The Adoration of the Magi

This is one the most beautiful pieces of art located in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC (my opinion as of last month). It is entitled, The Adoration of the Magi and was painted by Fra Angelico and Fra Filippo Lippi around 1440. As part of an Italian exhibit of paintings rendering the life of Christ and others, there was no question to me that this stood out from them all.

This painting is colorful, it glows, and it draws you to the center from any angle. But more importantly to me is the detail of the painting. Notice the streets are packed with people like you and me, waiting to experience the true meaning of Christmas (yes even they stood in lines). It includes the wealthy of the day and the poor of the day. People are worshiping in a variety of ways, and I would guess some are even questioning others while waiting to see this baby boy lying in a manger. Seeing this painting a few weeks ago was a good reminder to me of why we celebrate Christmas. Outside of the museum that day was a freshly packed ice rink with hundreds of people, Santa Clause signs and Christmas Trees adorned the National Mall. But, this picture, with all its glow and simplicity spoke volumes to those passing by that, in fact, a Savior had been born and the people of the day were experiencing it. Whether it was those present in the inn, the artists of the 1400's, or you and I today, a Savior has been and his name is Christ the Lord.....

Luke 2

The Birth of Jesus Christ

¹In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ²This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. ³And all went to be registered, each to his own town. ⁴And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. ⁶And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. ⁷And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

⁸And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. ¹⁰And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹²And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." ¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
¹⁴"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"

¹⁵When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." ¹⁶And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. ¹⁷And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. ¹⁸And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. ¹⁹But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. ²⁰And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Merry Christmas !