Image description for Now When Jesus Was Born in Bethlehem

A large swash capital N is used as a dropped capital, or decorative initial, for the start of the Gospel of Matthew; “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the King, behold, there came wise men.”

The initial contains stylized drawings of Mary and Jesus in a stable, with three wise men worshipping by raising up one arm each. The men are each carrying a gift of myrrh, frankincense, and a golden crown for a king.

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