In search of Nativity

It’s just so good to get away from pictures of snowmen and the eternal robins. Of course I like robins – I have something of a personal interest you know (or perhaps you don’t.)

I thought this week I would take a look at some of the ways in which the nativity of Jesus has been depicted. Church windows are an obvious starting point. Sadly so may designers have a stereo-typical image in mind.

Take a look at these

Not sure they ring any bells for me.

St Paul’s church in Hellesdon on the outskirts of Norwich does have something a bit different. I was reliably informed that the window was actually painted.

Norwich Cathedral has at least two depictions of the birth of Jesus. One is a boss constructed on the inside of the roof in the nave.

These bosses depict many biblical scenes from both the old and new testaments, but sure enough half way along the nave is the scene in Bethlehem. The other illustration may be found in the north transept – a very bold and very modern- a coloured window – but once again not always obvious to the passing tourist.

This is quite an enlargement.

The shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham has its own take on the subject. The statue of the virgin, often carried in procession focuses on Mary as the queen of heaven – but notice in infant Jesus in her arms.

My last two images are perhaps a little more unusual. The Korean Madonna may be found in the Church of the Annunciation at Nazareth and the Korean inscription reads “Mother of peace we worship you.” No I didn’t take it last week! I photographed in the church during my last visit to the Holy Land.

The other shot, which I offer today, I took during a performance of the York Mystery Plays. These are performed on carts which visit different parts of the city. (The next cycle of the plays will be in 2026 – so watch out for tickets.

That’s it for this week. Next Thursday is Christmas Day and much as I love you all there won’t be a blog produced that evening. The next scheduled publication will not be until  Friday 9^th January. So – an opportunity to wish one and all a happy and peaceful Christmas and a riotous new year.