An icon, in Greek, is "image" or religious painting in the tradition of Eastern Christianity. Images often include Mary and Jesus, Joseph, Saints, significant events and biblical stories. Over the years I have seen icons in museums. While I appreciated the art, I failed to appreciate the significance of the images in the deep faith of many Christians around the world.
Nine years ago I attended a Russian Orthodox worship service in Sarajevo, Boznia-Herzogovenia. Inside were a number of icons. A few years ago, at a Faith and Writing Conference, I attended a seminar on the meaning of these religious works of art and faith. My appreciation deepened. Even more recently I read a book by the Archbishop of Cantebury Rowan Williams titled Ponder These Things. He writes of several icons depicting of the Virgin and her Child.
One of the most striking to me was that of The Mother of God of Vladimir, a 12th century icon in a Russian cathedral. In some references it is called the Theotokos meaning "God-bearer" or "birth-giver of God." In it the Christ child "embraces Mary, cheek to cheek, his arm encircles her neck, one foot is thrust towards us as if he is pushing himself up against her body with great energy, and his right hand grasps the corner of her veil..." What is comforting is the Christ child's eagerness to draw close to Mary, to you and to me.
May the peace and joy of be yours as Christ draws near.
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