This year has been a tough and challenging year for many. So many loved ones gone, so much lost, very little gained. Everyone has been affected by the pandemic, and the climate issues we have experienced globally seem more extreme than ever before.
So, this Christmas, I have decided to reflect upon the good over the bad. The positive, over the negative. The sweet notes of life versus the sour notes played like a crestfallen melody in the wind. This Christmas is about reflecting on the most valuable gifts that we have that money cannot buy.
Why do we celebrate Christmas? What is symbolic of Christmas? It is all due to the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the reason for the season. Jesus reminds us of the human part of life, that all life is valuable, and we should give and help those in need. Not just around Christmas, but all year round.
We are reminded that humanity is about compassion, agape love, giving without receiving. Jesus came to give, not to receive. He gave his life as a ransom for many so that no one would perish (Matthew 20:28 NIV). That was his purpose upon death, but in order to understand his death we have to understand his life starting at birth.
In the Holy Bible, Jesus’s birth is mentioned in two of the books of the Four Gospels (Matthew and Luke). His birthplace is Bethlehem, and he is the son of Joseph and Mary. In Isaiah 9:6 (KJV), Jesus’s birth was prophesized as stating, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
My favorite painting of the nativity scene, depicting the birth of Jesus, is that of Dutch painter Gerard van Honthorst entitled Adoration of the Shepherds (1622) (Figure 1). To me, this sums up the spiritual meaning of the birth of Jesus. He was a light that was born in a world of darkness.
I love how the artist used the contrast of darkness to light to showcase the bright meaning and purpose of Jesus. Through the vibrant colors of the wise men’s red robe, and Joseph’s gold robe, it places a nice warm balance in the background to further contrast the corners of darkness. The subtleties of the natural colors and shadows helps to admire the central light on Jesus, and the blue hues of Mary’s shawl provides a delicate balance of charm and life. This Christmas let’s appreciate the love and adoration of our family, friends and loved ones as we celebrate the reason for the season and let us be reminded that we all have a special light within us to share with the rest of the world. Happy Holidays!
Figure 1 – Adoration of the Shepherds (1622) (Gerard van Honthorst).
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