Orthodox Icon of the Nativity of Christ

The Nativity of Our Lord

December 25th

Troparion (Tone 4)
Thy nativity, O Christ our God, hath given rise to the light of knowledge in the world; For they who did worship the stars did learn from them to worship Thee, O Sun of Justice, and to know that thou didst come from the East of the Highest, Glory to Thee, O Lord.

Kontakion (Tone 3)
The Virgin today gives birth to the Transcendent One, and the earth offers a cave to the Unapproachable One, Angels and shepherds glorify Him, and wise men journey with a star. For a young Child is born for us, Who is from eternity God.

This icon is more than just a beautiful Christmas piece. It conveys important theological truth as all icons do. Jesus is wrapped in swaddling cloths in such a way that he resembles one wrapped for burial. This indicates that He was born to die for us. The red heifer is present in the cave, which is symbolic of being offered as a sacrifice for the sins of the people. The ass which bore Mary and Him out of town for his birth is there foreshadowing the Triumphal Entry as He goes willingly to the Cross to reconcile us to Himself. The angel in the mountains is shown above the three shepherds. This tells the story of how the angel appeared to the shepherds singing and glorifying the birth of Christ, calling them to join in the praise. One of the shepherds is blowing the shofar, which signifies the coming of the year of jubilee or the year of the Lord's favor as in Isaiah 60 and 61. St. Joseph the Betrothed is shown in a struggle against his temptation. The old man talking to him represents his temptation, when he considered "putting Mary away quietly" not knowing whose child she was to bear. The three men on horseback are the Magi following the star that is being guided by God so they can worship the King, Jesus Christ.

This icon is by the hand of Michael Kapeluck.

Order # mka-05