“I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.”
Psalm 89:1-2, NIV
I grew up in the Methodist Church and as such, I didn’t really learn to appreciate icons until I joined the Episcopal Church as an adult. I’ve always been a fan of Visio Divina (using images for prayer and meditation) and I found religious icons enhanced my prayer life.
Our Centering Prayer leader with Wisdom Tree Collective gave us an opportunity to share a psalm, Icon, poem, etc… with the group for the month of December. We start with a Psalm and then have quiet for 20 minutes for Centering Prayer. Then we take time for Lectio Divina and/or Visio Divina.
A couple of weeks ago, Carol shared this religious icon of the Eastern Orthodox “Nativity of our Lord.” As Christmas is upon us, I wanted to share this icon to experience a bit of Visio Divina. I hadn’t seen this one before and I had to say it took my breath away.
Christmas is the time where Christians around the world celebrate the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The incarnation represents God’s profound love for humanity, as He chose to enter the world in the humble form of a baby left in the care of Mary and Joseph.
It is an action of love and humility. It shows the desire of God to connect with humanity on an intimate level. God desires a relationship with you.
As Charles Dickens observed in A Christmas Carol, there is a thinner veil between our world and the supernatural. As such, in the Bible narrative in Matthew, there is a thinner veil between heaven and earth. The icon shows how the angels of heaven joined and proclaimed Jesus’ birth.
As individuals may unwrap gifts during the holiday season, it’s essential to reflect on the greatest gift of all—the gift of love through the incarnation. Whether you are experiencing abundance this season or scarcity, know that the God of the universe is also the God of humanity.
You’re not alone.
You are known.
You are loved.
We are all on this journey of life together. I wish my readers and followers a Merry Christmas and thank you.
Visio Divina (Divine Seeing) Exercise:
What are you first drawn to in the image? Take a few deep breaths while just looking at what you are drawn to. Why do you think you are drawn to this element?
Take a few more breaths and see the image in its entirety. Take time and look at all the elements of the icon.
What emotions does it evoke in you?
Does the image stir up a story or idea?
Does this icon lead you to an attitude of prayer? If so, what would you like to say to God?
Offer your prayers or sit in silence with God for a moment.
Amen.
More information:
Nativity Icon Explained – Orthodox Road
Visio Divina: Sacred Seeing to Encounter God (calvin.edu)
Praying With Our Eyes: The Practice of Visio Divina – Coracle (inthecoracle.org)
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