Holy Night

 

"Holy Night"

10x7.125"

"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

So, where was Jesus born in a cave or a stable in Bethlehem? 

I did some research to decide which location to use for the background setting of the nativity. "The Gospel says that Jesus was born in a cave or stable in Bethlehem because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2.7) There, Jesus, the "spotless lamb", was wrapped in swaddling clothes—perhaps the same swaddling clothes that shepherds would have used at that time to swaddle a spotless lamb—and laid in a manger. But was the manger in a cave or a stable? 

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.

Thanks for viewing my work!

nancy

References: 

https://ewtn.co.uk/chpop-where-god-was-born-inside-the-holy-church-of-the-nativity-in-bethlehem/

https://www.oursundayvisitor.com/was-jesus-really-born-in-a-stable/