Icons of the Nativity of Christ

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The gift of a Nativity Icon, a way to wish someone a prayerful Christmas

Giving someone a Nativity icon is a thoughtful way to wish them a prayerful Christmas.

Orthodox Christians revere the Nativity icon as a living example of "theology in colour." We come across this Christmas Orthodox icon in many churches and homes, and we see copies of it in numerous publications. This comfortable and familiar image gives us plenty of room for reflection on our faith and way of life. The expressiveness and thought-provoking power of this artwork are amazing. The icon can be a very special gift for a loved one, as a reminder of what the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ means to us as people, and as an invitation to reevaluate the significance and point of our lives.

Speaking volumes

Jesus' birthplace is depicted in the icon. As a representation of the world that was lost in the Garden of Eden, He did not begin His earthly life in the comfort of Bethlehem City, but rather among the jagged, sharp rocks in the mountains of the parched desert. He was born in the glow of the star that revealed the path to truth and salvation to all who choose to follow it. The baby Jesus is illuminated by the star while being covered in burial robes, a premonition of His death, interment, and resurrection. To further emphasize the prophetic message, some icons show Jesus' manger as a tomb.

Not only is the incarnate Son of God visible in the centre of the icon, but also His Mother Mary, who looms large. In comparison to the nearby people and angels, she is almost enormous as she kneels or reclines in a position of honour next to her newborn Son. This teaches us about the significance of the Theotokos, who was the first person in the world chosen by God to receive Christ.

A wealth of choices

You can order the icon of the Nativity created at the workshops of Saint Elisabeth Convent through our online Christmas market. You can choose from its multiple variants, styles and techniques, but always with great piety and prayer. The tempera technique is a centuries-old icon painting technique originating from Byzantine and is a painstaking and time-consuming process. Gilding is used in many icons created in this technique to enhance brightness and expressiveness. Some larger Nativity icons are adorned with precious stones. They become family relics, adorn church altars and take a place of honour in private collections.

We also create icons in acryl, a simpler and faster technique resulting in beautiful artwork. Small lacquered icons are folding and easily portable. Some are printed images affixed to wood, plaster or ceramics.

While it takes about a month to complete a new icon, you may select a ready icon from our catalogue, and we will send it on its way to you immediately. The choice is yours. There is hardly a better way to wish someone a prayerful and thoughtful Christmas than to give them a Nativity Icon.

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