Nativity


Matthew 1, 16 - 25

And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Luke 2, 6 - 7

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Protoevangelium of St. James

XIX.

1. And behold a woman coming down from the hillcountry, and she said to me: Man, whither goest thou? And I said: I seek a midwife of the Hebrews. And she answered and said unto me: Art thou of Israel? And I said unto her: Yea. And she said: And who is she that bringeth forth in the cave? And I said: She that is betrothed unto me. And she said to me: Is she not thy wife? And I said to her: It is Mary that was nurtured up in the temple of the Lord: and I received her to wife by lot: and she is not my wife, but she hath conception by the Holy Ghost. And the midwife said unto him: Is this the truth? And Joseph said unto her: Come hither and see. And the midwife went with him.

2. And immediately the cloud withdrew itself out of the cave, and a great light appeared in the cave so that our eyes could not endure it. And by little and little that light withdrew itself until the young child appeared: and it went and took the breast of its mother Mary.





171 photos
Christmas Card - little girls in choir, 1890.
#03080713

Christmas Card - little girls in choir, 1890.

View from Shepherd's Field towards Bethlehem,          
Palestinian Authority.
#08030362

View from Shepherd's Field towards Bethlehem, Palestinian Authority.

"The Manger", traditionally the birthplace of Jesus    
in the Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, Israel
#08051239

"The Manger", traditionally the birthplace of Jesus in the Church of the Nat...

"The Manger", traditionally the birthplace of Jesus    
in the Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, Israel
#08051240

"The Manger", traditionally the birthplace of Jesus in the Church of the Nat...

Nativity, Baptism, and Crucifixion.                    
Ivory plaque
#08051268

Nativity, Baptism, and Crucifixion. Ivory plaque

The Adoration of the Three Magi. Relief (3rd CE)       
on the lid of an early Christian sarcophagus           
from Mezzocamino, Via Ostiense, Rome.
#11010539

The Adoration of the Three Magi. Relief (3rd CE) on the lid of an early C...

Chartres Cathedral, the west- or royal portal.
Right: Saint Mary, Christ's Coming.
Around 1145
#14040212

Chartres Cathedral, the west- or royal portal. Right: Saint Mary, Christ's Comin...

The Nativity, from the Verdun Altar.                   
Enamel plaque in champleve technique                   
on gilded copper (begun 1181)
#15010143

The Nativity, from the Verdun Altar. Enamel plaque in chample...

The Adoration of the Magi, from the Verdun Altar.      
Enamel plaque in champleve technique on gilded         
copper (begun 1181).
#15010144

The Adoration of the Magi, from the Verdun Altar. Enamel plaque in champl...

The Birth of Christ. Adoration of the animals,         
The infant Jesus in Swaddles.
#15010264

The Birth of Christ. Adoration of the animals, The infant Jesus in Swad...

Virgin Mary and Child. Adoration of the Magi.          
Marble antependium from the high altar of              
Cologne Cathedral
#15010460

Virgin Mary and Child. Adoration of the Magi. Marble antependium from...

Scenes from the life of Christ:Nativity.Seraphim       
carry the infant Jesus;Saint Mary and Joseph adore     
the child;shepherds come with their flock.
#15020638

Scenes from the life of Christ:Nativity.Seraphim carry the infant Jesus;S...