The Royal Mail in Britain has issued its series of Christmas stamps, this year bearing images inspired by the Nativity and Gospel references from the King James Bible which marks its 400th anniversary this year.
The first class stamp features an impression of the Virgin Mary and infant Jesus, while three other stamps depict Jesus in the manger (68p stamp), the shepherds being visited by the angel (£1.10) and the wise men and star (£1.65).
According to Stephen Agar of Royal Mail: ''Christmas stamps help to deliver festive messages of good cheer and celebration across Britain and around the world.''
He pointed out that this year, the service expects to deal with two billion cards and packages, many bearing the stamps range, over the Christmas period.