Tom McNeely (Canadian, B. 1935) "Mary and Joseph Traveling to Bethlehem" Signed and dated lower right. Watercolor. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Canadian 34c Angel stamp issued October 29, 1986. For centuries, the prophets -- God's servants to the Hebrews -- held before the Israelites the hope of an era of holiness and union with the Lord, when sin and evil would be destroyed. God's Chosen People would be the first ones brought into that kingdom, which would then spread out until it embraced all the nations of the earth. At first, the Hebrews looked to the royal family of David as the likely place for the "Messiah" -- the savior through whom God would finally establish his kingdom on earth. From the great prophets Daniel and Isaiah -- to the prophets Micah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Zechariah and Malachi -- the coming of the Messiah was foretold and promised to the Israelites for centuries. As the first Christmas drew near, the people of Israel were subjugated by the Romans, and the people yearned for a redeemer who would deliver them. At that time in a village west of Jerusalem, the prophet John -- later the Baptist -- began to proclaim the arrival of the new age and the long-awaited Kingdom of God. He began to preach first to the shepherds, and then to the Jews of Jerusalem and all of Israel. As John preached, a child was born in Bethlehem to Mary of Nazareth and Joseph, who could trace his lineage from the house of David. Their son, Jesus, was the Messiah God had promised. He had come to bring "peace on earth ... and good will to men." Image Size: 17.5 x 15.25 in. Overall Size: 28.25 x 22 in. Unframed. (B09194)