In his Historia Anglorum, the 12th century English chronicler Henry of Huntingdon handed down the oft-repeated story of King Canute, the legendary Viking leader and 11th century King of England. Like individuals in authority in any age, he was continually being fawned over by those currying his favor. They praised him as the greatest monarch who had ever ruled. They extolled him as the mightiest man ever. They claimed that no one or anything would refuse to obey him. A man of common sense, he decided to expose the foolishness of their flattery.

The artist has painted a portrait of himself in the left foreground of this masterpiece. His eyes focus on us, inviting us into the scene. We are not mere spectators. Christ’s birth touches each of us.

Giza built pyramids fit for a king. Athens gloried in the Acropolis envied by the wise. Rome boasted of her Colosseum and her military might. Jerusalem took pride in her Temple, the place of the worship of the true God. Yet, not one of these receive as much praise in songs and hymns as the little town of Bethlehem.

The Greek philosopher Aristotle once said, “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” The most influential person in the scientific revolution, Sir Isaac Newton, confirmed this when he remarked, “If I have ever made any valuable discoveries, it has been due more to patient attention than to any other talent.” The English author Chaucer praised patience as the “conquering virtue.” However, in our fast-paced society, patience is not a readily practiced virtue.

The Kaaba of Mecca is Islam’s most holy shrine. It is said to have been built by Abraham and his son Ishmael. It is considered “the House of Allah.” Mosques throughout the world are built with a wall niche, known as mihrab, pointing toward this shrine to indicate the direction that Muslims should face when at prayer. By adopting a common direction for their prayers, devout Muslims express their unity as followers of Mohammed as worshippers of the one God.