Georges de La Tour (1593-1652) was a French painter in the Baroque style. He is known for the simplicity and stillness he implies with an almost geometric treatment of his subjects. As with many artists, he painted this scene with his times in mind. The dress and position of his subjects, the infant’s swaddling and head cap take us into the world he saw and how he imagined this scene in his world. He used the chiaroscuro of candlelight to remind us of the darkness of interior spaces in his day and to memorialize the light of this holy child.

The Nativity, sometimes called The Newborn Christ, portrays for us in a classically meticulous style the gravity of holding a newborn and the newborn son of God. This imaginative painting  seems to show us a poignant, elegant, terrifying and stark moment in the life of Mary. The women’s hands are most revealing. Mary’s hands appear stiff and uncertain. She seems to hold the baby with her finger tips. Mary’s companion seems to have the hands of a trusted mentor – holding Mary’s arm with a concealed hand and signalling an almost prayerful note of encouragement and confidence with the other. Does this scene cause you to remember moments when you gave or received this deep and quiet presence? A time when you sat with someone holding  gentle trust in them and in God?

During this Advent season and in all the seasons to come may we seek these moments with the people God has made part of our lives. In these moments may light and love beyond measure be born again and again into the darkness of this world. Thanks be to God.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy  
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church