For the first time, a specially designed modern interpretation of the Holy Family has gone on display in the Lady Chapel of Lichfield Cathedral this Christmas.

The modern-day interpretation board is taken from John 1: 14 And the Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighbourhood and features members of the Cathedral staff team dressed in Lichfield Cathedral’s view of what the Holy Family might look like today.

The group was pictured gathered on a building site and include Mary and Joseph with baby Jesus in arms, standing in front of a small fire pit in front of a hospital building.

Visitors to the scene include construction workers as the shepherds, and the magi are businesspeople and academics. The angels use music, and phones and emails to tell the Christmas story.

The Dean of Lichfield, the Rt Revd Jan McFarlane said:

“We want to help visitors to Lichfield Cathedral this Christmas to find their place in the Christmas story and to understand that the birth of Jesus is as relevant for us today as it was to those who were the first witnesses to his birth, over 2,000 years ago.”

The Holy Family is on display near the crib until Candlemas (2 February) What’s on this Advent and Christmas can be found here.