Christmas Began in Eden

Christmas didn’t begin in Bethlehem. Long before the baby Jesus was born in a manger, Christ was on a mission to restore what we lost in Eden.

Perhaps that’s why Mary Comforts Eve is one of my favorite Christmas images. The crayon and pencil drawing was created by a nun from the Cistercian Sisters of the Mississippi Abbey. It portrays both what was lost in Eden—and the promise of Jesus to make all things new.

Where do you linger when looking at this drawing? Do you pause at the regret in Eve’s face—or the tenderness in Mary’s gaze? Maybe it’s how Eve’s hair seems to symbolize the bark of a tree she wishes she never chose. Perhaps it’s how Eve’s hand on Mary’s pregnant belly signifies the hope found in Jesus, the second Adam (Romans 5:12-19, 1 Corinthians 15:47). Or the subtle way that Mary’s heel is on the serpent’s head, foreshadowing the promised future victory over all that was lost in Eden.

From now on you and the woman will be enemies, as will your offspring and hers. You will strike his heel, but he will crush your head. (Genesis 3:15 TLB)

This Christmas, may you remember how the story began in Eden—and savor the victory that Jesus’ earthly birth harkened.

This reading was crafted to encourage your pursuit of story and creativity with God. Your donation makes this crowd-funded initiative possible. You can support it via PAYPAL (or by check to Allen Arnold at PO Box 62841, Colorado Springs, CO 80962).

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