Our Lady of Advent (without halo)

Our Lady of Advent (without halo) :: beth1556_cmg_ws

• dolomite stone and resin
• handcrafted in France
• 20.5 inches
• symbol of Christian holiness

This depiction of a very pregnant Virgin Mary reveals her excitement at the imminent birth (advent) of her baby, Jesus the Messiah. She expresses her excitement in her marvelous Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55):

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour;
he has looked with favour on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed;
the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his name.
He has mercy on those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm
and has scattered the proud in their conceit,
Casting down the mighty from their thrones
and lifting up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away empty.
He has come to the aid of his servant Israel,
to remember his promise of mercy,
The promise made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and his children for ever.

The Monastère de Bethléem (Monastery Community of Bethlehem) was founded in 1950. The first oratory was established in a stable in southern France which called to mind the humble birthplace of the infant Jesus where the Virgin and St. Joseph adored Him as the Messiah, the Son of God. This is why the Sisters named their new monastery Bethléem. The Sisters have chosen the Gospel, silence, and solitude as their spiritual focus. St. Bruno of Cologne is their spiritual father who imparts to them his wisdom of life. In order to support themselves, the Sisters began creating sacred art which rings with historical authenticity and profound symbolic meaning. The Sisters use local dolomite stone to cast their sculptures, pendants, and world-famous creches. All pieces are individually hand finished by the Sisters. All of their creative artwork radiates a serene and holy beauty.