"Christmas is my favorite holiday," says popular graphic artist Aliza McCracken. And in her enchanting books of art and poetry, including Spirit of Joy and Creative Abundance, you can feel the joy of the season. (Check out her work at www.alizamccracken.com.) TC chatted with Aliza about the relationship between her work and faith.

As a Christian artist working in mostly secular settings, what do you hope to achieve with your art?

The arts have amazing potential to cultivate unity. Sometimes joining forces in mainstream settings can be a highly effective witness to non-Christians. By meeting on shared ground, building relationships, and celebrating our similarities, possibilities abound for us to live out the Good News.

You give a portion of the profits from your books to World Vision, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and other charities.

I believe God sends each of us into people's lives to enrich them with a deeper understanding of His love and grace. I have had the privilege of encountering numerous souls—from all walks of life—through the gift of my art. So, it's important to give back.

Who are some artists that inspire you?

Among others, I am inspired by the woman in Proverbs 31 who ministered with a positive attitude, and is rewarded for her creative use of purple and scarlet dye and silk. Another is Bezaleel, who used his artistry with precious stones, metals, and wood to serve God (Exod. 35:30-36:1). Both artists modeled excellence in their crafts. They show that by simply being faithful stewards, we can create a more beautiful world.

You were a Vietnamese orphan adopted by an American family. How has that shaped your perspective on art and life?

Because I was blessed with a caring adoptive family who nurtured my sense of acceptance and belonging, I can freely embrace all of God's children with an open, creative heart. Being adopted has helped me see more clearly that we are all uniquely designed for a brilliant purpose; all of us are expressions of God's creativity.

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