The Egbert Codex contains the earliest completely illustrated life of Christ. It was commissioned by Archbishop Egbert of Trier, and executed by the Benedictine monks of Reichenau, an island in Lake Constance. The illustrations remain brilliant after 1000 years. In this one the angel holds a cross-staff in his left hand while his right hand points to the name of Joseph. His revelation entrusts to Joseph God’s plan for His Son Incarnate.