But since you act like you never had a picture or statue. For me what you just said is totally uninformed. When I look at the picture mostly during pray I also look up above myself or above the picture. Meaning I will look at it then think of Jesus. I have a beautiful peace of mind beyond all human understanding. A presence of Peace from the Prince of Peace during these beautiful moments. I am not better than you, just so you might think I am think I am.
I believe you might have this too.
But to backtrack to your statement
"A graven image merely becomes a counterfeit substitute for that direct relationship He has made available to us."
Do you feel this way with a graven image photo of a relative you care about? Does this ruin the moment of their real presence? It is also a counterfeit Substitue for that direct relationship?
This is truly in the spirit of God’s greatest gift to us, his only Begotten Son.
I’m sure Jesus Christ is proud of the originator of this thread.
...ah yes, as we prepare to celebrate His Birth.