“Tree of Life imagery and its symbolism are present in almost every world creation myth and mythology. References, in one form of another, can be found in the Book of Genesis, Chinese and Norse mythology, Hinduism and pre-Columbian Mesoamerican cultures,” explains artist James C. Christensen.

“Most often these trees represent or act as a connection between heaven and all forms of creation. Our own scriptures are rich with stories and we are often taught by parables, visions, and dreams recorded by the writers of our sacred books to give us insights into the nature of man and God’s relationship to his children.”

“Lehi’s Dream (1 Nephi 8) is a wonderful example of this and the Tree of Life is a powerful image. The story and the painting remind us that the fruits of the tree are available to everyone that tries to live a good life. There is a path to be followed and at the end there is the Tree, the love of God, and his fruits are there for all of us to enjoy.”

Desirable Above All Other Fruit is a featured painting in James C. Christensen’s new book, Lehi’s Dream, published by Deseret Book in November 2011. It is the second collaboration between Christensen and author Robert Millet. Their first book was Parables, produced by The Greenwich Workshop Press for Deseret Book in 1999.