I was instantly attracted to the muted earth and jewel tones of Giotto’s depiction of the Nativity. It was a bit different than I was accustomed to seeing – both in color and “staging.”
Hail Mary
Mary is present to her child – having been crowned as Queen of heaven and Earth she’s present to us as well. She’s ready, willing and able to intercede for us.
Mary is relaxed in God’s plan – we’re called to emulate her grace in accepting God’s plan for our lives. I’ll admit Mary is a tough act to follow. However, we must remember that Mary was well versed in Scripture. She was able to discern God’s plan and accept it because of that knowledge. She knew that nothing was impossible for God! How well do we know Scripture – not just as a history but as God’s word to us today? Do we believe that nothing is impossible for Him? Let me say that again – NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD! Do we truly believe that?
Most chaste spouse
Joseph is contemplative, prayerful, aware and submissive. He is resigned to do God’s will even if he can’t understand it. How often do we follow in Joseph’s footsteps? Do we take time in our decision making to pray for discernment and to listen to God respond? Do we submit or surrender to what we discern is God’s will even if we can’t understand it?
Perfect models
Mary and Joseph are amazing models of faith and their lives are beautiful examples of how God’s plan is so much better than our plans. Whenever I ponder all this I laugh at how silly I am to think I can adequately control anything! I realize my desire to control is often an obstacle to Divine providence and requires so much work on my part. 🥴
Focus
Shepherds looking up and experiencing heaven on earth. When we focus on Christ and remain Christ-centered, we too can experience heaven on Earth.
Perfect peace
Jesus wrapped in cloth – vulnerable, still, peaceful. Sit with those three words for a while and think about the power of Jesus. That power is available to us as well – but we have to allow ourselves to be vulnerable, still and peaceful!
All is peaceful around Jesus – different people, realms (material and spiritual) and animals. There’s a stillness and prayerfulness in the people and a docility in the animals. That peace can only come from being close to Jesus! We remain close through prayer and worship.
Holy moments
Unlike other Nativity scenes, not everyone is gathered around or looking at the baby Jesus. While there is stillness depicted, I perceived a sort of busy-ness. Each figure seemed to be tending to their given task or call at the moment. This led me to thinking about our call and the moments in our lives.
Each moment of our lives is an opportunity to start over and raise our attention to God. To remain focused on the God given tasks at hand and not some other worldly distractions. When we do that we minimize the chance of giving in to the temptations that bombard us all day long.
I’m currently reading a book by Matthew Kelly entitled Holy Moments. It reminds me that we are constantly given the opportunity to make every moment of our lives holy moments. Of course, we can’t do that without God’s help.
I hope you take some time to ponder this image of the Nativity and share your thoughts with me. Merry Christmas! God bless you!
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