Interpretation of The Saint John's Bible

Interpretation of The Saint John's Bible

Birth of Christ

By Joel Allen, Ph.D., Professor of Religion and Philosophy

The illustration at the front of Luke's gospel contains several unsettling features. The image is dominated by a golden shaft which pours into the manger, yet baby Jesus is nowhere in view. A massive wild-looking black ox dominates the front while the gentle donkey and lamb seem to have retreated fearfully into the background. The shepherds have also moved away from the dangerous ox and appear like helpless children. The only baby in this illustration is coddled in the arms of a female shepherd. Joseph appears to be an older fellow and Mary not much younger. What is going on here?

In ancient iconography, all gospels were depicted with representative animals, and the gospel of Luke was represented with a bull. This bull, with front legs uplifted, is drawn in a style much like the bulls depicted in prehistoric cave paintings in France. Donald Jackson, the genius behind The Saint John's Bible, illustrated this piece. His brilliant work was thoughtful; not haphazard in any way. The bull represents vigor, vitality and strength. As for the gold shaft, gold throughout The Saint John's Bible represents divine presence and power. Jesus is completely subsumed into the golden shaft as the Emmanuel King!

On the other hand, we encounter images of meekness and timidity. As stated, the shepherds stand back almost in wondering fear of the ox and shaft. Mary and Joseph appear older than expected. This depicts a principle of Christian life-it requires both the strength of an ox and the weakness of a child. It takes strength to choose humility and forgiveness. Loving an enemy requires nerves of steel, yet a soft heart. Salvation costs nothing but discipleship costs everything.

Christian life clearly mirrors this image: strong enough to serve, humble enough to suffer, faithful enough to trust that weakness itself will be redeemed.

Birth of Christ, Donald Jackson, © 2002 The Saint John's Bible, Saint John's University, Collegeville, Minnesota USA. Used with permission. All rights reserved.