Zuluf Olive Wood Hand of God Holding Holy Family Statue 5.7 Inch, Hand-Carved Bethlehem Divine Providence Sculpture with Mary Joseph and Baby Jesus, Catholic Christian Wedding Housewarming Gift

Zuluf Olive Wood Hand of God Holding Holy Family Statue 5.7 Inch, Hand-Carved Bethlehem Divine Providence Sculpture with Mary Joseph and Baby Jesus, Catholic Christian Wedding Housewarming Gift

• HAND-CARVED HAND OF GOD HOLY FAMILY IN OLIVE WOOD: 5.7 inch sculpture of an open hand carved from a single block of Bethlehem olive wood, cradling the Holy Family in its palm. Mary, Joseph, and the Christ Child are carved into the palm with the hand's thumb and fingers rising around them. Solid Bethlehem olive wood, warm honey tone, natural marbled grain.
• THE MANUS DEI ICONOGRAPHY: The carving renders the Hand of God (Manus Dei in Latin, Dextera Domini in Eastern Christian tradition), the ancient Catholic and Orthodox symbol of divine providence reaching from heaven into the Nativity. Found in fourth-century Christian sarcophagi, in Romanesque tympana above church doors, in Carolingian manuscripts, and in countless Renaissance Nativity paintings. Echoes Isaiah 49:16, "Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands."
• DIVINE PROVIDENCE, ADVENT, AND CHRISTMAS: A focal point for meditation on God's protective hand over the family, at the Christmas table, beside the Advent candles, on the prayer corner shelf, on the family altar. Pairs with Psalm 91 (the protection psalm), Psalm 138:7, the Memorare, and the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. The visual is its own prayer.
• SUITED FOR FAMILY ALTAR, ENTRYWAY, OR PARENT'S DESK: At 5.7 inches the piece holds the eye on a fireplace mantle, a family altar, a foyer console table beside the front door, a parent's writing desk, a chaplain's office, or a parish narthex display. Substantial enough to anchor the room without dominating it.
• A MEANINGFUL CHRISTIAN GIFT FROM BETHLEHEM: Treasured for housewarmings, weddings, anniversaries, baptisms, "expecting parents" gifts (the protective hand over a new family), sympathy, ordination, and as a Holy Land pilgrim souvenir. Honors Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and Coptic devotion. Arrives with a Certificate of Authenticity. Made by Zuluf's family workshop of 20 master carvers in Bethlehem.