This image of the Adoration of the Magi following the codex Egberti is a meditation on the gospel story.
READING THE IMAGE
Star: It is a star with 8 branches, the number 8 is the sign of salvation. Thus is fulfilled the prophecy of Balaam: "I see it, but not for now, this nation will be born a star, this people will arise a royal scepter." (Numbers 24:17).
Mages: The way to represent them is still significant.
• On different ages: they symbolize the three ages of life and therefore man whatever his age.
• From a different race: they represent all races and highlight the universal message of Jesus.
• Crowned: Mages realize awaiting promised Psalm 71 "All kings shall fall down before him.
• They offer gold attribute of kings. Mages recognize that child come a king
• Prostrate in the attitude of humility.
• Names are given to them. They are written on the image. These names will be allocated according to a popular tradition: Melchior, Gaspar, Balthasar.
The child Jesus is not a baby but a child. Emphasis is placed on his regalia: Mary is sitting on a throne, the child is dressed in royal purple, he received the gold attribute of kings.
Text (Matthew 2: 1-12)
What image illustrates the story does it? Note the differences between text and image?
Note that the text does not speak of "wise men" but "wise men". Cons by the title of king was given to Jesus: "Where is the king of the Jews? "Asked the Magi.
With children
Jesus is a king but it is different from the fairy tale kings. Jesus did not castle, soldiers, servants or wealth. His kingdom is "not of this world." He is a king of love come for all men, young and old of every race. Children, even small, can understand this difference.
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