Woman of the Apocalypse Fireback

The Woman of the Apocalypse, described in Revelation 12, appears clothed with the sun, with a crown of twelve stars and the moon under her feet. She gives birth to a child destined to rule all nations, while a great red dragon waits to destroy him. The child is taken up to God, and the woman escapes into the wilderness for protection, as the archangel Michael defeats the dragon in a heavenly battle. Many Christians see this woman as both a symbol of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and of God’s people throughout history. Mary personally fulfills this image by giving birth to Christ and protecting him, while the woman also represents the faithful community through whom God's plan is carried out.