Forever Stamps 2013 Holy Family – Religious Christmas Scene, First-Class Postage

Value: 66¢ 1-ounce first-class letter rate
Issued:  October 11, 2013
First Day City:  New York, NY
Printed by: Banknote Corporation of America for Sennett Security Products
Method: Offset printing in sheets of 200 in 10 panes of 20
Perforation: Serpentine Die Cut 11

During the Christmas season, people retell Jesus’ birth and early life.

The Wise Men traveled to find the “King of the Jews” and honored him with gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Herod, fearing a rival, plotted to destroy Jesus, prompting Joseph to take his family to Egypt, warned in a dream.

Joseph, Mary, and Jesus began a 200-mile journey immediately, sustained by the Magi’s precious gifts.

While traveling, Mary became hungry; Jesus made a palm tree bend down for her to reach dates.

Idols fell and broke as Jesus passed by, according to another legend.

Churches mark locations believed to be where Jesus stayed during the Holy Family’s flight.

Art director William Gicker, designer Greg Breeding, and artist Nancy Stahl created the stamp’s artwork. It features Joseph leading a donkey carrying Mary and baby Jesus under a shining star.