The Art of Christmas: Meditations on the Birth of Jesus

by Jane Williams

A star, a stable, angels, shepherds, kings and, at the heart of it all, a mother and her baby. . . Jane Williams' meditations on the birth of Jesus take you deep into the story of the original Christmas, as depicted in some of the world's greatest paintings. These profoundly perceptive reflections on the different ways in which artists have imagined the nativity will deepen and refresh your appreciation of the real meaning of Christmas, and the message of love, joy, and peace that it speaks to all the world.

Genres: Faith, Art, Christmas

114 pages, Paperback

Published September 6, 2022

Reviews

[Steph De Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a beautiful little Advent book that pairs passages from the gospels with paintings of key events in the Christmas narrative. Williams' textual commentary is succinct yet thoughtful, and I enjoyed the book's thematic organisation, which makes it easy to read in digestible chunks. Recommended reading for art-lovers in search of something to read during Advent!

[Allison Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really lovely little book. Williams does a great job guiding the reader through various components of each work of art and connecting those visual aspects to theological truths. I found a lot of her writing to be really thought-provoking, drawing out aspects of the Christmas story I had never considered before.

It's not structured as an advent devotional and there are only 21 works of art discussed, but it made a great advent-ish read, and in 10 years will make a great homeschool advent art curriculum 🤪

[Bodies in the Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book to read during Advent, and I’d recommend it to anyone. Beautiful selection of paintings (and one sculpture - the Black Madonna of Montserrat), with interesting commentary and Bible passages.

Really love this, and will reread in future.

[Danielle Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoy all of Jane Williams' books at Chritmas and Lent. The intersection of beautiful classic art and Scripture and devotion is perfect. It delights me to be exposed to art I never saw before and hear her small thought on it tied into a devotion.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this kind of book. I could wish for some more info about the artists or more reflections on elements of the paintings. I’d like to know why she picked each one. Still I enjoyed it and will read it again next year.

[Joy Chalaby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful bringing together of scripture, art and meditation on the Christmas story, and Christ's birth.

[Catherine Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A guide through the Christmas readings accompanied by some exquisite paintings of the Christmas story.