US Post Office Releases Its 2016 Nativity Stamp for Christmas

Last updated on: November 3, 2016 at 12:23 pm by Tony Rossi

US Post Office Releases Its 2016 Nativity Stamp for Christmas 2016-11-03T12:23:43-05:00 Tony Rossi

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

As the time for writing and mailing Christmas cards quickly approaches, the U.S. Post Office today released its 2016 Nativity stamp, featuring a stunning silhouette of the Holy Family.

I was not aware that an actual dedication ceremony takes place for this kind of event, but it was held today at St. Paul Church in Washington, D.C.

Here is the press release with more information about the event that served as an affirmation of faith for many Americans.

The U.S. Postal Service is ready for Christmas with a new Nativity Forever stamp issued today. The stamp was dedicated at Saint John’s Church in Washington, DC, and is available nationwide today.

The public is asked to share the news using the hashtag #NativityStamps.

“Today we honor one of the most symbolic images in the world. An image that for Christians from all walks of life celebrates the story of the Nativity – the birth of Jesus Christ. This beautiful stamp includes a brilliant star that stands out in both its illustration and in its meaning of Christmas,” said U.S. Postal Service Corporate Communications Vice President Janice Walker. “There are no greater traditions than those of the holidays, and the Postal Service is happy to help you celebrate and honor your traditions.”

Joining Walker in dedicating the stamps were former U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors member Louis Giuliano; St. John’s Church Rector Reverend Dr. Luis León; and Florida Avenue Baptist Church Pastor Adamio Charles Boddie. U.S. Postal Service Shipping Solutions Manager John Samuels III served as master of ceremonies.

“During my time with the Board of Governors I witnessed the launch of a stamp series that spoke deeply to my Christian faith,” said Giuliano. “The first stamp, aptly named Holy Family, was issued in 2012 and illustrated the journey of Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus into Egypt. In 2014, I was honored to stand here in Saint John’s Church to help dedicate the second stamp in the series, Christmas Magi, which illustrated the story of the Three Wise Men.”

“It is with great pleasure that I welcome the United States Postal Service back to St. John’s Church for the unveiling of the 2016 Nativity Forever stamp,” said León. “Our ceremony today celebrates the remarkable mystery of the Incarnation, the world’s most widely observed holiday. This new stamp reminds us of God’s gift of his son as our savior; his continuing gift of grace in our lives and the possibility for us to receive the power to become his children.”

Art director Greg Breeding of Charlottesville, VA, designed the stamp with original artwork by Nancy Stahl of New York City.

The stamp art features an image of the Holy Family silhouetted against a dawn sky. As the baby Jesus lies in a straw-filled manger, Mary kneels to the right and Joseph stands to the left, holding a lantern. Over the scene, a bright star shines on the trio. The color palette features simple shades of blue and white highlighted by deep shadows.

The Nativity Scene
Artists through the centuries have celebrated the Nativity in painting and sculpture. Carvings of Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus, often accompanied by an ox and a donkey, date back at least to the fourth century. St. Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the first crèche in the 13th century. In 1223 in a cave near a small village, he set up a manger as a visual way to deepen the message of his sermon on the birth of Jesus.

Today Nativity scenes remain the centerpieces of many church and family devotions during the Christmas season.

Nativity is being issued in booklets of 20 Forever stamps. Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

(Stamp image property of US Postal Service)

Stay in touch! Like The Christophers on Facebook:

The Christophers

Previous Post

November 1, 2016

Pint-Sized Prophets Who Teach Us We Are All Born to Be Healers

Next Post

November 7, 2016 Bill Murray, David Letterman, and the Irish Christening Gown

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Act One American Idol Andy Griffith Show Audrey Assad Baseball Bible Books Catholic Charities Christmas Christopher Awards Christopher Closeup Christopher News Notes Current Events Down syndrome Education Father Jonathan Morris Father Keller Films Forgiveness Fringe Government Hallmark History Holidays Humor Inspiration Leadership Lost Marriage Media Medical Military Movies Music NY Med Once Upon a Time Once Upon a Time Parenting Patheos Movie Club Person of Interest Politics Pope Francis Prayer Pro Life Saints Senior Citizens Signed Sealed Delivered Special Needs Sports Three Minutes a Day TV Uncategorized Volunteering Women Youth

Select a Month March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who said, "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity"?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Isaiah Job Solomon David