The Meaning of Icons

The Icon of the Nativity

One of the most famous icons is that of the Nativity.  Its symbolism is that of the Creator of the Universe entering history as a newborn babe.  The little helpless figure in swaddling clothes represents the complete submission of Christ to the physical conditions governing the human race.  Yet he remains Lord of Creation.  The angels sing praises.  The Magi and the shepherds bring their gifts.  The sky salutes Him with a star.  The earth provides Him with a cave.  The animasl watch HIm in silent wonder and we humans offer Him one of us, the Virgin Mother.

The lower scenes underline the scandal of the incarnation.  The right hand scene shows the washing of the infant by the midwife and her assistant.  It tells that Christ was born like any other child.  The scene on the left protrays Joseph, who, having observed the washing of the infant, is once again assailed by doubts as to the virginity of his spouse.  He is tempted by the devil, who suggests that if the infant were truly divine He would not have been born in the human way.  The Mother Mary is in the center, and from her reclining position looks at Joseph as if trying to overcome his doubts and temptaitons.

Taken from Introducing the Orthodox Chruch: Its Faith and Life by Anthony M. Coniaris, Light & Life Publ. Co.

The Iconographer's Prayer 

"O Divine Lord of all that exists, You have illumined the Apostle and Evangelist Luke with Your Most Holy Spirit, thereby enabling him to represent the most Holy Mother; the one who held You in Her arms and said: 'The Grace of Him Who has been born of me is spread throughout the world.  Enlighten and direct our souls, our hearts and our spirits.  Guide the hands of your unworthy servants, so that we may worthily and perfectly portray Your icon, that of Your Holy Mother and of all the saints, for the glory and adornment of Your Holy Church.  Forgive our sins and the sins of those who will venerate these icons, and who, standing devoutly before them, give homage to those they represent.  Protect them from all evil and instruct them with good counsel.  This we ask through the prayers of theMost Holy Theotokos, the Apostle Luke, and all the sints, now and ever and unto ages of ages.  Amen."