Mary Treasured

Oil and acrylic on canvas (24×30)

 By using the sleeping repose of the Christ child, the artist invites the viewer to shift their focus to the believer in the presence of her Lord.  Balancing the cool blue tones of the outside and warm light inside, this piece captures an intimate moment from the first Christmas to warm the soul. Its primary focus is Mary treasuring the presence of her Savior. The love in her gaze reaches beyond a mother’s usual affection; it carries quiet awe, holy wonder, and radiant joy. Luke 2:19 tells us that “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” But what were these “things”? The mystery unfolding before her? The fulfillment of ancient promises? The tender memory of light and shadow dancing across her newborn’s face? Both the scene and the title invite the viewer to pause, ponder, and wonder alongside this humble mother as she looks lovingly upon the Christ Child.

And the lamb—an animal that may well have been present in the stable—serves as a gentle foreshadowing of the One who would one day be known as “the Lamb of God.”

Mary Treasured ultimately invites each of us to consider our Savior’s presence in our own lives and to examine our hearts. Do we, like Mary, treasure Him and all He has done for us? May we behold Him with that same reverent awe, love, and joy. And may we live our lives in a way that reflects how treasured He is in our own hearts.