We had a wonderful family feast for Thanksgiving. All 3 of our adult children, 2 spouses, and 5 amazing grandchildren were around the table, laughing, eating, and celebrating. It was gloriously chaotic and noisy, a time I will always treasure. Our 2 youngest grandbabies are 35 days apart; one is starting to walk, and one is starting to crawl but would rather try to walk! Such fun watching them all grow…and that’s the seed thought for this year’s Advent painting. My heart was filled with joy watching my children with their babies; imagine the joy Mary and Joseph felt as the Child Jesus learned to walk, holding their hands.

I portrayed Joseph holding a stave that represents Torah. Jesus was raised as a Jewish boy, honoring the Word of God. Mary is holding light in her uplifted hand. In Jewish families the mother lights the candles to celebrate the beginning of Sabbath. Just as Joseph taught Jesus the importance of Torah, Mary taught Jesus the value of light.

May this season of Advent prepare our hearts to welcome daily walking with Jesus, the Light of the world.