Christian art is wonderful for inspiring us. Cathedrals and churches, paintings, music, performances, and sculpture have been created for centuries. Now, in our own time, photography, mixed media, and posters are widely available too.

All these forms of Christian art have shaped our understanding of the great stories of the Bible. From the simple Christmas carols we learned as children to the transcendent glory of Handel's Messiah, Christian music uplifts us. From the Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel to Salvador Dali's Last Supper, Christian paintings give us something to look at and contemplate. A few minutes spent looking at a piece of art can help center us before a time of quiet prayer.

There is something for everyone, with whatever taste in art, with whatever favorite themes. You could spend a lifetime just delving into pictures of Christ himself, as a child and as an adult. Other specific themes include the garden of Eden, angels, the crucifixion, the last supper, saints, and other Christian figures.

The history of Western art is very largely the history of Christian art, so anyone who loves art can benefit from time spent with the masterpieces of Leonardo Da Vinci, Fra Angelica, and so many other great painters and sculptors.

Since there is such an abundance of art, and since we are fortunate to live in an era when high-quality color printing makes books, prints, and posters affordable, we can enjoy as much Christian art as we wish.

One way to live with your favorite Christian art is to have one or more Christian posters in your home. If you happen to have a place of quiet retreat, whether it's a special room or a spot in your living room or bedroom, a Christian poster on the wall might be just the thing.

Rosana Hart writes about many popular poster categories at her website http://www.infoandhelp.com/posters/ and a selection of Christian posters can be seen there.