The Nativity of Jesus Christ, in keeping with tradition, a miniature sheet bearing three stamps depicts a traditional Nativity scene. The works are in terracotta by Maltese sculptor Joseph Scerri.

MaltaPost said that, Scerri was born in Rabat and received his early training under Anton Agius, Anthony Calleja and Joseph Casha at the Malta School of Art. He has spent the past 30 years working primarily in bronze and is responsible for the monuments of Anton Agius, Kilin and Joseph Howard.

This terracotta triptych shows the first visitors to the holy crib. Awestruck shepherds on the left and gift-bearing kings on the right, flank the central panel showing the holy family.

A manger with stable animals and a princely procession on camels completes the background design of the miniature sheet which is topped by the quintessential star!

The stamps within the miniature sheet measure 44 mm x 31 mm, with a comb perforation of 13.9 x 14.0 and bears the Maltese Cross watermark.

The miniature sheet itself measures 120 mm x 80 mm and was produced in the offset process by Printex Ltd. The issue consists of 15,000 miniature sheets with each stamp bearing a value of €1.

These items will be available from all Post Offices in Malta and Gozo from Friday, the 16th of December.

Orders may be placed online at www.maltaphilately.com or by mail from the Philatelic Bureau, MaltaPost p.l.c. 305, Qormi Road, Marsa, MTP 1001; Telephone: 2596 1740, e-mail: info@maltaphilately.com

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