Initial P with the Nativity This initial probably begins the Introit for the Third Mass of Christmas Day, 'Puer natus est nobis ...' (For our sakes, a child is born). This image shows the reverse of a cutting from a missal with an historiated initial. Initial A with King David lifting his soul to God This initial begins the Introit for the First Sunday in Advent, 'Ad te levavi animam meam ...' (I lift my soul to you). The words of the Introit are from Psalm 24:1-3. In the Middle Ages, David was believed to have composed the psalms, and he was thus often found in psalm illustration. Here, he kneels and literally lifts his soul, in the form of a nude child, toward God. Initial S with the Pentecost This initial begins the Introit for the feast of Pentecost, 'Spiritus domini replevit orbem terrarum ...' (The spirit of the Lord fills the whole world). This image shows the reverse of a cutting with an historiated initial from a missal. Script: Gothic bookhand
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