#yeshua_verses

[ronaldanthony4]

This week, following the Memorial of the Death of our Lord, I found myself compelled to embark on a new artistic venture.

Engaging in a draw-this-in-your-style challenge with a Christian theme hosted by Polita_draws , I was inspired by their depiction of Jesus carrying a little girl on His back. However, rather than adhering strictly to the reference artwork, I felt a calling to infuse historical accuracy into my rendition.

Drawing upon inspiration from Akiane's painting and delving into historical accounts, I depicted Jesus with short hair, resonating with the authentic portrayal of the era. Both Jesus and the little girl bore black hair, brown eyes, and a warm brown complexion, reflecting the diversity of humanity embraced by our Lord.

Naming this creation "The Greatest in His Kingdom," I was reminded of Jesus' profound words, as recorded in the Bible, in Matthew 18:4: "Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

In capturing this moment, I sought to encapsulate the essence of humility, innocence, and the unwavering love of our Saviour, as He embraces all who come to Him with childlike faith.

[ronaldanthony4]

So it was when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”

And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. When they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marvelled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.

(Luke 2:15-19)

As Christmas approached again, I found myself revisiting a piece of art I had created years ago, in 2019. That artwork had been special to me—a simple but heartfelt depiction of the Nativity scene. This year, I decided to reimagine it as a digital painting, blending my evolving artistic skills with the timeless beauty of that sacred moment. Recreating the Nativity scene in a new medium allowed me to capture the essence of the story freshly and innovatively.

In this new artwork, I chose to capture the scene where the shepherds, guided by the angel’s proclamation, came inside the stable cave to witness the miracle of the new-born Christ. I wanted to preserve the humble simplicity of the setting while highlighting the profound emotions of that night. Every detail mattered to me because I didn’t just want to illustrate a scene; I wanted to tell a story—a story of faith, wonder, and joy. The use of mixed media allowed me to add depth and texture to the piece, enhancing the overall impact of the narrative.

The central focus of the artwork is, of course, the infant Jesus, wrapped snugly in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. For this manager, I imagined a practical design—a cut-out stone water trough with a wooden hay rack attached beside it. To ensure the infant’s comfort, I depicted the trough filled with a woollen cushion, giving the impression of care even in the humblest of surroundings. The light of a handmade lantern nearby casts a soft, warm glow over the scene, adding to the serene and sacred atmosphere.

Joseph stands nearby, watching with a calm and protective gaze as the shepherds, rough and weathered from their time in the fields, gather around. Their expressions are a mix of awe and adoration as they look upon the divine infant—the child the angel had told them about. Each shepherd is distinct, their clothes and features reflecting their modest lives, but their shared sense of wonder ties them all together. The air is filled with a sense of reverence and wonder as the shepherds see the newborn baby.

Mary, seated close to the manger, gently watches over the babe. Her face radiates both joy and serenity as she takes in the significance of this moment. She is not only a mother but also a quiet observer of this extraordinary event, treasuring every word and gesture, pondering them in her heart as the Gospel of Luke so beautifully describes. In awe of what they are witnessing, the shepherds kneel before the baby in humble adoration, their hearts filled with a newfound sense of purpose and hope. The scene is a beautiful reminder that even the most ordinary individuals can be touched by the extraordinary grace of God.

The cave itself, though a humble and rugged setting, exudes a sense of warmth and safety. I wanted to capture the idea that even in the most unassuming places, something extraordinary can occur. The natural stone walls and scattered hay add texture and authenticity, grounding the scene in its historical and biblical context. The flickering light from the small lantern casts a soft glow on the faces of the visitors, illuminating their expressions of wonder and awe. The baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger, seems to radiate a sense of peace and innocence that touches each person's soul.

As I painted, I found myself reflecting deeply on the Nativity story and its message. It is a story of humility—the King of Kings was born not in a palace but in a stable. It is a story of hope—light shining in the darkness. And it is a story of inclusion—the angels did not announce Christ’s birth to kings or scholars but to shepherds, ordinary people going about their daily lives. The simplicity of the setting serves as a reminder that great things can come from humble beginnings. The Nativity scene captures the essence of the Christmas story, inviting us to contemplate the true meaning of the holiday season.

As I put the finishing touches on the painting—the warm glow of the lantern, the soft shadows of the shepherds, the peaceful expression of Mary—I felt a deep sense of gratitude. Art has always been my way of connecting with stories, with faith, and with others. Through this Nativity scene, I hoped to remind viewers of the true meaning of Christmas, a message that remains as relevant today as it was over two thousand years ago. The act of creating this piece brought me a sense of peace and joy, knowing that I was able to convey such a powerful message through my art. I hope that those who view this painting will be inspired to reflect on the significance of the birth of Jesus and the love and hope it represents.