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The Mystic Nativity, Sandro Botticelli (1500-1501)

The Mystic Nativity, Sandro Botticelli (1500-1501)

The Mystic Nativity by Botticelli caught my attention because it was chock full of subjects and color. Click here to read the painter’s intention. I don’t think my interpretation comes close to what’s described but it’s interesting to see how God speaks regardless.

It’s a sign

First I notice Christ in the center – naked, smack dab in the middle of all the bustle. My first reaction to his nakedness was – he came into the world stripped and left the world the same way. The manner in which he entered the world was a prefigurement to how he would exit.

Oh come let us adore him!

Then there’s Mary, kneeling in adoration. She’s taking the opportunity to receive all the graces she is going to need to fulfill her role as mother of our Savior with all its joys and sufferings. With that, I’m reminded of a book I’m reading called Discernment of Spirits by Fr. Tim Gallagher. In it he discusses spiritual consolations (when we feel God’s presence and spiritually inspired) and spiritual desolation (when we feel God is afar off and maybe we lack the desire to pray or participate in any form of spiritual routine).

We all experience both consolation and desolation at various times in our lives. Fr. Tim, through his interpretation of St. Ignatius’ rules, suggests that in times of spiritual consolation we should build up reserves for those times we experience desolation. I’m paraphrasing of course. For me, adoration is a perfect way to build up those reserves and receive all the graces Christ has for us.

Back to Mary. Doesn’t it make sense that she would be building up reserves from the very first moment of Jesus’ birth in order to have the strength to endure his death. The best part of this scene is Jesus with his hand raised toward Mary as if to give her the blessing she seeks in adoration! Picture him doing that for you and me!

Angels we have heard on high


Joseph sits behind Jesus. It’s almost as if he knows his “place” and role. He also seems tired or worried. While sitting alone he’s probably pondering, as any father would, what this baby has in store for him and how his life is going to change because of him. Off to the left, there’s the hand of the Angel reaching out to him. Just as in his dream, the Angel is here now to comfort, encourage, guide and protect. Yet again, Joseph is in the process of gaining understanding from heaven.

Isn’t that scene a source of encouragement for us? Although we can’t see them, there are forces at work all around us, encouraging, comforting, protecting and guiding. We can get a sense of it all if we are still like Joseph in this painting. When life gets messy, let’s keep our peace and follow Joseph’s lead – pray for guidance and understanding.

Finally, the angels and humans in the painting reminded me not only of the joy Jesus brings but also of the importance of community and the connection between heaven and Earth.

I hope you take some time to ponder this scene and share your thoughts! Merry Christmas. God bless you!


Nativity (Birth of Jesus) -Giotto (1304-1306)

Nativity (Birth of Jesus) – Giotto (1304-1306)

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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