"Prepare Ye for the Coming of the Bridegroom"

Drew Rane (American 1991)
The Horizon Line Wavered (2024)
Oil on Linen 16in x 12in
Used with artist’s permission

Art Companion

In The Horizon Line Wavered, Drew Rane paints the view from an airplane window—a vantage point where clouds become veils, mountains become shadows, and the world blurs into layers of atmosphere. He writes that he is drawn to “separation, a threshold to pass through, and the desire that arises when a full image isn’t immediately given.”

Doctrine and Covenants 133 describes something similar: a world on the brink of revelation. As the righteous look forward to the Savior’s return with joy, we live in the tension of partial vision: seeing “through a glass darkly” but yearning for the moment when “the Lord shall be in their midst” (D&C 133:17, 25). Rane’s painting invites us to contemplate that threshold—where longing, faith, and obscured understanding stretch toward a promised clarity.

1. Jesus instructs the Saints to leave Babylon and "not look back" (D&C 133:15). What have you found to be the hazards of looking back?

2. When Jesus comes again, the land will all come together "as it was in the days before it was divided" (D&C 133:24). In what ways, in addition to geographically, has the land been divided? What can you do to aid in this unifying restoration to reconnection in preparation for His coming?

3. At the time of His coming, Jesus' people will be "filled with songs of everlasting joy" (D&C 133:25, 33). The description of this singing is collective ("they"). Think of a time you felt joyful when singing with others. Why do you think that Jesus' return will include congregational singing?

*Códigos de vacío*

Laser-cut marks evoke computer punch cards, musical notation, and digital language in an abstract way. From the exhibition *Instrumentos de silencio.*

For Children & Youth

Hi. Have you ever been on an airplane or driving up a mountain, and the clouds or fog make it hard to see what’s in front of you? This painting shows what it’s like to see only part of the view—just a hint of mountains beneath the clouds. In the scriptures we read that Jesus will come again, and His coming will fill the whole world with light and understanding. Until then, we don’t always see everything clearly, but we can trust that Heavenly Father is leading us. Even when the “horizon wavers,” He helps us keep moving forward.

1. In these scriptures, the Lord tells us to "gather ye together" (D&C 133:4) and "speak often one to another" (D&C 133:6) to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus. Why do you think that gathering together and talking to each other will help us get ready for when Jesus comes again? How does gathering in families and as a ward family help with our preparation?

2. How has Jesus shown you "loving kindness" (D&C 133:52)? See also: President Dallin H. Oaks, "What Has Our Savior Done for Us?" April 2021 General Conference.

3. Think of a law that you obey. How does you obeying this law protect "the good and safety of society" (D&C 134:1)?