"What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." —Jn 1:3-5
The place of Jesus' birth has always been held in high esteem, which is why at the beginning of the fourth century a small chapel was built around it so everyone could visit. Unfortunately, the chapel was destroyed during a revolt in the sixth century. Soon after, Emperor Justinian had the chapel rebuilt, but it was much larger – it would be a basilica! This basilica was built above the original chapel on the very spot where Jesus was born. The basilica was verified to have been built on top of a cave.
According to ancient Christian sources, Jesus was most likely born in the darkness of a cave rather than a stable. To this day, many caves surrounding Bethlehem and Palestine have traditionally been used as stables for livestock for centuries.
If Jesus' life began in the darkness of a cave, and he was also buried in a cave/tomb after his crucifixion and death, this completes a full circle, which is why I chose a cave for the scene of my painting.
