Reflections
10 Most Popular Religious Art Christmas Cards
Why you should send a religious Christmas Card
Sending your loved ones a religious art Christmas card is the best reminder to help you and others focus on the true meaning of Christmas. A traditional Christian Christmas card is a reminder that Jesus is the reason for the season. Here are the top ten religious artwork Christmas cards that Christians buy during the Christmas season.
Common images seen on Christian holiday cards include the graceful Mary, the mother of Jesus, as she welcomes her infant child into the world. Jesus of Nazareth is often depicted in a manger, lying in a bed of straw, surrounded by the Three Kings, Mary, and Joseph.
The Three Kings, also called the wise men, or the Magi, saw a bright star in the sky, and followed it. This star, the Star of Bethlehem, guided the wise men to the newborn baby Jesus, who was born in the little town of Bethlehem. When the Three Kings arrived to Bethlehem, they presented the baby Jesus with three extravagant gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. In the time of Jesus’ birth, myrrh was used as an anointing (or embalming) oil, and used for pleasurable fragrances and health benefits. Frankincense was used as perfume or incense.
It is also common to see animals in the manger with the newborn Christ. There were cows, sheep, ox, and donkeys. These animals help depict the level of poverty Mary and Joseph lived in. Not only was there room in an inn for Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem, but they also lived a humble life and welcomed the birth of their son in a small, simple manger, surrounded by animals.
These faith-filled images help capture the beauty and spirit of the holidays, particularly the Christmas season of welcoming the birth of Baby Jesus. This list of the top Christian Christmas cards is broken up into two categories: Holy Family Christmas Cards and Mary & Jesus Christmas Cards. Share with your faith with your loved ones this Christmas season with these greeting cards.
Holy Family Christmas Cards: Top 4
The Child Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and Saint Joseph. You may think Christmas is all about Jesus Christ, but Mary and Joseph play an important role. The Virgin Mary said yes to the miraculous conception of God’s only son. Once Mary bore Jesus, she and Joseph exhaustively worked to protect God’s son from King Herod, who wanted to kill Jesus.
#1: Mary and Joseph Flight to Egypt Christmas Card
This is the most popular religious Christmas card, with a beautiful simplicity, yet powerful meaning. This artwork depicts Mary and Joseph on their way to Egypt. They fled from Bethlehem to Egypt since the angel warned them that Herod wanted to kill Jesus. It was a grueling journey on foot with little time to rest. This artwork captures the One moment In which the holy Family rests before continuing on to their safe haven.
Beautiful Holy Family Christmas Greeting Card
The artwork on this Christmas card appears simple, but there is so much devotion Mary and Joseph hold and their hearts as they restlessly make their way to Egypt. This artwork captures a brief moment of sleep before they continue on to their journey. Laying on the statue of the sphinx is the Virgin Mary holding the newborn baby Jesus, who is glowing with glory. It appears that Joseph can barely join them, as he collapses from exhaustion.
This Christmas card is a refreshing reminder of what the true meaning of Christmas is and the importance that Jesus should have in each of our lives. Seeing this Christmas card is a clear reminder that Jesus is the reason we celebrate the season of Christmas. It also reminds us to be joyful of the sacrifices Mary and Joseph made in order to raise God’s only Son in safe hands.
The Holy Family Escape to Egypt Bible Passage
Below is the Bible verse from Matthew that depicts Mary and Joseph fleeing to Egypt to bring their son Jesus to safety:
Matthew 2:13-14 – The Escape to Egypt Bible passage:
When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:
“A voice is heard in Ramah,
weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children
and refusing to be comforted,
because they are no more.
Inside greeting reads:
May the Peace and Joy of the newborn King be with you this Christmas!
Shop now for the Flight into Egypt Christmas Card
#2 Wise Men Nativity Christmas Card
This Christian Nativity Christmas card depicts the wise men greeting the newborn Jesus with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The three gifts that the wise men offered up to Jesus had spiritual meanings: gold symbolized kingship and power on earth, frankincense (which is an incense) symbolized deity, and myrrh (a preservation oil) to symbolize death.
The symbols of these gifts date back to one of the most important works of early Christian apologetics, called Contra Celsum: “gold, as to a king; myrrh, as to one who was mortal; and incense, as to a God.” They now at his feet and humble their hearts to greet the newly born Savior. Jesus is glowing with glory in the quiet, simple home.
Inside Text:
May the Peace and joy
of the newborn King
be with you this Christmas!
Purchase the Christmas card with the wise men presenting gifts to Jesus
#3 Nativity Scene Featuring Angels and the Holy Family
This complex Christian artwork by Charles Poerson depicts the desire both humans and angels have to adore the newborn Jesus after his birth. The artwork depicts Mary kneeling in front of Jesus, who lay in the hay. Joseph peeks behind Mary’s shoulder, as Jesus points up into the sky, pointing to God the Father.
Seven angels fly over the Holy Family, singing praises to the newborn king. It is an incredible depiction of the awe and wonder even angels have for the newborn baby Jesus Christ. This beautiful piece of art is worth sharing with all your friends and family.
Inside Text:
May the Joy
of our mighty God,
the Prince of Peace,
reside in your heart
all through the year!
Glory to God in the Highest!
Click here to shop now for the Nativity Scene Featuring Angels and the Holy Family
#4 Most Popular Christmas Card for Grandparents
Holy Family with Grandparents Joachim and Anne
This image of The Holy Family by Belgian painter Joseph Paelinck expands the typical family Christmas card to include the grandparents of Jesus, Sts. Anne and Joachim. Not many Catholic Christmas cards offer a look into the family beyond Joseph and Mary. The beauty of this card shows the similar relationships Jesus’ family has to our own; grandparents paying a visit when a child is born. The grandparents rejoice in the birth of their grandson. St. Anne is holding baby Jesus’ hand while St. Joachim is looking at the baby over Mary’s shoulder. You can see the pleasant and proud smile on Mary’s face, as she introduces her son to her mother. This card is the perfect greeting for grandparents.
Inside Text:
Father, we look to Your
loving guidance and order
as the pattern of all family life.
By following the example of
the Holy Family of your Son
in mutual love and respect,
may we come to the joy
of our home in heaven.
Amen.
5 Most Popular Christmas Cards Featuring Mary
There are a variety of Virgin Mary Christmas Cards. A woman full of such grace and humility is a beautiful reminder of the love that fills the Christmas spirit. Her love for God was so strong, she agreed to miraculously conceive God’s only Son, Jesus Christ. Here are the top Christmas Cards of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
#1: Mary Queen of the Angels Christmas Card
Does this artwork give you goosebumps? The beauty of this Christmas card stands out right away. Mary stands with Jesus in the center of the card, Jesus’ arms stretched wide. His arms stretched out shows his readiness to bestow his mercy on the world. The painting is complete with an incredible border of angels, kneeling on clouds in adoration and using incense to lift up their prayers. This card is certainly unique and is a special way to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Inside Text:
Wishing you a most blessed and merry Christmas Season!
Hail Dawn-Herald!
Brightest of Angels!
Over the middle-earth
sent unto men,
Most righteous gleam
of the bounteous sun,
Radiant beyond the stars above.
All times and seasons
Thou dost illumine
out of thy innermost depths.
If Thou, O God from God,
begotten of old before the ages,
Son of the Father,
has lived forever
Amid the glories of heaven,
now thine own handiwork
Bids Thee in boldness
to bestow upon us
This brightest of suns,
in the time of our need,
To enlighten us who long since,
have dwelt in perpetual night,
Enfolded in darkness and mist,
and who have endured
The shades of death and sin.
Shop the Queen of Angels Christmas Card
#2: Star of Bethlehem Christmas Card
Bethlehem is the town where baby Jesus was born. This precious traditional Christmas card shows the beauty of mother and son. Mary carefully holds her son, Jesus, in her arms, under the night sky. The Star of Bethlehem, or the Christmas Star rests in the sky directly above mother and son. The design is completed with curious angels floating on clouds, looking on at the baby Jesus in Mary’s arms.
The Star of Bethlehem comes from a story in the Bible, located in Matthew 2:1-11: “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’
Consider the song, “Oh Holy Night” or the song, “Silent Night”. The night time depicted in this artwork is so still and gentle. The peace and tranquility is clearly displayed in this unique artwork. This Christmas card is perfect for those who wish to remind their friends and family of the peace and beautiful fragility that comes with the Christmas season.
Inside Text:
May the Joy
of our mighty God,
the Prince of Peace,
reside in your heart
all through the year!
Glory to God in the Highest!
Click here to purchase the Star of Bethlehem Christmas Card set
#3: Madonna and Baby Jesus Best Christmas Card
Madonna and Child by Enric M. Vidal
Why is Mary called Madonna?
The Virgin Mary is referred to by many names, one of them being Madonna. This is because the term Madonna is Italian for “Our Lady”. No matter how you refer to her, Mary is the mother of Jesus Christ, the only Son of God who was brought into this world to deliver us from sin. She is the mother of our Savior, and therefore a very important part of celebrating the Christmas season.
This gold colored religious Christmas card depicts the Virgin Mary gracefully holding in her hands her son, Jesus Christ. The artist beautifully paints a see-through veil upon Mary’s head, with a gold crown with jewels. The baby Jesus is holding fresh grapes in his hands and great finds serve as the border of this glorious image. The artwork is complete with angels singing praises to baby Jesus in the background.
Sharing this Catholic Christmas card of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ is the best way to remind friends and family about the true meaning of Christmas. We celebrate Christmas to welcome the birth of baby Jesus into the world. Mary is leaning in to kiss Jesus on the forehead, which reminds us to show our love and adoration to God’s Son as well.
Glory to God in the Highest Christmas Card
Luke 2:13-21
Suddenly a great army of heaven’s angels appeared with the angel, singing praises to God: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased!”
Inside greeting reads:
May the joy
of our mighty God,
the Prince of Peace,
reside in your heart
all through the year!
Glory to God in the Highest!
Shop here for the Madonna and Child Christmas Card Set
#4: Song of the Angels – Best Greeting Card for Music Lovers
Catholic Christmas Card of Mary Holding Baby Jesus
This beautiful Catholic Christmas card depicts Mary holding baby Jesus while angels surround them in song. The winged angels are playing their violin and other instruments, singing “Glory to God in the Highest!” Mary is wearing a royal blue velvet robe and resting while the angels greet baby Jesus with song and praise.
Glory to God in the Highest Christmas Card for Musicians
This is a perfect Christmas card for those who love music, particularly those who play the violin. Music is one of the best ways to pray, as it evokes so much emotion and grace. These angels do just that and help inspire us to turn to Jesus in prayer during the Christmas season.
Luke 2:13-21
Suddenly a great army of heaven’s angels appeared with the angel, singing praises to God: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased!”
Greeting text inside the card:
“May the
glad song of the angels
resound in your heart
all through the year!
Glory to God in the Highest!”
Quote:
“A Christmas Prayer
By Robert Louis Stevenson
O God our loving Father,
help us rightly to remember the birth of Jesus
that we may share in the glad song of the angels
the gladness of the shepherds,
and the worship of the Wise Men.
Close the door of hate and open the door
of love all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift and
good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessing that Christ brings,
and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.
May the Christmas morning make us happy
to be Thy children, and the Christmas evening
bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts,
forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake.
Amen”
Shop now for the Song of the Angels Greeting Card
#5 Annunciation Religious Art Christmas Card
Mary plays an extremely important role in the birth of Jesus Christ. After all, it was Mary who gave birth to our Savior. When Mary and Joseph were still in Nazareth, God sent the angel Gabriel to Mary. The angel informed Mary of Nazareth that she would bear a son and that she should name him Jesus. The angel said, “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High God.”
Mary was confused how she was to bear a child, as she was a virgin. The angel said in response, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and God’s power will rest on you.” Mary did not fully understand, but she trusted in God’s holy works and replied, “I am the Lord’s servant”.
The Feast of the Annunciation is celebrated on March 25th each year. March Mary is the only woman to have miraculously conceived a child. The Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary plays a critical role in the birth of Jesus Christ. This beautiful stained glass Christmas Card depicts the Annunciation of our Lord. The angel Gabriel is depicted on the left, flying down to greet Mary with the news that she will bear the Son of God. Mary, on the right, is kneeling in humble prayer while she replies “I am the Lord’s Servant”.
Inside Text of the Greeting Card:
May the Joy
of our mighty God,
the Prince of Peace,
reside in your heart
all through the year!
Glory to God in the Highest!
#10: Religious Christmas Card Multipack / Variety Pack
Too many options? Can’t decide which Christian Christmas card you’d like? Good news! You can also purchase a variety pack of multiple Christmas cards. This can help you customize what greetings you would like to send to each of your friends and family. For example, if your sister really admires Mary, you can give her the Madonna and Child Christmas card. Alternatively, if you see your neighbor displaying a beautiful nativity set on their front lawn each year, sending them a nativity Christmas card would certainly brighten their day. There are a variety of multipack card options, but the most popular is the Madonna and Child Christmas card variety pack.
This set of five cards displays Mary throughout her first year of nurturing the newborn Baby Jesus. The first (top left) depicts Jesus resting on her chest upon a star-lit sky. The second (bottom left) is the famous Madonna and Child by Enric M. Vidal, mentioned above. This gold card depicts Mary holding Jesus Christ, wearing a beautifully graceful translucent veil upon her head, with a gold crown with jewels. The baby Jesus is holding fresh grapes in his hands and great finds serve as the border of this glorious image. The artwork is complete with angels singing praises to baby Jesus in the background. The card on the top right shows the Holy Family resting on their flight to Egypt, with Mary holding baby Jesus as she lays on a sphynx statue. Next is Chamber’s Nativity Christmas card, depicting the wise men greeting the newborn Jesus with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Lastly, the card on the bottom left depicts Mary holding Jesus as they accept gifts of flowers from young children in a village.
Shop this religious Christmas card set
Celebrating the True Meaning of Christmas
Christmas is filled with food, family time, gifts, and more. But you can take those externalities all away and still have Christmas. Christmas is not about the external aspects of the season (shopping, hosting, eating). Christmas is all about JESUS. We celebrate Christmas since it was the day Jesus Christ was born into this world to save our sins. Christmas is the day God sent his only Son to take the human form in flesh but to absolve us of our sins through His spirit.
Why do we celebrate Christmas anyway? For a moment, forget about the presents and the decorations. Put aside your memories of cute holiday markets and busy Black Friday shopping. Over the years, we grow less concerned about receiving presents, less interested in baking hundreds of cookies, and our Christmas spirit may feel as if it is extinguishing.
But what is the one constant about Christmas? Well, it’s in the name itself: Christ. December 25 is not just a holiday to share gifts and drink hot chocolate with family. Christmas and the Christmas season is so much more than that.
How do Christians Celebrate Christmas?
Christmas is more than one day. Christmas is actually a season that begins on Christmas Eve (December 24) and ends on the Sunday celebrating the Baptism of the Lord, also known as the Theophany. The Christmas season lasts for approximately 20 days. In the older tradition, before the Second Vatican Council, the Christmas season lasted a whole 40 days, echoing the 40 days of Lent.
Christmas recognizes the merciful action of God, entering the world in the form of a human – as Jesus – in order to save humanity. Naturally, Christian attend Church services to show praise and thanksgiving for the birth of our Savior. Singing in Church services is common, as it multiplies one’s prayers. Christians also spend time preparing for the Christmas season during the earlier season of Lent, which lasts for 40 days. The 40 days of Lent mirrors Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the Judaean Desert.