was encouraging to learn that the concept was spreading and with the work of the Holy Spirit making a difference in the lives of people within our community.

The more hands that see and touch a bibelot, the greater the potential for witness in a world that desperately needs to hear the saving message of Jesus’ death and resurrection.