Did you know the Basilica has a Nativity Chapel? Amongst the sprawling dome mosaics and towering statues of the Great Upper Church, you’ll find glittering chapels honoring the mysteries of the Rosary. This Christmas season, we invite you to virtually experience the Nativity Chapel, which honors the miracle of Christ’s birth in vibrant mosaic.
What happened at the Nativity?
Shortly before Mary was due to give birth, she and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem for the census since he was of the line of David. When they arrived, they could find no place to stay, and Mary had to give birth in a stable. An angel appeared to shepherds in the fields outside the city, proclaiming the Christ Child’s birth.
“The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’”
– Luke 1:10-14
The shepherds came and visited the baby Jesus, telling Mary and Joseph what had happened, and praised God.
In the Nativity Chapel, this mystery is depicted with its Old Testament parallel, Isaiah prophesying the Messiah’s virgin birth in Isaiah 7:14:
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign; the young woman, pregnant and about to bear a son, shall name him Emmanuel.”
Explore the Nativity Chapel in immersive 360°
We invite you to experience the Nativity Chapel virtually below!
Sources:
Rohling, Geraldine M., PhD, MAEd. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception: Guide and Tour Book. Washington, D.C.: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 2018.