Wide Awake

HI. Guess who has two thumbs and finally fell asleep sometime after four o’clock in the morning last night?

If you guessed my baby, you would be correct! But if you guessed me, you would also be correct!

What can I say? Teething is hard for everyone!

And so! I would like to present to you this picture of a wide awake baby Jesus, along with his sleeping mother, Mary.

In this picture, Jesus is resting on Mary’s lap, a halo above his head, looking at his hands with wide eyes. And our Blessed Mother? She has fallen asleep, her body slumped on some hay bales that she leaned on to support herself, probably to keep her sitting so that she could stay awake with the baby. Alas! She has fallen asleep. Then, next to the two, there are two angels with harps, playing music to the Christ Child.

There are many artworks that depict angels singing to the Christ child. Many of these artworks are of the Nativity! Others are of the Rest on the Flight to Egypt, in which the Holy Family take a break while angels sing to Christ.

However, I think this artwork is probably one of my favorites that depict our Blessed Mother and her child, Jesus. What can I say? It’s… relatable. For many reasons.

(Also, it amuses me that this artwork was made by a woman. She herself did not have any children, but she probably knew many of mothers. In any case, she captured that moment beautifully.)

Anyway, this last week has been slightly tough in the sleep department, so pray for me and all the other tired mothers! And I will pray for you.