Between these shepherds with their sheep, the newly-born Christ Child is seen in the arms of the Virgin Mary. The lowly stable, with the ox and ass behind the manger, is full of angels, a 'multitude of the heavenly host praising God' [Luke 2:13]. The Virgin Mary sits in humility on the ground beside the manger, emphasising the poverty of her surroundings. She gazes with tenderness towards her son, who reaches out towards her with his arms. The popular emotional piety of the Franciscans was an influence on the relationship shown between the Virgin Mary and her Son, with an increase of maternal affection and solicitude being portrayed. Her joy at his birth contrasts strongly with her emotions shown on the other wing of the triptych: her fear and bewilderment in the Annunciation scene at the top of wing, and below this her devastating grief at the death of her son at his Crucifixion.
Joseph does not participate in the adoration of the Christ Child taking place within the stable. He sits on the rocky landscape with his head resting in his hand, looking tired and confused at the events taking place. Traditionally, Joseph was much older than Mary, and it was customary to depict him as a white-bearded old man.
