We have it on good authority that Saint Francis of Assisi created the first Christmas crib (creche or manger scene) in the year 1223. Recalling a visit he had made years before to Bethlehem, St. Francis resolved to create the manger he had seen there. He and the Friars found a nearby cave, crafted an image of the baby Jesus, put down hay upon which to lay him, and placed animals to stand beside the manger. It is said that the Friars and the nearby faithful “stood before the manger…overcome with love and filled with a wonderful happiness.”
For St. Francis, the simple celebration was meant to recall the hardships Jesus suffered even as an infant, a Savior who chose to become poor for our sake, a truly human Jesus.
This week, as we pray around the Christmas cribs in our homes or here on the parish grounds, we welcome into our hearts that same Savior. Remember that God’s choice to give human beings free will was from the beginning a decision to be helpless in human hands. Let us praise and thank the Lord for being so powerful and mighty, yet so vulnerable, too.
Please come to the parish property in the days ahead to see our parish manger scene. Our fellow parishioner Senen Angon has created a quiet, prayerful spot so that we might “come and adore Him, Christ the Lord.”
A Blessing for a Manger Scene in your home: “In the name of the Father … .Our help is in the name of the Lord. R/. Who made heaven and earth. God of every nation and people, from the very beginning of creation you have made known your love: when our need for a Savior was great you sent your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary. To our lives He brings joy and peace, justice, mercy, and love. Lord, bless all who look upon this manger; may it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus, and raise our thoughts to Him, who is God-with-us and Savior of all, and who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.”
To read a beautiful reflection on “Being Born in a Barn” https://www.franciscanmedia.org/franciscan-spirit-blog/born-in-a-barn
