The Mystic Nativity

Sandro Botticelli (1445–1510) — 1500–1501 · Oil on canvas · National Gallery, London

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” — Luke 2:14 (KJV)

About

Botticelli painted the Mystic Nativity (1500–1501) as the old century burned: angels dance on the roof of the stable, embrace forgiven men below, and little demons scuttle into holes in the earth, while a Greek inscription across the top warns of Italy's troubles and the loosening of Satan from Revelation.

The Meaning

It is not merely a Christmas picture but a prophecy picture: the Nativity read through the book of Revelation, joy and judgment on one panel. For Botticelli, Bethlehem was heaven's invasion and the beginning of the devil's eviction.

For Us Today

Rejoice in the Lord even in dark years — the dancers on the roof outnumber the demons in the holes. Looking for that blessed hope (Titus 2:13) steadies a heart that the headlines would scatter.

Image: Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons — the file’s page. Tap the picture to open the full-size original there.