An Advent Calendar: Day 20

It all began at the beginning, when man and woman became estranged - from God, and from each other

Marc Chagall - Adam and Eve (1912)

then Abraham, the father of nations, entered into a covenant with God

Julia Stankova - The Hospitality of Abraham and Sarah (1993)

Julia Stankova - Trinity (1998)

then the chosen people were exiled, wandered, grew and flourished, went astray, and went astray some more, and were called back, and waited for the Promised One,

Marc Chagall - The Praying Jew (1923)

then an Annunciation was made to a young Jewish woman

Jay DeFeo   The Annunciation (1957-59)

and some people went on a trip to find what they have been researching, and thinking about, and expecting 

Léopold Chauveau - Les Rois Mages suivent l'étoile (1920)

after the star they've seen (so they say)

Vincent Van Gogh - La Nuit étoilée (1888)

toward Bethlehem in Judea

James D. Robertson - Béthléem près de Jérusalem (photo, 1859-60)

(and some shepherds were awoken as well, to go out)

Arthur Rothstein - Sheepherder’s Camp, Montana (photo, 1939)

to meet the One born humbly, to a young, unknown family

Watanabe Sadao - The Holy Family (1970)

And of course, the story will not end here, but let us just rest with the newborn Son - that is, let us look forward to the moment, to that meeting, when we will be able to rest with this newborn Son - and, for now, let us prepare for it - because the day is near