What would December be without Christmas?
From Fr. Michael Garry
What would December be without Christmas? And what would Christmas be without scenes of Christ’s nativity? We have our patron, St. Francis of Assisi, to thank for the iconic Christmas imagery of the nativity scene. It was 800 years ago this year that St. Francis, in a cave in Greccio, Italy, presented a living reenactment of the nativity scene. This visual and creative—and apparently first—commemoration of Christ’s birth has since become a staple in Christmas decor and devotion.
Having recently returned from a trip to the Holy Land, St. Francis wanted to commemorate the birth of Christ with a visual representation. So in Christmas of 1223, St. Francis is credited as having created the first nativity scene or crèche (crèche is a French word meaning manger or crib). St. Francis has been called “the saint of the incarnation” because he believed that of all the ways God has revealed His love, none is more total and tangible than the incarnation. So it’s fitting to celebrate the incarnation with a visible representation.
It wasn’t long and nativity scenes were widely popular all around the world. Different traditions of nativity scenes emerged in different countries, each incorporating their own individual cultural expressions. In 1982 Pope St. John Paul II began having a large nativity scene erected in St. Peter’s Square. For 30 years the same figures were used, but beginning in 2012 different regions of Italy began donating the scenes (and, as a result, there’s been a lot of variation on the scene, ranging from very traditional and beautiful, to very modern and controversial). This year, the Vatican announced that the nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square will honor the 800th anniversary of St. Francis setting up the first nativity scene. It will be donated by the Diocese of Rieti, Italy, the same diocese in which St. Francis set up the original. The scene will incorporate historic Franciscan personages and themes as well. The scene will be unveiled on December 9th. As we approach Christmas this year, and as you set up your favorite nativity scene, be mindful of our patron, St. Francis of Assisi. Ask for his intercession, imitate his faith and devotion, and give thanks to God for 800 years of nativity scenes to commemorate His birth. After all, what would Christmas be without them?
Also, Thank you to all our volunteers who offered their time and talent during this Christmas season. So many volunteers helped to make our Masses and churches beautiful or helped our liturgies run smoothly behind the scenes. Our parish prayer was enhanced by your dedication and talent.