It was during the Middle Ages that many of the familiar images associated with the Christmas story were devised and popularized: including the stable in Bethlehem inhabited by the ox and ass. What were the sources for these images? Are they always of biblical origin? This lecture, illustrated by images taken from sources as diverse as illuminated manuscripts, church portals, liturgical vestments, stained glass windows and goldsmiths’ work, will tell the stories surrounding Christ’s birth and investigate the often surprising sources for certain aspects of this well-known narrative.