About Olive Tree Meditations

Olive Tree Meditations is the self-publishing imprint of Helen White, for her books, prints and greetings cards which are inspired by her Christian faith.

Why ‘Olive Tree Meditations’? 

The meditations are based on the Word of God. Olive trees and the oil they yield are rich in symbolism that can illustrate three truths about God’s Word: 

Long-Lived - Olive trees live for centuries, even millennia, and continue to bear fruit in old-age, so they are symbols of fruitfulness. They have a remarkable root system which enables them to survive times of drought, fire and disease. Even when the plant above ground is destroyed by these things, it is able to regenerate from its roots. 

All the meditations are inspired by and rooted in God’s Word, which is not just long-lived, it will stand for ever. If we root our lives in God’s Word (both his Living Word, our Lord Jesus Christ, and his written Word, the Bible), our eternal security is assured, even though we may go through times of great difficulty in this life.  

‘The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands for ever.’ Isaiah 40 v 8

Light-Giving - Olive trees yield an illuminating oil, which was used to give light in the Tabernacle/Temple, as well as in homes. In my artwork and writing I have two meanings of the word ‘illumination’ in mind:

• When we read God’s Word we pray and ask for the Holy Spirit to help us, ‘illuminating’ our reading of the Bible to bring the light of spiritual understanding and how it applies to our lives. The Psalmist understood the truth of this when he wrote of his own experience: ‘Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path . . . The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.’ Psalm 119 v 105 and 130.
• In the context of the artwork, the use of gold (or other metal) is called ‘Illumination’. Think of one of the beautiful medieval manuscripts of the Scriptures, richly embellished with gold to honour God. From some angles the gold can appear to be a mid-brown colour. However, imagine the pages being turned: the gold catches the candlelight and lights up: it ‘illuminates’ the page. 

Life-Giving - the fruit and the oil pressed from it have many health benefits. They contain anti-oxidants, ‘healthy’ oil and vitamin E, and they aid the memory. Jesus Christ said: ‘ . . . I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’ (John 10  v 10)

The olive tree is commonly used in the Bible as a symbol of peace and prosperity.

‘I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God . . . ’ Psalm 52 v 8.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, the focus of our meditations, is the ultimate fulfilment of these three qualities, being the source of eternal light and life for all who will believe. He said:

‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life . . . I am the way and the truth and the life . . .  John 8 v 12 and 14 v 6