The Nativity Celebrated in Stained Glass Art

Nativity Art Glass Windows

Every December during the weeks leading up to Christmas, references to and celebrations of Christ’s birth seem to be everywhere. Displays in people’s homes show Him sleeping in His manger, and carols on the radio speak of the joy associated with the Newborn King. The event of Christ’s birth is known as The Nativity. While it may be talked about more during early winter since Christians believe Christ was born on Christmas Eve, Nativity stained glass is a permanent fixture in many churches. Depicting the time immediately following the Savior’s birth, these religious stained glass windows often show not only Jesus but also Mary, Joseph, the Three Magi, an angel of God, and sometimes even the lowly sheep of the stable.

Shepherds admire the new born King

The Story of the Nativity

The Nativity is described in both the Gospel of Luke and the Gospel of Matthew. While Mary was with child, she and Joseph left Nazareth and traveled to Bethlehem. The reason given for this in the Bible is that they had to register for a census. When they arrived, they tried to locate a room at one of the inns in the area, but found that there were no accommodations available. Mary, then in the late stages of her pregnancy, and Joseph were offered shelter in a stable. It was in this humble setting that Mary gave birth to the baby Jesus. The new mother wrapped her baby in swaddling clothes and placed Him in a manger.

Following the Savior’s birth, an angel appeared to shepherds in a field nearby to tell them the good news. The Gospel of Luke recounts these words of joy spoken to them: “to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” The shepherds go to the stable to confirm the news of the miraculous birth. Farther away in the East, the Three Wise Men see the Star of Bethlehem and know that Christ has been born. They too visit the stable, presenting gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and worshipping the young Messiah. Stained glass images of the Nativity illustrate many lessons of the faith, perhaps the most important one being that God loved us so much that He sacrificed His only son to save mankind from their sins. 

Gothic stained glass featuring the Nativity

Stained Glass Inc. Produces Ecclesiastic Stained Glass Windows That:

• Are a lead-free and shatter-resistant alternative to traditional stained glass windows
• Are crafted according to your preferences–choose the color scheme, size, and shape you want
• Can be installed easily and inexpensively
• Scatter colored, prismatic light and produce the warm glow associated with church stained glass windows
• Will create a dramatic sermon in light and transform the appearance of your sanctuary

Our entire customizable Nativity stained glass gallery can be viewed on our site, which contains hundreds of images and free stained glass information!