Fritz von Uhde depicted the birth of Jesus (or surrounding events) a number of times. This birthing room appears to be an old barn or someone's cluttered garage. Mary and Joseph are not romanticized in any way. Young Mary, who is absorbed with her newborn, wears pigtails instead of a sky blue veil. And Joseph, who is stirring something hot for Mary, is wearing pants and has an old jacket thrown over his shoulders. But best of all, I love the artist's imagination—there being no table, Joseph has turned over an old wooden wheelbarrow. It works, doesn't it? The poor often know how to make do.
"Take courage, do not lose confidence, do not lose hope, do not think that to love is a waste of time! Tonight love has conquered fear, new hope has arrived. God's kindly light has overcome the darkness of human arrogance. Mankind, God loves you; for your sake he became human. You are no longer alone! Christmas Eve Homily of the Holy Father Francis, 2019
