The two-piece set of Mary holding baby Jesus, and Joseph is the centerpiece of The Christmas Story. The figures are nearly 15โ tall, and painted with richly layered colors. The expressive gestures of Mary and Joseph reveal their humanity, and portray their overwhelming emotion of love and protection for their newborn child. The elegant movement of Maryโs and Josephโs garments, and their protective gestures bring this composition to the highest levels of sculptural art. The pieces relate to each other when placed together: Mary is turned in toward Joseph, sheltered by his right arm. Josephโs staff and cloak form a protective shield around his new family. Josephโs left hand, positioned above the head of baby Jesus, shadows the curve of Maryโs wrist. This is a historically symbolic gesture of blessing and protection.โThe Christmas Story is a story from the pastโฆ but the overwhelming emotions of holding a new baby, starting a new family, and wanting to protect them forevermore are present today in every culture and every age. My hope is that the gestures of Mary and Joseph will represent these powerful feelings of love and protection.โ --Susan Lordi