I wanted to create a nativity painting from the perspective of Mary. I’m not sure what new mothers did at the time that Mary lived to prepare for their baby’s arrival but I have no doubt that she did them. While creating this painting I thought about what new mothers of our day do to prepare for their coming babies, such as preparing a nursery room, collecting the things the baby might need, maybe even picking out a special outfit or blanket to wrap their new child in on that special day. They may also thoughtfully decide what people they want to surround themselves with to support them through labor. When the day came to deliver, all Mary’s physical preparations were spoiled. The new baby was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger, not a warm soft cradle. They were in a shelter meant for animals, not the comfort of their own home that Mary had undoubtedly prepared. This must have been incredibly frustrating. However, I think when we strip away these physical preparations, we have to focus on the spiritual preparations that were also surely done. God trusted Mary to bear His son- the Redeemer of the World. And Mary trusted God enough to carry Him. This relationship is not built by accident. She had prepared room in her heart for the Savior long ago. Each of us get to decide how we prepare for our Savior’s coming. My hope is to be prepared like Mary was, to say, “I have been waiting for you, this is your home, this is where you belong”
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