I don't think I ever understood the phrase "hosts of angels" until I saw Nativity by Brian Kershisnik. The original is 7'X17'. Be sure to click on the image above for a larger version!
The Zenit news agency gives us some update on the Vatican Nativity scene to be unveiled in St. Peter's Square on Christmas Eve this year. I hope this will be helpful for some of the commentors on the two posts below.
By Carrie Gress
VATICAN CITY, DEC. 19, 2007 (Zenit.org).- St. Peter's unique nativity scene is a reminder from our teaching Pope of a father's importance in the family, says Christian art expert Elizabeth Lev.
This year's nativity in St. Peter's Square, to be unveiled Christmas Eve, will have a new twist, the Vatican Secretariat of State reported last week. Rather than a manger or stable, the nativity will feature the home of St. Joseph, reflecting the story of the birth of Christ depicted in St. Matthew's Gospel instead of the typical passage from St. Luke.
Speaking with ZENIT, Lev said: "This nativity is not so much a break with tradition but is presenting a new side of the nativity, revealing a new facet.
"It is trying to represent Joseph's experience, his dream of what will happen knowing that Jesus will be born and Mary is with child. He had no idea the way it would all work out as he prepared to take on this task given to him by God through a message of an angel. So it is what he imagines in his home amid his work before it comes to pass."
"This fits Joseph and the acceptance of his call into the story," Lev continued. "Joseph is never the star of the nativity, but his role is crucial. So this is not upsetting biblical tradition, but [giving] a different facet, looking at it in a different light."
The art historian explained: "In the nativity accounts, a mother figure is always there, but this nativity makes present the importance of the father figure and the fact that he is essential. It's a reminder that he wasn't born only to a mother, while providing a source of meditation during this time when we are faced with the battle against marriage and the family. It is a good way for the Church, in non-aggressive and non-political way, to remind us of the basis of our understanding of family through the Holy Family.
"This is a nativity very much of Joseph Ratzinger, a teaching nativity. Instead of complacently laying out the characters, this year they are being laid out in a way so we have to think about what this momentous birthday means, think about the circumstance in which Jesus is born, while reminding us of Joseph's essential role."
I will echo my sentiments posted in an earlier comment...I feel this is a good thing particularly after reading Zenit's commentary about the role of Joseph in the Holy Family.
ReplyDelete"It is trying to represent Joseph's experience, his dream of what will happen knowing that Jesus will be born and Mary is with child. He had no idea the way it would all work out as he prepared to take on this task given to him by God through a message of an angel. So it is what he imagines in his home amid his work before it comes to pass."
ReplyDeleteWell that clarifies it for me. never had a problem with changing the scene. I just didn't understand how they could say he was born in Nazareth. Now it makes sense.
It has been interesting to learn the background of this. I am sure that if it is in the papers there will be a twist and misunderstanding, some like we spoke about in the earlier posts.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information and input.
I will be interested to see this new "Nativity." In Zenit's interview with Lev, she says, "So it is what he (Joseph) imagines in his home amid his work before it comes to pass." I am glad (I guess) that Concord Pastor has enlightened me on "In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus..." Without his input on this, I still would not have known that there was no overall decree. Unless you are a biblical scholar or someone who has delved deeper into the birth narratives than I have, you would have no way of knowing that Luke's version of the Nativity begins, at least, in error. I have always felt that Joseph has not been given his due. Think of the extraordinary faith this man had to take on the responsibilities asked of him. So I am happy that Benedict is giving him more prominence in the Nativity story.
ReplyDelete