Yesterday, I finished my traditional-style painting of Mary and Gabriel which I started in December but put off finishing for months (painting at bottom). It depicts the scene in Luke 1 where the archangel tells Mary she will soon be pregnant with the Christ Child. My painting shows Gabriel as an angel with wings, however, I made his wing transparent to show that his true angel nature was hidden from sight. I don't believe Gabriel appeared as a holy angel or otherwise Mary would have expressed much fear and awe in that, but in Luke 1:28-29, she is very troubled and confused by his greeting, not his appearance.

Why would this man say I am favored and that the Lord is with me?, she thought, I am insignificant and of a lowly household.

When I was going to post the painting, intending only share the creative work, I felt compelled to look at Mary’s name since I had been researching Biblical names lately. What I found had me write this more extensive article about Mary's name.

I was surprised to see Mary’s original Hebrew name was actually...

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