Publication Date
January 2025
Start Date
2025
Description
Throughout the world, Christians display nativities that depict the birth of Christ. In portraying Christ's birth, each artist has a unique expression of the scene that is informed by their experiences, geographical location, and culture, among other things. Differences between the nativities can be observed in color, texture, shape, space, and in the material, or medium, used. Rev. Emily Scatterday Holehan, Pastor of Flourishing at Maple Avenue Ministries, has contributed photos of her nativity collection from around the world to be used for reflection.
As you look at these nativities from around the world, you are invited to engage in the spiritual discipline of Visio Divina, or "divine seeing." In "Spiritual Disciplines Handbook," Adele Ahlberg Calhoun defines Visio Divina as a spiritual practice where "we intentionally seek God by praying with images, icons, created media and creation itself." This practice can include "allowing the creativity of others to open a path to worship" that can result in "gratitude, a holy imagination, and hearts that worship the Creator."
The following pages will prompt you to reflect on what you observe in the various nativities accompanied by Scripture. We pray that this resource helps you reflect, pray, and worship Jesus Christ, the hope of the world!
Recommended Citation
Calvin University, "Christmas Meditations Inspired by Global Nativities" (2025). Campus Ministries Resources. 1.
https://digitalcommons.calvin.edu/cm_resources/liturgies/liturgies/1
Christmas Meditations Inspired by Global Nativities
Throughout the world, Christians display nativities that depict the birth of Christ. In portraying Christ's birth, each artist has a unique expression of the scene that is informed by their experiences, geographical location, and culture, among other things. Differences between the nativities can be observed in color, texture, shape, space, and in the material, or medium, used. Rev. Emily Scatterday Holehan, Pastor of Flourishing at Maple Avenue Ministries, has contributed photos of her nativity collection from around the world to be used for reflection.
As you look at these nativities from around the world, you are invited to engage in the spiritual discipline of Visio Divina, or "divine seeing." In "Spiritual Disciplines Handbook," Adele Ahlberg Calhoun defines Visio Divina as a spiritual practice where "we intentionally seek God by praying with images, icons, created media and creation itself." This practice can include "allowing the creativity of others to open a path to worship" that can result in "gratitude, a holy imagination, and hearts that worship the Creator."
The following pages will prompt you to reflect on what you observe in the various nativities accompanied by Scripture. We pray that this resource helps you reflect, pray, and worship Jesus Christ, the hope of the world!