The Nativity

The painting by Federico Barocci catches my eye in his use of light in this unusual Nativity scene.  The source of light in the image emanates from the infant Jesus.  It calls to mind the wonderfully messianic passage in Isaiah 9:1b-2: 

"in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned."  

The painting illustrates that there is a curiosity about this infant. Faces peer around the doorway to look upon this child.  They are drawn to the spectacle.  But light can be easily obscured.  Obscured by the many distractions of our age, the busyness of our time.  How many now have the curiosity to look more closely at the birth of a tiny child? 

Unlike many Nativity scenes where the infant Jesus is front and center, this image shows him off to the side.  Not especially the focal point of the painting.  It's the light that brings our eye back to the child.  In our present day, Jesus is often a side theme of the holiday.  We need the light of God's word to bring Jesus back into focus.   

The dawning of light in Isaiah 9 refers to the coming of a Savior.  And yet there are many in our world, in our communities and perhaps in our own families, who still walk in darkness.  Without hope and without joy. 

The figure behind Mary directs our eyes toward the child through the artistic device of pointing the finger.  In the same way, God entrusts us with the privilege of pointing the way to the Savior.  

And it is important for us as followers of Jesus Christ to make the message of Jesus Christ known to our friends and family who are walking in darkness, to those who are living in the shadow of death.  May this Christmas and the year to come be an opportunity for us to shine the light of Jesus into the dark corners of our world and to point the way to God's provision of salvation.  

May God bless you this season.

My warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Blessed New Year!

Pastor John


Past Posts
JEMS South America introduces new staff. Link
Merry Christmas from JEMS staff.  Link.
January mission trip for Pastor Rick and Pastor John.  Link.