Christ's words from the Gospel of John 10:10 state that he came that we might be restored to life in all its fullness. The Book of Genesis, chapter 3, narrates how that divine life (grace) was lost through sin when Adam and Eve ate of the 'forbidden fruit' in the Garden of Eden.

The promised Messiah came to restore the life that was lost. This is symbolized by the butterfly, a sign of new life. The butterfly which emerges from a cocoon is a symbol of Christ coming from the tomb alive on Easter after dying on the cross for sin on Good Friday.

Eye contact is with Christ; Mary looks to the side. She is the humble 'servant' of the Lord (Luke 1:38). The expression on Mary's face is one of reflection described by Luke 2:12, 'Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her heart.'

Mary serves as a 'throne' for the Savior she presents to the world. In the tradition of Russian and Greek Icons, Christ is portrayed not as a helpless child but as one with mature intelligence and wisdom. In narrating the incident of Christ being found in the temple at the age of 12, Luke 2:47 says: 'All who heard him were amazed at his intelligence and his answers.'