As the festive season reaches its final days and the excitement of a new year and a fresh decade approaches, one North Dakota farmer wanted to deliver a heartfelt message to remind people of what truly matters to him this season. For Gene Hanson, a retired farmer with a love for both the land and his community, it was the perfect time to create something meaningful and inspiring, and he did so in a way that captured the imagination of people across the country.

Gene, who resides in the rural town of Edgeley, North Dakota, no longer owns livestock of his own. Despite this, he remains closely connected to farming life, with plenty of land and the experience to bring his vision to life. In the spirit of Christmas, he borrowed 150 black Angus cattle from his neighbor, who lives just across the road, to craft a beautiful display on his own fields. Though he might be retired, Gene still knows how to guide animals where he wants, and with a bit of planning, he transformed his neighbor’s cattle into a powerful, symbolic display that became unforgettable.

The idea was both simple and profound: Gene wanted the cattle to form the shape of a cross, a representation of his faith and a nod to the meaning of the Christmas season. To accomplish this, he coordinated with his neighbor, who helped set up the feed in the shape Gene had envisioned. Knowing that the cattle would naturally gather around the feed, he anticipated the animals would create a recognizable form. As the animals gathered to eat, they lined up in the perfect shape of a cross, delivering a stunning image that Gene captured from above.

To capture the entire scene, Gene used a drone, a piece of technology that has become a modern staple on farms and in rural communities. As the drone soared above the field, it revealed a breathtaking view of the cross formed by the dark shapes of the Angus cattle against the light dusting of snow on the ground. The aerial perspective of the cross, made up of cattle calmly eating in harmony, became a powerful reminder of the reason for the season, resonating with people on a personal and emotional level. The photograph, once shared, quickly went viral, touching hearts across the nation.

Gene shared his thoughts with a local news outlet, explaining his motivation for this unique display. “It’s the Christmas season,” he told Fox News, “and I thought it would be really meaningful if we could create something that speaks to what this time of year is all about.” His vision became a reality as his neighbor laid out the feed in a cross shape. The cattle naturally followed, gathering in an image that was simple yet profound in its symbolism.

What made Gene’s display especially moving was the simplicity behind it—a rural farmer using his resources and skills to express a sentiment close to his heart. For Gene, a great-grandfather with deep ties to his faith, this cross symbolized not just the festive season, but the reason for it: the birth of Jesus. It was his way of reminding others that, beyond the lights and celebrations, Christmas carries a message of hope, love, and faith. The rural town of Edgeley, a tight-knit community grounded in faith, was a fitting setting for this symbolic act.

With his neighbors’ cattle arranged in a cross formation, Gene’s message became a story that resonated far beyond his small town. As people saw the image, they felt the same awe that the locals did when first witnessing the unique sight. Gene’s tribute to Christmas soon spread to news outlets and social media platforms, inspiring countless viewers who felt the symbolism’s impact. For Gene, it was more than just an image; it was his way of connecting with people far and wide and sharing a part of his life and beliefs with them.

The response was overwhelming. Thousands of people shared the image across the internet, and it even garnered coverage from larger news networks. One news station captioned the photo, saying, “It’s hard to think of a time when the phrase ‘Holy cow!’ is more appropriate.” The lighthearted yet reverent message struck a chord with many who appreciated the blend of humor and faith embedded in Gene’s gesture. People from various backgrounds connected with the image, each finding their own meaning in the sight of the cross-shaped gathering of cattle.

Despite the challenges of capturing such a moment, Gene’s patience and experience as a farmer made it possible. He knew the behavior of livestock well enough to anticipate that they would follow the feed’s pattern and position themselves in the shape he desired. Though he no longer actively farms, this display proved that Gene’s agricultural know-how remained sharp, allowing him to turn a thoughtful idea into a reality. His drone captured the moment perfectly, giving people an intimate view of his creation from a unique angle.

The inspiration behind Gene’s creation lies in the simplicity of rural life and the deep values that shape communities like Edgeley. For him, farming was never just about producing crops or livestock; it was about connecting with the land, with his neighbors, and with his faith. This act of arranging cattle in the form of a cross was his way of sharing a timeless message, bridging the gap between his personal beliefs and the world around him. The visual message, born from a sense of community and spirituality, resonated far beyond Edgeley, reaching viewers across the country who found comfort in the image.

As the year comes to a close and the holiday season concludes, Gene’s display reminds us all of the power of simplicity and symbolism. In a time filled with holiday hustle and commercialism, his image speaks to the true essence of Christmas. By using his rural setting and agricultural skills, Gene transformed a few hours of planning into a moment that captured hearts across the nation, evoking a sense of peace and reflection. This gesture, rooted in faith and community, serves as a gentle reminder of what matters most during the holiday season.

Gene Hanson’s unique display, formed by a gathering of borrowed cattle and captured by a drone, has left an indelible mark. His message, conveyed through the shape of a cross, reached across distances to inspire and uplift. It serves as a testament to the enduring values of faith, love, and unity, a message that resonates not only during the festive season but year-round. In a single image, Gene managed to share his beliefs and bring a small piece of his world to the hearts of many, reinforcing the meaning of Christmas in a way that’s both timeless and profound.