Same Lamb, New Message

Where a lamb sits in a picture changes what it says:

• In a nativity scene, it hints at the sacrifice still to come.
• In a crucifixion, it is the sacrifice, happening now.
• In a vision of heaven, it stands for Christ returned in glory.

So a viewer read the lamb's meaning partly from its surroundings — the same figure could promise, mourn, or celebrate depending on the scene around it.