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The icon has much symbolism. The little helpless figure in swaddling clothes represents the complete submission of Christ to the physical conditions governing the human race.

The earth provides Him with a cave. The animals watch Him in silent wonder and we humans humanity offer him one of usits own, the Virgin Mother. His The manger is like a casket and His swaddling clothes are very much like the grave clothes: He was born to die! .

The sky salutes Him with a star, the light of wisdom. This is a sign that Christ came for everyone: ''"For by it, those who worshipped worshiped the stars, were taught by a star to adore Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee, the Orient on high"'' (from the [[troparion]] of Christmas). Some icons have three rays from the star, representing the Holy [[Trinity]].

Below the center are a tree, an ox, and an ass. The tree is the "Jesse Tree" from [[prophecy]], which says that a shoot will sprout from the stump of Jesse (the father of King [[David]]): ''"A shoot shall sprout from the stump (tree) of Jesse and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him"'' ([[Book of Isaiah|Isaiah]] 11:1-2). The ox and the ass are also from an Old Testament prophecy:''"The ox knows his owner, and the donkey his master's crib"'' (Isaiah 1:3). Sometimes they are shown near the Christ child, providing warmth from their breath.

The [[angels]] are glorifying God, tending to the action, and ministering: announcing the [[Gospel|Good News]] to the shepherds, or singing. To the right, a young shepherd sits, wearing a wreath and playing his flute, showing the joy of the Good News.