Icon of Nativity is rich in symbolism

The symbolism of the Orthodox Icon of Nativity features nines key elements.

The cave. Many of us struggle with doubt or disbelief because of sin. This cave represents our struggle. The cave represents the world, dark with sin through man’s fault. It is now illuminated by the Light of the Incarnation. With this cave, Christ, “the Son of Truth,” enters into the world He created for us, clothed in the flesh of Mary’s body through natural birth, the same way all of His children are born. “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it.” (St. John the Evangelist)

The ox and donkey. The two animals fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah. “The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s crib, but Israel does not, my people do not understand.” (Isaiah 1:3)

The Most Holy Mother of God and Virgin Mary. The main focus of this icon is the Christ child and His mother, the Mother of God and Mother of Light. Archangel Gabriel told her that she will bear the Son of God. He then led her to Bethlehem. The Virgin Mary is seen resting on a red blanket that symbolizes the color of life. The Virgin Mary also is seen not only looking at her Son, but her beloved husband, St. Joseph. She is praying to the Lord so his struggles of disbelief and temptation will pass.

The Christ child. Our Lord and savior Jesus Christ is wrapped in swaddling cloths. This not only represents His total submission to the human flesh, but also foreshadows His death and resurrection. “Wrapped in bands of cloth” is from Luke 2:7, 12. He is lying on an altar that symbolizes He is the bread of life. The manger represents His crib, His Church, and His tomb, all in one. “I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever, and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:51)

The angels. The heavenly beings brought the “good news of great joy” to shepherds tending their flocks. “And the angel said unto them, fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of david a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, andon earth peace, goodwill toward men.” (Luke 2:10-14)

The magi. The wise men bring gold, frankincense and myrrh and were led by the star to the manger. “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2) And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened theri treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11)

The shepherds. The Jewish shepherds were among the first to worship the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This symbolizes the Christ is the Good Shepherd.

St. Joseph and an elderly man. A widower before he had wed Mary, St. Joseph the Betrothed is seen as an elderly man. With gray hair and hunched over, he is in doubt of the miraculous birth. He wonders if this was by another man or if it was indeed true. To the right of St. Joseph is Satan. Satan appears as an elderly person, shown in rags and with a cane. St. Joseph is tempted by Satan. St. Joseph loves the Virgin Mary and through her prayers he overcomes this struggle. He is the protector of the Virgin Mary and guardian of Jesus Christ the Savior.

The star. This represents the heavens and the Trinity rejoicing the birth of our Lord. Shining brighter than any other star, it is what guided the magi to the new-born King. Some icons are written with three lines coming from heaven which represents the Trinity.

All mankind mystically approaches Bethlehem, running to follow the rays of the God-sent star, to bask in the resplendent light radiating from the child in the cave. National boundaries and races all disappear in the penetrating, searching, probing, revealing illumination beaming forth from that shelter in the earth. At his side, we are united with our love ones, both those near and those far; those on earth and those in the bosom of Abraham; those into whose eytes we can see andthose whose gaze we only recall; those whose hands we grasp, and those whose hands we can only remember. Yes, the entire church kneels in adoration with the angelic hosts at the foot of the infant Messiah.

Christ is born, and hope is renewed. Christ is born, and darkness is dispelled. Christ is born, and we are saved by faith.

The Rev. Daniel Rohan is pastor of St. Mark Orthodox Church in Liberty.