Advent Calendar Day 23: Mary

December 23, 2011

Symbol of Christmas:

Image source
"Be It Unto Me"
By Liz Lemon Swindle

Mary

I just love, love, love, LOVE this picture!  I think it's my all-time favorite of any other gospel pictures out there.  I get emotional when I look at it and I don't know why exactly, but I think I feel what the artist must have felt when she painted it.  In her own words, she says:

I remember a moment after the birth of my first child when everyone had left and I was alone with my son for the first time. I looked at him lying on the bed and realized I was responsible for this new life. How could I teach him everything he needed? I was terrified

I held him close and the two of us cried. Those were tears of fear and tears of joy, but most of all they were tears of love. Looking into his little face that day I made promises to my Father that I have tried very hard to keep.

Was it different for Mary on that night in Bethlehem? Like any first-time mother she must have felt all the fear, all the joy, and all of the love that comes with a child. This painting reminds me that we are never alone when we look heavenward. (source site here)

Last year I was very pregnant with my son at the beginning of the holiday season (he was born shortly after Thanksgiving) so I thought about Mary a lot and what it must have been like for her to know that she was the mother of Christ.  Not only that, but she gave birth under less than favorable circumstances.  It sure made me thankful for the modern comforts we enjoy.  I often think about what a wonderful mother she must have been.  This year I wanted to devote some time to Mary, and really think about her life and role as the mother of Christ.  Thinking about her and the special role she had on earth makes me think of my own calling as a mother.  At times it can seem like quite a daunting task, but what a wonderful opportunity it is!  I love being a mom.

As we think about Christ over the next few days, take a moment to think about His mother and appreciate her for her willingness to accept her calling as the mother of Christ. 

You can see more of Liz Lemon Swindle's paintings here.  I really love how well she captures emotions in her  artwork.