Birth of Christ (Nascimento de Cristo)

Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem during a population census ordered by the Romans. Tradition places this birth in the premises of the Church of the Nativity built in the 4th century by order of St. Helena, Emperor Constantine’s mother. The date is discussed having in mind Herod's death and Jesus’ introduction to the Temple, probably in year 7 AD. For Catholic and Anglican Churches the birth festivity is celebrated on December 25. In English, Christmas or “Mass of Christ” is the adopted expression.


Jesus Cristo terá nascido na cidade de Belém durante um censo da população ordenado pelos Romanos. A tradição coloca o nascimento no local da Basílica da Natividade mandada construir no séc. IV por Santa Helena, mãe do Imperador Constantino I. Discute-se a data em função da morte de Herodes e da apresentação de Jesus no Templo. Provavelmente no ano 7 AD. Para as Igrejas Católica e Anglicana a festividade do nascimento celebra-se a 25 de Dezembro. Em inglês empregam o termo Christmas ou 'Missa de Cristo'.

Bjorgen-'the Nativity'-mural (Orthodox) Jordan River-John Baptist Church

Albrecht Altdorfer (ca 1480-1538)-'Birth of Christ'-oil on wood-ca 1513 Berlin-Gemäldegalerie

Meister von Hohenfurth (14th century)-'the Nativity (geburt Christi)'-oil on wood-ca 1350 Prague-Národni Galerie

Hans Baldung Grien or Grün (ca 1480-1545)-'the Nativity'-oil on wood-1520 München-Alte Pinakothek

Jean Hey, Master of Moulins (ca 1475-ca 1505)-'the Nativity of Cardinal Jean Rolin'-tempera on wood-1480 Autun (France)-Musée Rolin