Desert Christ Park - Yucca Valley - California — Abandoned Places, Gold Rush & Route 66 Travel Photography

The desert holds so many secrets, there will never be time to discover them all. Luckily, this “secret” came to my attention and with minimal effort I was able to track it down. And as it’s on the way I travel when visiting Joshua Tree National Park, I was able to visit Desert Christ Park shortly after learning about it. I tend to visit JTree fairly often 😁.

To read about the history of the park, its creators, the sculptor, the property on which it resides and location, click HERE.

I arrived early on a beautiful Sunday morning and was apparently the only one there for a while, but was soon joined by a few other visitors. The temperature on this May morning was pleasant as I exited my car, it would get much hotter later, so I enjoyed it while it lasted. I walked about the park after stopping at the small kiosk which provides information about the park, including a map of the various statues. Note to self: Do thorough research before visiting and leaving. I learned while preparing this post that I missed a couple spots, so I’ll add an update after my next visit. In any case, here are a few of the statues I saw on my first visit, there are many more to see than those on this page:

Sculptures #1: Blessing of the Children - Mark 10:13-16

13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.

14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

Sculptures #2: Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5:1-16

Perhaps the most famous sermon Jesus gave us that included his teachings.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Sculptures #3: Samaritan Woman at Well - John 4:4-26

Jesus reveals Himself to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s Well.

14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Sculptures #4: Jesus visits with Mary and Martha - Luke 10:38-42

42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Sculptures #5: Garden of Gethsemane - Matthew 26:36-46

Jesus prays before his crucifixion, while his disciple Peter, James and John fall asleep.

39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

Sculpture #6: The Last Supper - Matthew 26:17-30

Christ’s Last Supper with his disciples, where he announces that one will betray him; and also introduces the ordinance known as the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;

28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Sculptures #7: Let the Children Come to Me - Mark 10:13-16

14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Statue #8: Christ’s Blessing of Mankind - Matthew 11:28 - With upraised hands, Christ is blessing all people.

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Visiting the Desert Christ Park was a great experience. The larger-than-life statues all have their own personality and seem to each have a message to share. Stunningly white, they definitely inspire feelings of wonder when standing next to them. I’m certainly glad I “discovered” them and had this chance to visit. Hope you enjoyed this post, feel free to leave a comment below.

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