The remembrance and re-enactment of the Nativity are central to the Christian celebration of Christmas. The event signified the belief that Jesus of Nazareth was the “Christ” or Messiah promised in the Old Testament. In the Catholic faith, as with other Christian groups, the religious celebration of Christmas happens throughout Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 25.
Nathaniel Currier produced over 300 lithographs that were religious in nature. This traditional image of the Nativity emphasizes the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh brought to the infant by Three Wisemen, who were also referred to as Kings or Magi (astrologers). The Magi found the child by following the Star of Bethlehem, a mysterious star that appeared in the sky and which the Magi believed was a sign to announce the birth of the new-born future king. The animals in the barn and bale of hay used for the Savior’s cradle emphasize his humble beginning.
Jesus as an infant in manger surrounded by Mary and Joseph to left and the Three Wisemen bearing gifts to the right. Duplicate image of 2007.D72.
Remainder of title: “/And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his Mother, and fall down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts, gold and frankincense, and myrrh. St. Math. II” (…illegible).
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