800th anniversary of St Francis creating a Living Nativity Scene
During this Advent season, we have commemorated the 800th anniversary of the first Christmas creche, which was crafted by St Francis of Assisi in 1223. This living nativity scene must have been an awe-inspiring spectacle for the people of Greccio and its surrounding areas with the darkness illuminated by torches, the united community, the mountainside backdrop, and the enactment of the Christmas story in all its raw beauty and simplicity.
“In a particular way, from the time of its Franciscan origins, the nativity scene has invited us to “feel” and “touch” the poverty that God’s Son took upon himself in the Incarnation. Implicitly, it summons us to follow him along the path of humility, poverty and self-denial that leads from the manger of Bethlehem to the cross. It asks us to meet him and serve him by showing mercy to those of our brothers and sisters in greatest need” (Pope Francis, Admirabile Signum).
It’s important to note that Christmas was not celebrated in the same manner as it is today during the 13th century. Life was incredibly challenging, short, harsh, and often marked by violence. In this unforgiving era, St Francis brought to life the tale of Jesus’ birth, demonstrating God’s boundless love for all of creation.
From this mountainside celebration the nativity scene was popularised and still today captures the beauty of the Christmas story. As Pope Francis notes:
It does not matter how the nativity scene is arranged:
it can always be the same or it can change from year to year.
What matters is that it speaks to our lives.
Wherever it is, and whatever form it takes,
the Christmas crèche speaks to us of the love of God,
the God who became a child in order to make us know
how close he is to every man, woman and child,
regardless of their condition
Pope Francis
Reflection:
How can you bring the Nativity to life in your home?
