I have always been fascinated with Mary. What kind of woman would be trusted to raise the Son of God? Jesus was completely human while still being completely God, so I imagine his birth was like any other. It hurt like heck, was tiring and messy. And yet, knowing that the baby you were giving birth to was also a Savior–what an odd and fascinating combination of circumstances.
I image that she was more than just a little awed and terrified on that first Christmas morning. A first time mother, not to just any baby, but to the SON of GOD. It must have been just a tab overwhelming.
This is why I’ve tried drawing her a few times over the years. I’ve wanted to try and capture that strange tension that must have been her life…joy…fear…wonder…stress.
The pencil drawing is from around 2000. I wanted to try and capture her, moments before labor begins. She and Joseph have arrived in Bethlehem, and she is exhausted from the journey.
The painting at the top is from my sketchbook. I put some watercolors over a quick ink drawing, inspired mainly by a baby I was observing during church. Joseph is in the background. Now THERE is another fascinating person I’d love to have a cup of tea with some day. How many more times can I say fascinating in this post?
Megan Stringfellow 
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