TH-23 VITA ICON TAPESTRY OF THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST

TODAY the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent One – and the earth offers a cave to the Unapproachable One – Angels with shepherds glorify Him! The wise men journey with a star! Since for our sake the Eternal One was born as a Little Child!

Kontakion of the Nativity of Christ

A ‘VITA’ icon is a religious painting containing a central image of a feast saint surrounded by smaller images related to the central panel.

This is a VITA icon of the Nativity of Christ.

CENTRAL IMAGE: From heaven a beacon of light (a star) enters the “cave” symbolizing the ever presence of the Holy Spirit now and at the Incarnation of the Christ. The rays extend over the manager holding the Christ Child – dressed in swaddling clothes prefigure his burial shroud. Mary the Mother of God beholds the Child with mystery and awe holding her hands upraised in the traditional Eastern manner of prayer. In the darkness of the cave are an ox and donkey representing Christ’s coming to the Jewish (Kosher) and Gentle (non-Kosher) people. The holiness of this scene is presence of angels singing the praises of God.

CLOCKWISE – The angels appearing to the shephards.

The angel appearing in a dream to Joseph urging him to accept Mary

The Virgin with maidens taking care of the Christ Child

The Wise Men seeking the Christ Chilld

Icon Measures 10 1/4 inch x 7 3/4 inch
Including Wooden Parts 8 3/4 inch wide
Including Hanger Part from top to bottom 14 inch tall