Nativity of Our Lord

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The Feast of the "Nativity in the Flesh of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ" -- Christmas -- commemorates the event described in Mt. 1.18-2.12 and Lk. 2.1-20: the birth in a cave outside of Bethlehem of Jesus Christ. The newborn, lying in a manger, is attended by the ox and camel prophesied in Is. 1.3, while in another scene, midwives give him his first bath -- showing that his was a "real" birth. Joseph the Betrothed is shown in the foreground being tempted with doubts by the Devil; on the hills, shepherds and Magi gather; in the heavens the Angels sing their doxology.

The above left icon was commissioned by St. Peter and St. Paul Albanian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia

The above right icon was done through the St. John of Damascus Icon Studio, and is part of a festal tier in the iconostasis of the Chapel at Camp Nazareth.

The icon below was done through the St. John of Damascus Icon Studio, for St. Nicholas Carpatho Russian Orthodox church, Homestead PA.