THE NATIVITY

The first window on the south side of the sanctuary depicts the Nativity of our Lord. The divine Child lying in the crib is the focal point of the scene. The movement of the figures surrounding the child is meant to draw our eyes towards the newborn Saviour. Mary, His mother, is shown kneeling down in love and adoration. In the background, we see Joseph, the pious and devoted protector of Jesus. The shepherd's staff he is holding in his hands is a symbol of his duty entrusted to him by God. In the upper left we see the star of Bethlehem sending its rays down to earth. Two shepherds, standing in the middle of their sheep, are watching the scene from afar.

The right lancet depicts the shepherds who have hastened to the stable to adore the Saviour. They represent men of different ages and characters. In the foreground we have a kneeling shepherd, a heroic and youthful type, offering his hands to the service of the Lord. His face expresses enthusiasm and firm decision. Then we have the mature man looking up to heaven and thanking the Lord for the grace to see his Saviour. The third shepherd, an elderly man, with an inquisitive look on his face, watches the child with wonder and surprise. Two shepherd boys are looking on from the field. The upper section of the right lancet shows the angel of the Lord who had brought the good news to the shepherds in the field. He appears in a stylized cloud to symbolize that he is sent from above, from heaven. The landscape is indicated with some suggestions on the background: the hills of Judea in the upper right section and the city of Bethlehem, in the two lower sections, is symbolized by dome- shaped oriental buildings.