Byzantine roots The narrative of the Gospels inspires icons of The Nativity The wonder of the Nativity represented in two-dimensional form—left, an aged Ethiopian icon from the Sinai Monastery of St. Catherine hints at the splendor of the iconographer's art. Right, the story of the Nativity takes on Medieval form. The words of the Gospels become holy images—Scenes of the life of Christ—whether on wall, papyrus, parchent, or paper—have adorned places or worship or refuge, like the catacombs. We call these religious images icons, from the Greek "eikóna," meaning "image." What a rare art it was! It is difficult to imagine how it was possible for the iconographer's hand, however gifted and inspired, to define, in two-dimensional space, the indefinable spiritual sphere intersecting that of earth. That is exactly what is accomplished in icons of The Nativity that picture the words of the Evangelists Luke and Matthew. The exuberant narrative of the Gospels springs to life in depictions of the Nativity, as evidenced by these two fine examples of the iconographer's art. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger...