Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. - Luke 2:10
As a foreshadowing of His future triumphal entry into Jerusalem as the Son of David and the King of Israel, the unborn Christ is carried by a donkey to be numbered of the house and lineage of David. Mary looks tenderly, perhaps knowingly, at the shy shepherd boy they pass along their way. Joseph's focus is on the path ahead, and his hands, one opened and one closed, reflect both the strength and gentleness of the provider and the protector. - Joseph Brickey