We see many images of Mary with the infant Christ Child, and most of them show Mary and Jesus with delicate gold filigree halos, richly embroidered clothing, and obviously living a good life. This has annoyed me, because we know that Jesus was born into extreme poverty. He had rags to wear and a feed trough for a bed. It was the worst any of us can imagine for a newborn.
But recently I changed my mind. I realized that these beautiful images are how we honor Jesus Christ and his mother. We hate to think of them suffering in such degrading conditions, so we elevate our depiction of Mary and the Infant Christ, and give them the best there is. This is how we show our love.
And, I realized that this is exactly how Jesus promised to show us how much HE loves US, too! When we arrive in heaven, we'll be given beautiful new clothing to wear, and a crown, and we will rule and reign with Him! How amazing is that? Our lives will be “upgraded” in every way.
So now, when I see incredibly lovely Madonna images, I'm reminded of how much we love Jesus. And I'm reminded of how very much Jesus loves us. Monday is Epiphany; remembering the wisemen who visited the infant Jesus in Bethlehem.
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