The Royal Mail has issued a unique set of five stamps on November 4, celebrating significant figures from the biblical Christmas story. The collection features four nondenominated stamps for various mail classes, including second-class and first-class options for both standard and large mail. Additionally, a £3.40 stamp represents the international standard rate. The captivating imagery on these stamps comes from British illustrator Paula Doherty, who created collages reflecting key events surrounding the Nativity.
Among the stamps, the second-class standard mail stamp depicts the archangel Gabriel announcing the birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary, while the second-class large mail stamp shows Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem. The first-class stamps illustrate Mary holding the newborn Jesus and the shepherds who were informed of his birth by angels, marking the story's important moments as described in the Gospels. The set also includes a £3.40 stamp featuring the Magi delivering gifts to Jesus, a depiction that reflects the journey of these wise men as per the Gospel of Matthew.
Stamp collectors will appreciate the limited-edition nature of this release, which includes additional offerings such as a presentation pack, a souvenir sheet, and first-day covers designed with thematic postmarks. This set not only captures the essence of the Christmas story but also showcases Doherty’s artistic vision of unity within fragmented narratives. For more details about this stamp collection, visit this link.