This year marks the 800th anniversary of the first “live” Nativity. On Christmas Eve in 1223, Francis of Assisi set up a replica of the original manger scene in the town of Greccio, Italy. Some historians believe that it was his visit to the Holy Land that inspired Francis to set up his own version of the little town of Bethlehem. Others speculate that the deep spirituality of the “poor little man (Poverello)” from central Italy led him to share the poverty, humility, and humanity of the Word made Flesh with the people of his time. As Francis strived to imitate the poor, chaste, and obedient Jesus, he used many symbols and actions to promote his spirituality. An ordained deacon and a passionate preacher, Francis reminded his religious brothers that they should preach with their words and deeds.
The Nativity scene was a devotion that did not need any words. The first Christmas showed the world the glory of creation and the beauty of nature. The Nativity display attempts to do the same. Outside the church, surrounded by children, babies, animals, and the vast night sky, the whole town could experience what it meant for God to become man. This scene was not just a fancy tableau, or a pretty picture come to life. It was an experience of life. Francis literally “fleshed out” the miracle of the Incarnation. He brought the environment of the Holy Land into his own land, his own little town. He helped the townspeople to make themselves part of the Christmas narrative. The Nativity story is not just His (God’s) story, but our story, as well.
Christians continue this tradition down to our own day. Grade school pageants, high school concerts, seasonal TV specials, and holiday movies all help us to experience, in some way, the wonder of that silent night. However, it is the manger scenes set up in our churches, homes, and on our front lawns that really connect us to the mystery of Christmas.
Growing up, our family Nativity display was a simple set bought at Sears when my parents were first married in the Fall of 1967. The figures were made of heavy plastic, but they were very realistic. The stable seemed to be constructed of wood and the backdrop was a rustic scene that echoed the hills where the shepherds kept their flock. Because the set seemed indestructible, my mother would let my sisters and me play with it for a few days before we arranged it on our mantlepiece on Christmas Eve. I always looked forward to these December days because it was an opportunity to create my own scene and to somehow be a part of the sacred story. In a sense, this is what St. Francis of Assisi wanted for the town of Greccio, and for the whole church.
When we look at the many Nativity displays that surround us this Christmas, we take note of the variety of styles and the uniqueness of each scene. Whether set up in a grand cathedral, a parish church, a town square, or below the tree in a small living room, we recognize that the story continues.
Francis de Sales followed the example of his patron saint and encouraged devotion to displaying images of the birth of Christ. He called Christians to “come close to the crib. Be rich in love for this adorable Savior, respectful in the familiarity with which you relate to Him, and delight in the joy of experiencing in your soul so many inspirations and affections because you belong to Him.” De Sales taught that holiness is possible in every walk of life and in every area of daily life. The manger scene is a reminder of the sacredness of the simple and the miracles found in the present moment.
Fr. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS
Provincial
Wilmington-Philadelphia Province
