January 1 - The Circumcision of the Lord

Traditionally, the Circumcision of the Lord is celebrated on January 1st, eight days following the birth of Christ. This is also the Octave Day of the Nativity or, in the new calendar, the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.

So here is some sacred art to help you bring in the new year with these great feasts.

First is the Circumcision of the Lord, from the workshop of Giovanni Bellini (c. 1500). This is a graphic scene, but also one that has been regularly depicted in art over the years.

Next, we'll consider something we can all appreciate, a beautiful image of the Blessed Virgin Mary showing her with her Divine Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This is the great 19th century painter, William-Adolphe Bouguereau's "The Virgin with Angels."