Joseph’s Dream
Canvas: 18” x 24”
Date: December 17th, 2023
Cost: $700
After he considered (divorcing Mary)…an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” –Matthew 1:20
The focus of Doug’s message was on how both Mary and Joseph had their original dreams dashed when they were caught in a big mess of an unexplainable pregnancy in ancient times. But, instead of trying to take control of the situation, they came to a point of surrender and “Let it be” unto them according to God’s will.
So, as I wait for the composition to take shape in my mind I keep seeing an image of Joseph collapsing in exhaustion with his hand open to receive a gift, but can’t see how to place Mary, Jesus and the angel. Then, after waiting 45 minutes, Doug begins to talk about Joseph’s dream…and I see it! Mary becomes part of the dream! I see them intertwined in the shape of the cross. Joseph opens his hand, dumping his life plans. Later, I begin to paint the angel and it becomes the Holy Spirit as a dove. To give it that dreamy feel, I place them floating in clouds. I paint Mary’s hand and face as resolute, holding steadfastly to the Promise. Then, I see her hand as a diamond shape, so I emphasize the angularity. Joseph is getting infinitely more than a marriage, he is receiving the most precious Gem ever given to humankind.
Many times in my own life I’ve tried to control people, places and things, but it always burned me out fast and has only made my things worse. But, I want to be like Mary and Joseph, so my gift to Jesus this Christmas is control…trusting, of course, that he’s going to put into my empty hand something a million times better!