The Christ Child
The Christ Child by Sharlotte Andrus
This painting is "The Christ Child" depicting Mary and the baby Jesus. I’m sure many of you have seen similar artworks, where Mary tenderly holds the infant Christ, gazing at Him with love and devotion. Such images invite us to reflect on the sacred and eternal bond between mother and child, and the divine significance of that moment.
In the painting I am referring to, Mary is shown cradling the newborn Jesus in her arms. Her expression is one of quiet reverence, and you can see in her eyes not only a mother’s love but a deep awareness of the miracle she is holding. It is a love that transcends time and space, a love that is both human and divine.
As we reflect on this image, we can’t help but think of Mary’s role in the grand plan of salvation. In the New Testament, we learn that Mary was chosen to be the earthly mother of the Son of God. In Luke 1:28, we read that the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and declared, "Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." Mary’s response to this heavenly calling was one of humble obedience: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word" (Luke 1:38).
What an incredible act of faith and trust! Mary knew the responsibility she was taking on, and she accepted it without hesitation. As we gaze at images of her with the baby Jesus, we are reminded that her journey wasn’t easy. She faced many challenges, including the difficulties of traveling to Bethlehem and giving birth in a humble stable. And yet, through it all, she continued to exhibit unwavering faith and love.
The painting also brings to mind the divine love of the Savior, who came into the world as a vulnerable baby. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who would later heal the sick, raise the dead, and atone for the sins of all mankind, was once cradled in His mother’s arms, completely dependent on her for care and love. This image of Christ as an infant reminds us of His humility, His willingness to come to Earth in such a fragile state, and His willingness to experience all the pains and trials of mortality.
The love between Mary and Jesus is a powerful example for us. It is a love that is pure, selfless, and eternal. As we look at this painting, we are reminded of the love we should have for our Savior and the way He showed His love for us through His life, death, and resurrection.
In a similar way, our Heavenly Father’s love for us is beyond measure. Just as Mary loved her Son with all her heart, Heavenly Father’s love for us is constant and unchanging. He sent His Son into the world for our salvation. The love between Mary and Jesus is a reflection of that love—a love that transcends all understanding.
As we approach the Christmas season, it’s a beautiful time to reflect on the life of Jesus Christ. I invite each of us to think about what Mary’s love for her Son teaches us about how we can more fully love the Savior and how we can nurture that love in our lives. Just as Mary cared for Jesus as a mother, we too are invited to care for the Savior—by following His teachings, by living with compassion, and by offering our hearts to Him in faith. As we reflect on the painting of Mary and Baby Jesus, may we remember the depth of their love and how it mirrors the love of God for each of us. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, through Him, we can find peace, healing, and hope. Just as Mary nurtured Him with tenderness, let us nurture our relationship with Him, trusting that He deeply cares for us.