Visions of Christmas

Each year, we hear the Christmas account and visualize these familiar happenings. We all have in our mind’s eye what the Annunciation, the trip to Bethlehem, the birth in a rustic stable, and the visit of the Magi look like. What if we could experience how other people see these events?

Visio Divina is a spiritual practice that uses art as a medium for spiritual revelation. This practice invites you to see and explore what God may want to convey to you through an artistic interpretation.

God is always speaking to us—through everyday conversation, through nature, even while we are sitting and waiting for a traffic light to change. If we are open to the Divine, we can sense His presence and message anywhere.

This is your opportunity to connect with God through art. The images selected are scenes from the Christmas account, in styles from classic to modern. Begin by reading the Scripture below the image. Then, engage in the practice of Visio Divina. Here’s how:

• Spend some quiet time viewing the artwork. Notice details such as color, shadows, and content.
• Stay focused. Don’t rush past it. Linger to recognize small details.
• Relax and open your heart and mind to what God brings to your attention.
• Be aware of your emotions as you view the image.
• Consider journaling your initial impressions, feelings, thoughts, questions, or memories.
• Pray that through this experience, the Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth.

Virgin Mary and Angel in Annunciation Scene
by Bernardo Ramonfaur, Mexico

“The angel replied, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. For the word of God will never fail.’” —Luke 1:35–37 (NLT)

Consider …
To what part of the picture is your eye drawn? What is your prayerful response to this image?

The Dream of Saint Joseph
by Anton Raphael Mengs, Germany

“This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. ‘Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’”—Matthew 1:18–21 (NLT)

Consider …
What thoughts, memories, emotions, or questions do you conjure up from viewing this image? What is your prayerful response?

The Journey of the Magi
by James Tissot, France

“The star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was.” —Matthew 2:9 (NLT)

Consider …
Imagine the effort that went into creating this realistic image. What is your prayerful response?

Mother and Child
or The Tempi Madonna
by Raffaello Sanzio (Raphael), Italy

“But Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.” —Luke 2:19 (NLT)

Consider …
What is God saying to you through this image? What is your prayerful response?

Are you interested in exploring the Advent season in a personalized way?

My Advent Journey (a 25-day devotional) is a personal look at your Christmas—how you prepare for and celebrate the coming of Christ. This devotional journal will help you examine your Christmases past, present, and future. It encourages you to reflect on what formed your traditions of holiday celebration, how you celebrate now, and what would bring the most meaning to observing Advent in the years to come. You will also explore those elements that may not contribute significantly to this holy season.

All this will be accomplished by diving into Scripture, answering reflective questions, and journaling in the provided space. This journey will take place in four ways:

Look in. A time of introspection and listening, looking at your longing.
Step back. What is Christmas’ truest meaning?
Time out. How is God speaking to you?
Slow down. Stop and consider the soul work that needs to be done.

So, take the journey … your own personal journey. As you walk through the pages of this journal, may you find greater revelation and intentionality in your celebration of the coming of Christ.

Request your copy of My Advent Journey now.