Jesus entered our world as a vulnerable baby to bring healing and peace

Painting by Ⓒ Artist Jessa Rogers-Metuamate

The Christmas painting depicts Mary and Joseph with baby Jesus, represented by the coolamon, a traditional Aboriginal baby carrier, between them. The manger is the wharenui (house). The colours and symbols of the card represent both Aboriginal - Australia and Aotearoa -New Zealand.

The bright star leads the Magi and us to the manager. In the night sky, the Southern Cross can be seen. It is the footprint of creator spirit Kaurna dreaming (the Aboriginal people of Adelaide, SA). This is the footprint of the Wedgetail Eagle, Jessa’s totem for the Wiradjuri country.

The footprints between the emu and kiwi are identical, as these animals share the same footprint.

This Nativity scene, that even though Borders are still closed around the World because of the Pandemic Covid-19, calls us to seek what we have in common and care for one another.

Healing & Peace to you this Christmas

And to our World for 2021

United in love, trust and hope,

Kathleen, Maria, Ngaire,

Anne, Clare, Mary

Cenacle Community Waikanae