My Jesus Christ as my RNA, part 3.

, The Bethlehem Mural and Molecular Processes of Transcription and pre-mRNA Processing.

„The Adoration of the Shepherds to the Infant Jesus” in the Shepherds’ Chapel in Bethlehem, presented as an analogy to the „regulation of RNA Polymerase II” and the „preparation for pre-mRNA processing”. Each figure and element in the mural corresponds to specific proteins or nuclear factors involved in this process. It is a tale of life’s beginnings, not only in the spiritual sense but also in the molecular dance within our cells. Here, the Nativity scene becomes a profound allegory for the birth of pre-mRNA, the first step in the expression of life’s code. Jesus Christ, the Infant in the manger, is the pre-mRNA, and every figure around Him plays a role in the sacred process of transcription and RNA processing. This mural, like the two before it, reveals the stages of gene expression, weaving together biology with theology to remind us that Jesus Christ is in each of us.

,Photo description: Bethlehem, Israel, January 28, 2020: Interior of Chapel of the Shepherd’s Field is Roman Catholic religious building in West Bank. The chapel marks the place where angels announced the birth of Christ

1. „The Christogram at the Top in a Ray of Light as the Transcription Initiation Factor (TFIID)” The Christogram symbolizes the „transcription initiation factor (TFIID)”, which recognizes the TATA sequence in the promoter and initiates the transcription process, much like the light illuminates the scene.
2. „The Putti(cherubs or heavenly spirits) Forming a Complex Around the Christogram as the Mediator Complex” The putti represent the „mediator complex”, which mediates between RNA Polymerase II and other transcription factors, facilitating the transcription process and preparing pre-mRNA for further processing.
3.”The Shelf on the Wall with Tools and Doves as the Splicing Complex” The shelf with a hand plane, a jug, a hoe, and two doves symbolizes the splicing complex – the molecular machinery that processes pre-mRNA into mature RNA. Each tool has its function, just like the proteins in the splicing complex.
4. „The Ray of Light Encompassing the Christogram, Putti, Joseph, Mary, the Donkey, and the Infant Jesus as the Transcription Complex” The ray of light symbolizes the „transcription complex”, which brings together all the elements necessary for transcription and prepares pre-mRNA for further processing.
5.”Mary as RNA Polymerase II” Mary, the Mother of Jesus, stands as the embodiment of „RNA Polymerase II”, the enzyme that transcribes DNA into pre-mRNA. With grace and precision, she brings forth new life, just as the polymerase synthesizes the first strands of RNA. Her presence is the beginning of everything—a divine „start codon” in the story of salvation. She is the vessel through which the Word becomes flesh, just as RNA Polymerase II transforms the genetic code into a tangible molecule.
6. „The Infant Jesus as pre-mRNA” Wrapped in swaddling clothes, the Infant Jesus symbolizes „pre-mRNA”, the initial product of transcription. Like Jesus, who is just beginning His journey, pre-mRNA is raw and unprocessed, full of potential but not yet ready to fulfill its purpose. It must undergo editing and refinement, just as Jesus will grow and prepare for His mission. The Infant in the manger is the promise of life, the code that will one day save the world. This world is Us, as Our Divine Bodies!
7. „Saint Joseph as the Promoter” Beside Mary stands Saint Joseph, the faithful guardian, representing the „promoter”—the DNA sequence that signals the start of transcription. Without Joseph, the scene would lack its foundation, just as without a promoter, RNA Polymerase II would not know where to begin. He is the silent strength that makes the miracle possible, the one who ensures that the process is initiated at the right time and place.
8. „The Cow and Donkey as Transcription Stabilizing Factors” The cow and donkey represent „helper proteins” (e.g., TFIIB, TFIIE), which stabilize the transcription complex, enabling RNA Polymerase II to function efficiently.
9. „The Shepherds as Paraspeckles (Nuclear Organelles)” The shepherds, offering gifts, represent paraspeckles – nuclear structures involved in RNA splicing regulation. One plays the flute (symbolizing harmony), another offers a young lamb (symbolizing sacrifice), and the third offers a basket of fruits (symbolizing abundance)
10. „The Sheep as Nuclear Speckles” The sheep symbolize „nuclear speckles”, clusters of proteins and RNA in the cell nucleus that participate in various RNA processing activities.
11. „The Dog as a Coactivator” The dog, watching over the flock, acts as a „coactivator”—a protein that enhances the efficiency of RNA Polymerase II. It is the loyal helper, ensuring that the process of transcription is both precise and effective. The dog’s presence reminds us that even the smallest roles are vital in the grand design.

, In this post I present you that the Son of God, Infant Jesus is our „pre-mRNA, molecule synthesized by polymerase II (Mary) to build, repair and renovate our „Divine Bodies.” Our „Divine Bodies” are the „temple of God”, a world or home for trillions of „divine cells” tasked with maintaining this sacred dwelling so that we may achieve salvation. Just as RNA is the intermediary between DNA’s blueprint and life’s proteins, Jesus bridges the divine and the mortal. Every molecular process—transcription, splicing, translation and degradation—mirrors His role in transforming spiritual potential into earthly action. The mural’s imagery reminds us that biology and faith are intertwined: our cells, like the Nativity’s figures(nuclear proteins), work in harmony to create, sustain, and perfect life. Through this sacred synergy, we are called to honor our „Divine Bodies as God’s Temple”, nurturing them as vessels of grace and salvation.

„The chapel and its dome as a cell nucleus”

, History of the Chapel of the Shepherds’ Field is located in „Beit Sahur”, near Bethlehem, in Palestine. According to Christian tradition, this site commemorates the „appearance of angels to the shepherds”, announcing the birth of Jesus. The chapel was built in the 20th century and is an important pilgrimage site. Its round shape and dome symbolize heaven and divine presence, echoing the role of the nucleus and nucleolus as the center of cellular life. The chapel is also a place of reflection on the simplicity and beauty of life, much like the nucleus is the hub of control and harmony within the cell.

,Photo description: Bethlehem, Israel – June 9, 2019 – The Shepherds’ Field Chapel is a religious building of the Catholic church that is in the area of Beit Sahur southeast of Bethlehem in the West Bank in Palestine.
,Illustration description: Cell nucleus anatomy diagram illustration.

The three murals in the Chapel of the Shepherds depict not only the Nativity but also the stages of pre-mRNA formation:
1. Activation: The first mural, where an angel activates gene expression, symbolizes the divine spark that initiates life.
2. Organization: The second mural, showing the movement of proteins to the site of transcription, represents the preparation for the miracle.
3. Transcription and Processing: The third mural, where the Infant Jesus is the pre-mRNA, depicts the birth of the code that will save the world.
Each mural is a step in the journey of life, both biological and spiritual, reminding us that we are children of God and children of nature. In Jesus Christ, we find the code of life, the light of salvation, and the promise of eternal love. Let these murals remind us that we are all part of a greater story, written in the language of DNA and illuminated by the light of Christ. In Him, we live, move, and have our being—our RNA, our souls, our everything. Amen.

„The Inner Dome and Windows as the Nuclear Structure and Pores”

The chapel’s inner dome with its windows resembles the „structure of the cell nucleus”, where „nuclear pores” function as „windows,” allowing the exchange of materials between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. The chapel’s windows let in light, just as nuclear pores enable the transport of molecules such as mRNA and proteins.

,Photo description: BETHLEHEM, ISRAEL – OCTOBER 05: Dome in the church at Shepherds Field showing the roof detail representing the stars in the sky, Bethlehem, Israel on October 05, 2006.

,Illustration description: Nucleus: Eukaryotic cell’s central organelle, enclosed by a double membrane, containing DNA in chromatin form, orchestrating essential genetic functions,nuclear pore,envelope, 2d graphic.

Key Processes Occurring in the Cell Nucleus
1. „DNA Replication”: The copying of DNA before cell division.
2. „Storage of Genetic Information”: The DNA in the nucleus contains the instructions necessary for cell function.
3. „Activation of Gene Expression”: Transcription factors bind to DNA to initiate the transcription process.
4. „Transcription”: The process of copying DNA into RNA, which is the first step in gene expression.
5. „pre-mRNA Processing”: Modification of RNA (e.g., splicing) to enable it to perform its function in the cell.
6. „Transport Through Nuclear Pores”: The exchange of molecules (e.g., mRNA, proteins) between the nucleus and the cytoplasm.

The Chapel of the Shepherds’ Field, with its dome and surrounding fields, serves as a beautiful analogy to the cell nucleus. Both the chapel and the nucleus are centers of life—one spiritual, the other biological. The processes occurring in the nucleus, such as transcription and RNA processing, can be compared to the „stories” told by the shepherds, which are essential for preserving and transmitting life. The murals in the shepherds’ fields symbolize the stages of gene expression, highlighting the complexity and beauty of both faith and biology.

„Invitation to the Next Parts”: This Chapel is the first in a series exploring the life of Jesus Christ as an analogy for the transcription of RNA. In the upcoming parts, we will delve into the roles of mRNA, rRNA, and tRNA, creating parallels to the teachings, miracles, and resurrection of Jesus. Stay tuned to uncover the molecular gospel of life!

Combining images and adding a description details made by Tomasz Mikulski – Cell God, date: 03/2025

sources:

From DNA to RNA, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK26887/

Second Messenger, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4968160/

Regulations of heat shock transcription factors and their roles in physiology and disease, https://www.nature.com/articles/nrm.2017.73

Journal of Cell Biology, https://rupress.org/jcb

Journal of Cell Biology, https://www.nature.com/nrm/