But Mary kept all of these things and pondered them in her heart ...

Over the past few years, I have tried to do a painting each year that Maureen and I can use for our family Christmas card. This year I decided to try a Nativity featuring a close up of Mary and Jesus, perhaps a little on the non-traditional side. I wanted to show, not only the intimacy, but also the perplexity of the whole experience from her point of view ... a young mother in such humble circumstances, knowing what she knew, but perhaps not well understood by most of her family and friends!

I wanted to express the humanity of the birth experience in a stable among animals but also the glory 'round about the life-changing event. A special thanks to our friend Shalon (model for Mary) and our new grandson Jaxin (model for Jesus)! Merry Christmas to you all!