The Christmas Rose (1890) by John Shelton Eland - Public Domain Catholic Painting
This image depicts an angelic figure visiting a shepherd. The angel, with radiant light and colorful wings, holds white flowers and stands among blooming roses. The shepherd, dressed in a yellow robe and holding a staff, looks up in awe, surrounded by sheep. The serene landscape features rolling hills and a starry night sky, emphasizing the divine encounter. The scene likely symbolizes the announcement of Christ's birth to the shepherds, in line with the legend of the Christmas rose.
The legend of the Christmas rose tells of a shepherdess named Madelon who, unable to bring a gift to the newborn Jesus, cried. An angel made beautiful white flowers bloom from her tears, which she then offered to the Christ child. These flowers, known as Christmas roses, symbolize purity and hope and bloom during the Christmas season.
