When my daughter was expecting her first child, her midwives gave her a booklet with drawings of effective positions for labor and delivery. Each drawing showed not only the laboring woman, but the helpers attending her.  We were just entering advent, and I was inspired to think about the story of Mary giving birth in the stable.  As you can see in the painting(s), my vision of Mary’s labor and delivery and the response from the surrounding community is a bit different from the biblical text.

(Center Image) The Midwives Came  36"H x 48"W acrylic on canvas 

The midwives came: There is no mention of this in any biblical text I’ve ever read, but...ha, I know that if a woman named Mary journeyed with her betrothed to Bethlehem to gather with their clan, her condition would be noticed.

As is in the nature of tribal communities, help for kin and strangers is generously offered. Word of her need would pass through streets and encampments. Midwives would come and attend Mary in her fulfillment of her sacred contract. 

Women as first witness to this holy birthing would know the specialness of this night. They ensured His safe passage into our world in fulfillment of the prophecies.

(Left Image) The Community Came 36"H x 24"W acrylic on canvas

The community came bringing swaddling cloth, packing wool, sheep's milk, bread, meal, herbs and all manner of items necessary to meet a new mother's needs.

(Right Image) Joseph Stands Guard  36"H x 24"W acrylic on canvas

Joseph stands guard, bearing witness to the prophesied miracle of birth.  Joseph: his work and his life ground Jesus to the earth.

Framable Glycee prints are available for purchase in triptych form.  Sizes range from 4"H x 10'W  to  16"H x 40"W.  Contact Carolyn at [email protected] for complete list of sizes and ordering information.