To compliment The Adoration of the Magi I have chosen another Christmas image popular with artists through the centuries. The Annunciation to the Shepherds recalls the angels appearing to the shepherds above Bethlehem to announce the birth of Jesus. (Luke 2: 8-14).

I have chosen a modern version, the lithograph from the Penrith Portfolio in the Tate Gallery by John Piper (1903-1992) from 1973. I think it represents the simplicity and highly charged emotion of Piper’s work. His contribution as a painter, stained glass designer and printer to twentieth century British Art is immeasurable, especially as a war artist recording bomb damage to churches including Coventry Cathedral.