The nativity scene, manger, or crèche began when St. Francis of Assisi recreated the scene in Greccio, Italy in 1223 A.D. after visiting the Holy Land. The tradition spread to different towns, churches, and homes throughout the world.
Devotion to the Savior’s birth, when God became flesh, is nearly as old as the Church itself. The Bible describes the scene when the Messiah that was promised to Adam and Eve was finally born in a cave in Bethlehem because there was no room at the inn.
Jesus, God and Savior of the world, humbled Himself to be born among common animals and placed in a manger where they ate their food.
Choosing to enter the world through a human family, Jesus’ parents were also present at the Savior’s birth. The Blessed Virgin Mary and her husband Joseph displayed tremendous faith and obedience to God’s plan.
An angel appeared to announce the birth of Christ, followed by a multitude of angels who gave glory to God in song. Shepherds in the field soon responded and came to see the newborn King.
Marking the birth of the new king, a star appeared in the sky which was followed by Wise Men from the East. These Magi likely arrived months or years after the birth of Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
As an object of devotion, the crèche helps to understand, appreciate, and reflect on what the birth of Jesus truly means for mankind. Elements of the manger scene point to events that will take place during Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
A reminder that God comes to us:
A tangible reminder of a historic event:
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born Son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2: 4-14
A way to help people really experience the Christ child:
The enchanting image of the Christmas crèche:
Why does the Christmas crèche arouse such wonder and move us so deeply? First, because it shows God’s tender love: the Creator of the universe lowered Himself to take up our littleness. The gift of life, in all its mystery, becomes all the more wondrous as we realize that the Son of Mary is the source and sustenance of all life. In Jesus, the Father has given us a brother who comes to seek us out whenever we are confused or lost, a loyal friend ever at our side. He gave us his Son who forgives us and frees us from our sins.
Pope Francis, Admirabile Signum, 1 December 2019
A scene representing a family in difficulty:
Details of the nativity story foreshadow future events:
No one, whether shepherd or wise man, can approach God here below except by kneeling before the manger at Bethlehem and adoring him hidden in the weakness of a new-born child.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 563
St. Francis dramatized the fact that God became human:
Celebrating Christmas in a special way:
The Truth, Goodness, and Beauty of the Catholic Church
To infinity and Beyond:
Share this page with friends and family to start a conversation about your faith.
Don’t miss a post. Learn more about the Catholic Church and strengthen your Catholic faith.
Find more Fiercely Catholic video issues here.
Subscribe here.
