“The Nativity,” by Geraldine Elschner
Pictures by Giotto. English translation by Kathryn Bishop
Minedition, Hong Kong, 2015, 32 pages, Grades K-3.
One of the most joyful days each year is Christmas. The birth of Jesus has been celebrated with love and affection for more than 2,000 years.
Christmas is also called “The Nativity” and is commemorated in the Third Mystery of the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. This beautiful feast day is the occasion of plays in elementary schools throughout the world and the lovely tradition of Las Posadas in Spanish-speaking countries, in which St. Joseph leads the Holy Family to homes seeking a place of rest for Mary.
Both St. Matthew and St. Luke give us accounts of the birth of Our Savior in their exquisite Infancy Narratives at the beginning of their Gospels. Geraldine Elschner has taken the mosaics painted by the Italian artist Giotto in retelling the magnificent story of The Nativity.
The first painting we see is the Archangel Gabriel appearing to the Virgin Mary and bringing her the great news that God the Father has asked her to bear His Son. In what is undoubtedly one of the most important moments in history, all of mankind waits for Mary’s answer.
Gratefully for us, she replies that she will accept God the Father’s invitation and states “Let it be done as you have said.” (p.5 of Elschner’s retelling of St. Luke’s Gospel 1:38) As the Evangelist then tells us, Mary hurries to the Hill Country of Judea to attend to her cousin, Elizabeth.
In her old age, Elizabeth is to bear John the Baptist, the cousin of Our Lord. Giotto’s touching picture of this encounter is now shown in the book. Continuing on, Elschner presents the marriage of Our Lady and Saint Joseph and then the enrollment in Bethlehem of the Holy Family. Since St. Joseph is a descendant of King David, he must register for the census in the city of David, Bethlehem. St. Joseph’s kingly lineage through David will be bestowed on his foster son, Jesus.
The actual birth of Our Lord is next shown through Giotto’s paintings and Elschner’s retelling. The picture is charming and lovely. The Blessed Virgin holds her tiny Child wrapped in swaddling clothes as angels adore the Christ Child and nearby animals gaze in wonder. Absolutely beautiful.
Elschner continues showing readers the rest of the Nativity account with the Shepherds arriving in Bethlehem. This is followed by the entrance of the Three Kings worshipping Christ and giving their gifts of gold (for a king,) incense (because He is God,) and myrrh (anointing oils for His future death which redeems us.) The book closes with the Flight into Egypt and the later return to Nazareth.
There is simply no way to overestimate the importance and beauty of The Nativity. In paintings we have numerous examples of artistic love for this event. Some of the greatest music ever written, such as Handel’s Messiah, uplift and direct our love to Christ.
Elschner has created a splendid book recounting this marvelous event. I hope you take the opportunity to buy this book for your family. As well, read the Infancy Narratives, St. Matthew’s Chapters 1-2 and St. Luke’s Chapters 1-2 to the younger members of your family. For after all: “For unto us is born a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Lk 2:11) This leads us to joyfully cry out with the angels “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace to men of good will.” (Lk 2: 14)
I pray you and your family have a happy and holy Christmas.
