So it was when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”
And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. When they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marvelled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.
(Luke 2:15-19)
As Christmas approached again, I found myself revisiting a piece of art I had created years ago, in 2019. That artwork had been special to me—a simple but heartfelt depiction of the Nativity scene. This year, I decided to reimagine it as a digital painting, blending my evolving artistic skills with the timeless beauty of that sacred moment. Recreating the Nativity scene in a new medium allowed me to capture the essence of the story freshly and innovatively.
In this new artwork, I chose to capture the scene where the shepherds, guided by the angel’s proclamation, came inside the stable cave to witness the miracle of the newborn Christ. I wanted to preserve the humble simplicity of the setting while highlighting the profound emotions of that night. Every detail mattered to me because I didn’t just want to illustrate a scene; I wanted to tell a story—a story of faith, wonder, and joy. The use of mixed media allowed me to add depth and texture to the piece, enhancing the overall impact of the narrative.
The central focus of the artwork is, of course, the infant Jesus, wrapped snugly in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. For this manager, I imagined a practical design—a cut-out stone water trough with a wooden hay rack attached beside it. To ensure the infant’s comfort, I depicted the trough filled with a woollen cushion, giving the impression of care even in the humblest of surroundings. The light of a handmade lantern nearby casts a soft, warm glow over the scene, adding to the serene and sacred atmosphere.
Joseph stands nearby, watching with a calm and protective gaze as the shepherds, rough and weathered from their time in the fields, gather around. Their expressions are a mix of awe and adoration as they look upon the divine infant—the child the angel had told them about. Each shepherd is distinct, their clothes and features reflecting their modest lives, but their shared sense of wonder ties them all together. The air is filled with a sense of reverence and wonder as the shepherds see the newborn baby.
Mary, seated close to the manger, gently watches over the babe. Her face radiates both joy and serenity as she takes in the significance of this moment. She is not only a mother but also a quiet observer of this extraordinary event, treasuring every word and gesture, pondering them in her heart as the Gospel of Luke so beautifully describes. In awe of what they are witnessing, the shepherds kneel before the baby in humble adoration, their hearts filled with a newfound sense of purpose and hope. The scene is a beautiful reminder that even the most ordinary individuals can be touched by the extraordinary grace of God.
The cave itself, though a humble and rugged setting, exudes a sense of warmth and safety. I wanted to capture the idea that even in the most unassuming places, something extraordinary can occur. The natural stone walls and scattered hay add texture and authenticity, grounding the scene in its historical and biblical context. The flickering light from the small lantern casts a soft glow on the faces of the visitors, illuminating their expressions of wonder and awe. The baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger, seems to radiate a sense of peace and innocence that touches each person's soul.
As I painted, I found myself reflecting deeply on the Nativity story and its message. It is a story of humility—the King of Kings was born not in a palace but in a stable. It is a story of hope—light shining in the darkness. And it is a story of inclusion—the angels did not announce Christ’s birth to kings or scholars but to shepherds, ordinary people going about their daily lives. The simplicity of the setting serves as a reminder that great things can come from humble beginnings. The Nativity scene captures the essence of the Christmas story, inviting us to contemplate the true meaning of the holiday season.
As I put the finishing touches on the painting—the warm glow of the lantern, the soft shadows of the shepherds, the peaceful expression of Mary—I felt a deep sense of gratitude. Art has always been my way of connecting with stories, with faith, and with others. Through this Nativity scene, I hoped to remind viewers of the true meaning of Christmas, a message that remains as relevant today as it was over two thousand years ago. The act of creating this piece brought me a sense of peace and joy, knowing that I was able to convey such a powerful message through my art. I hope that those who view this painting will be inspired to reflect on the significance of the birth of Jesus and the love and hope it represents.
Disclaimer on Artistic Licence
Before delving deeper into the details of this artwork, I must offer a disclaimer. My aim has always been to create a piece that is as biblically and historically accurate as possible. However, as I do not really know what the characters in my artwork really looked like, I have to make educated guesses on how they look like. I have also drawn inspiration from various traditions and relics attributed to the life of Jesus, which I have researched extensively over the years. Old photographs of Palestinian people have served as references, and while I cannot claim that these images perfectly represent ancient times, they have been invaluable in shaping my artistic vision.
As the Ark Encounter aptly puts it, "Any attempt to represent historical events necessarily involves using artistic license, and we took great care not to contradict biblical details." This sentiment resonates with my approach. Since we do not have definitive visual records of these events, I have made educated guesses about the appearances of the characters and the setting, always striving to remain faithful to the biblical narrative.
The Cave of Nativity
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| The reconstruction of the cave based on the grotto in the Church of Nativity |
I'm going to describe the setting of this artwork, which depicts a cave transformed into a stable. This portrayal is heavily inspired by the Grotto of Nativity, located inside the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem, which reveals that the stable was not a man-made structure, nor part of a house or a hut, but a natural cave. It was common in ancient times for caves to serve as stables or barns for livestock in Israel. The use of a cave as a stable in this artwork highlights the humble beginnings of Jesus' birth, emphasizing the simplicity and modesty of the event. The artist's choice to draw from historical and cultural context adds depth and authenticity to the depiction.
The land of Israel is marked by rugged terrain, abundant stones, hills, and caves. The sheer abundance of stone in the region led to its use in building most ancient homes, with wood only being used for essential parts like roofs, ceilings, and doors. Trees were a scarce and valuable resource, so the locals chose to build from the readily available stone. Caves, naturally forming in the hills, were frequently used as shelters for both people and animals. It’s highly likely that the “stable,” which is not even mentioned in the scriptures, was one of the caves nestled within the hills of Bethlehem. These caves provided the perfect conditions for livestock—cool in the heat of the day and warmer at night—and they required minimal construction, needing only a simple fence or gate to enclose them.
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| A certain ancient cave stable in Israel |
The Cave of Nativity consists of a series of natural caves, extending deep into the mountains and forming interconnected chambers. Shepherds, who watched their flocks in the hills, often sought shelter in these caves during cold or inclement weather. It is in such a cave that Mary and Joseph, finding no space in the crowded town, took refuge. Tradition places this specific location in the lower part of one of these caves, accessible by two stone steps. The Cave of Nativity is a significant site for Christians, as it is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The simplicity and natural beauty of the caves add to the spiritual significance of the location.
Between the two sets of steps is a slight depression, which tradition holds as the exact spot where Mary gave birth to Jesus. After the birth, she is said to have moved Him a few paces to a more sheltered area of the cave, making it more suitable as a temporary living space. This area is believed to have offered a semblance of a room, offering protection from the cold. The cave is now enclosed within the Church of the Nativity, which was built around the site to protect and preserve it. Pilgrims from all over the world visit this sacred location to pay homage to the birth of Jesus and experience the spiritual energy that emanates from this historic spot.
The tradition also mentions that animals, specifically an ox and a donkey, were present in the cave during the birth. However, these animals may not have been there in reality but instead could be drawn from the prophecy of Isaiah. The verse reads: "The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s crib; but Israel does not know, My people do not consider” (Isaiah 1:3). This passage suggests that while the ox and donkey recognise their masters, Israel failed to recognise God's presence in their lives. The appearance of the donkey in nativity scenes makes sense, as it could have been used by Mary and Joseph for their journey. The inclusion of the ox, however, is likely the result of artistic license, inspired by the prophetic message of Isaiah.
The Manger
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| This area where the altar of the manger stood is the very basis of the layout of the artwork. |
The placement of the manger, which served as the crib for Jesus, is as significant as its location is marked. It’s said that the spot where the manger stood is commemorated by an altar known as the "Altar of the Manger," located just a few paces away from the place where, according to tradition, Jesus was born. This exact spot is today marked by a star-shaped marker in the grotto, which draws countless pilgrims seeking to honour the birthplace of Christ. The Altar of the Manger is a focal point for many Christian pilgrims who visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The significance of this humble setting where Jesus was born continues to resonate with believers worldwide.
The manger itself could have been made of stone, a material common for such objects in ancient Israel. Numerous stone mangers of various sizes have been discovered in the region. Shorter ones were used for animals like sheep and goats, while taller mangers served animals such as horses and donkeys. These mangers typically had a block-like shape and were only about six to eight inches deep. The simplicity of the manger reflects the humble beginnings of Jesus, emphasising the message of humility and love in Christianity. The historical and archaeological evidence surrounding the manger adds depth to the spiritual experience for pilgrims visiting this sacred site.
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| A stone manger in Megiddo, Israel |
Interestingly, mangers were not primarily used for hay, as is often depicted in nativity scenes. Instead, they were typically used as water troughs for animals. In Israel's climate, where grass is available year-round due to the region's two distinct seasons—rainy and dry—there was no need to store or cut hay for feed. This practice was more practical in the warmer climate, where the need to preserve grass wasn't essential. In this sense, the manger that cradled Jesus as a baby serves as a beautiful symbol of his title as the "Water of Life." The connection between the water trough and Jesus' role as a life-giving force adds a deep, spiritual significance to the humble surroundings of his birth. As the manger appears today, it may well have been a cut-out stone trough, rather than a movable one.
The depiction of the manger, which has become iconic as the crib for Jesus, draws partly from the alleged vision accounts of Anne Catherine Emmerich, an 18th-century mystic. According to her visions, “The crib in which the child Jesus was laid... was a hollowed-out stone trough lying on the ground, used for cattle to drink from. Over it stood a long, rectangular rack, narrower below and broader above, made of wooden lattice-work, and raised on four feet, so that the beasts could comfortably eat the hay or grass in the rack and lower their heads to drink the water in the trough beneath." This image of a wooden hayrack above a stone manger, filled with hay and with a trough below for water, is often used for artistic inspiration in nativity depictions. However, I remind you once again that while Anne Emmerich’s visions are not taken as literal truths, they provide useful artistic references for depicting the scene.
In this particular artwork, the stone manger does not contain hay but instead is filled with a soft woollen cushion to offer comfort to the infant Jesus. The manger is covered with fabric, creating a more comfortable and protective space for the baby. The hay, meanwhile, remains in the wooden hayrack above, as described in Emmerich's vision. The wood used for this hayrack may be the same wood that has been preserved and is venerated as the Holy Crib relic, currently housed in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, where it is visited by pilgrims from all over the world. This connection to the Holy Crib adds another layer of reverence and history to the scene, grounding it in both tradition and faith.
Depicting the Characters
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| My character design for Joseph and Mary |
The character designs for Joseph and Mary, like many elements in this artwork, were based on educated guesses and artistic licence. Their black, curly hair and sun-kissed, dark brown skin were inspired by research into the ethnic backgrounds of Middle Eastern people during that time, particularly those from regions like Israel. This includes influences from popular depictions, such as Disney's Aladdin, which also portrays characters with darker complexions, more representative of the region’s history than the lighter, fairer skin tones often associated with European figures.
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| These outfits of Palestinian men are the basis of the paintings of biblical scenes in 19th Century |
Their clothing choices were also artistically inspired, drawing from both historical research and the work of artists who studied the region extensively. I referenced photographs of Palestinian people from earlier periods, as well as paintings by artists such as James Tissot, Hole, and Copping. These artists' depictions of ancient Israelites were deeply informed by their travels in the area, which was known as Palestine at the time. Their works offered valuable insight into what traditional Israelite costumes might have looked like during this period.
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| Joseph is usually depicted wearing green tunic and brown cloak |
For Joseph, I based his hairstyle on the Orthodox Christian iconography, though it presented a challenge due to the significant variation in these depictions. In the end, I chose to depict his hairstyle in a way that is most commonly seen in nativity scenes, maintaining the traditional representation. As for his clothing, I took inspiration from the "Joseph the Worker" icon, where Joseph is typically shown wearing a green tunic and a brown cloak, symbolising his humble role as a carpenter.
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| "Innocence" the portrait of the virgin Mary by Akiane Kramarik |
Mary's hairstyle, on the other hand, was inspired by the work of the artist Akiane Kramarik, particularly her portrait of Mary. Akiane’s style resonated with me, especially her portrayal of the Virgin Mary in her painting Prince of Peace, which also served as a key inspiration for how I envisioned Jesus. For Mary’s clothing, I turned to historical Palestinian costumes, specifically the thawb. This robe is often richly embroidered, featuring a breast panel called a qabbeh and seams—distinct from the tunics worn by men, which were usually seamless. The thawb was a common garment for women in 19th-century depictions of biblical scenes. The colours of Mary's clothing were influenced by the works of James Tissot and Evelyn Hardy, whose attention to detail and historical authenticity brought a vivid sense of realism to their portrayals of biblical characters.
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| "Helping His Mother" by Evelyn Stuart Hardy which is my basis for Mary's thawb |
The youthful appearance of Joseph and Mary, with Joseph being depicted without a beard, reflects the idea that they were young during their journey to Bethlehem. This age representation is significant, especially given that Mary was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus, and she conceived him through a miraculous event while still in the early stages of her betrothal to Joseph. In their time, their age would have aligned with the societal norms of adulthood and consent. However, this detail, while important in its historical context, does not need to be explicitly mentioned today, as its relevance to modern society has largely faded. Acknowledging this historical age difference can often raise discomfort or confusion, which is why I choose not to emphasise it in a contemporary setting.
In this artwork, my focus was on capturing their youth and the profound purity of their journey, ensuring that their depictions feel both true to history and meaningful to viewers today. Through this careful balance of research, artistic licence, and reverence, I aimed to bring these two central figures of the nativity story to life with as much authenticity and beauty as possible. By portraying Mary and Joseph in a way that resonates with audiences today, I hope to bridge the gap between past and present, allowing viewers to connect with the timeless story on a personal level. My goal is to evoke a sense of wonder and awe in viewers, inspiring them to reflect on the enduring message of hope and love that the nativity represents.
Where are the Wise Men?
The Wise Men, or Magi, are notably absent from this artwork, and there are several biblical reasons for this. The primary issue is that the Magi did not appear until well after Mary had stopped using the manger as a bassinet for the infant Jesus. The common misconception of their inclusion in nativity scenes stems from the way the biblical narrative is often presented: the story of the Magi follows closely after the birth of Jesus. However, the reality is that their visit occurred quite some time later—likely up to two years after Jesus’ birth.
The Magi would have needed time to observe and study the extraordinary star they had seen, which captivated them and led them on their journey to Bethlehem. This star was no ordinary celestial event; it was almost certainly a supernatural light, rather than a natural occurrence like a supernova, comet, or planetary conjunction. While many theories have been proposed to explain this star, there are numerous arguments against these astronomical explanations, as none fully account for the specific details described in the Gospel of Matthew.
According to Matthew’s account, the Magi arrived to find Jesus not in the manger, but at a house. The term used to describe Jesus in this scene is "young child," suggesting that he was no longer an infant, but likely around one to two years old by the time the Magi made their visit. This timing discrepancy is important to note, as it reinforces that the birth narrative in the Gospels and the arrival of the Magi are two separate events, with a significant amount of time passing between them.
For this reason, I chose not to include the Wise Men in this artwork. Doing so would have not only been historically inaccurate but would have also distracted from the moment I intended to capture—Mary and Joseph in the humble setting of the cave, with the newborn Jesus laid in the manger. By focusing on this moment, I aimed to reflect the true spirit of the nativity story at its most poignant, without the confusion often introduced by merging events that, in reality, occurred at different times.
Concluding Remarks
Digging deeper into the setting of Jesus' birth not only provides a more realistic and vivid picture of this significant event but also foreshadows His mission, atonement, and ultimate sacrifice. Jesus' entrance into the world was marked by humble and meaningful symbolism that would echo through the entirety of His life and ministry. From being born in a lowly stable to being visited by shepherds, every detail of Jesus' birth story carries profound meaning and significance. These humble beginnings set the stage for the transformative impact He would have on humanity.
At His birth, Jesus was likely born in a simple stone cave, a setting far removed from the grandeur one might expect for the arrival of the Messiah. This cave served as a shelter for animals, a place of necessity rather than comfort. Because there was no room in the inn, Mary and Joseph found themselves in this modest dwelling. Here, Jesus was wrapped in linen swaddling bands, a common practice of the time to keep newborns secure and warm. However, the detail of Him being laid in a stone manger—a feeding trough for animals—stands out. It speaks not only of the circumstances of His humble birth but also hints at His future role as the Bread of Life, providing spiritual nourishment to the world.
The parallels between Jesus’ birth and His death are striking. Just as He was laid in a stone manger at birth, He would later be laid in a borrowed stone tomb after His crucifixion. Both events involve being wrapped in linen—swaddling cloths at birth and white burial linens at death. Both moments occur in stone enclosures, one a cave and the other a tomb, signifying humility and simplicity. These parallels seem deliberate, a divine message embedded in the narrative of Christ’s life to underline His mission to redeem mankind.
How fitting it is that the Messiah, who offers eternal living water to quench the spiritual thirst of humanity, began His life in a feeding trough designed to hold water and nourishment for animals. This symbolism serves as a profound reminder of His role as the provider of spiritual sustenance and salvation. From the very beginning, the details of Jesus’ life pointed towards His ultimate purpose—the atonement, death, and resurrection that would secure redemption for all who believe.
The setting of His birth also carries an important message about the nature of Christ's mission. His arrival was not heralded in a palace or a place of worldly power but among the lowly and the humble. Born into the simplest of circumstances, His first visitors were not kings or scholars but shepherds, people of modest standing. This foreshadowed His ministry, which would focus on reaching the poor, the outcast, and the brokenhearted, offering them hope and a place in His kingdom.
This humble beginning also prefigures the sacrificial nature of His life. Just as animals in a stable might be destined for sacrifice, so too would Jesus become the ultimate sacrificial Lamb, taking away the sins of the world. The manger, a place where animals fed, became the resting place for the one who would feed the multitudes spiritually, offering eternal life to all who come to Him. In this way, the circumstances of Jesus' birth serve as a powerful symbol of His mission on Earth, emphasising humility, sacrifice, and redemption for all. The manager, a simple and unassuming setting, becomes a profound reminder of the transformative power of Christ's love and grace.
Even the circumstances of the manger and the cave reflect the profound contrast between human expectations and divine reality. The world might have expected a Saviour to be born in luxury, surrounded by wealth and splendour. Yet, God chose to enter humanity in the humblest of ways, showcasing that His power is made perfect in weakness. This stark juxtaposition teaches us about God’s values—humility over pride, servitude over dominance, and simplicity over extravagance. By choosing to be born in a manger, Jesus demonstrates that true greatness lies in humility and service. This powerful lesson continues to challenge our societal norms and perceptions of success.
The foreshadowing continues when we consider the swaddling clothes. These simple bands of linen would later be mirrored in the burial cloths wrapped around His body after the crucifixion. Both instances of wrapping point to care and reverence, highlighting the human aspect of His life while foreshadowing the divine purpose of His death. The stone manger and the stone tomb serve as bookends to His earthly mission, symbolising the beginning and end of His mortal journey, both enveloped in humility and purpose.
In addition, the imagery of the stone cave and manger reminds us of the accessibility of Jesus. A palace would have been closed to many, but a cave was open to all. His life and mission were marked by this openness, inviting all who sought Him—rich or poor, learned or simple—to come and receive His grace. Similarly, the open tomb after His resurrection symbolised that the barriers of sin and death had been removed, offering eternal life to all who believed.
This connection between His birth and death is not merely coincidental but deeply intentional. It reminds us that Jesus’ life was always moving towards the fulfilment of His mission. His birth was not just a historical event but a theological statement, a declaration of God’s love and plan for humanity. From the moment He entered the world, every detail of His life pointed to His role as the Saviour, the one who would reconcile humanity with God through His ultimate sacrifice.
In conclusion, understanding the setting of Jesus' birth enriches our appreciation of His life and mission. The stone cave, the swaddling cloths, the manger, and the shepherds all contribute to a narrative that is deeply symbolic and profoundly meaningful. These details foreshadow His role as the Bread of Life, the sacrificial Lamb, and the Redeemer of humanity. From the humblest of beginnings to the ultimate act of love on the cross, Jesus’ life was a continuous testament to God’s plan of salvation. The setting of His birth is not just a backdrop but a deliberate and powerful message of hope, humility, and divine purpose.
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