"It is traditionally thought that St. Francis created the first Christmas pageant in Greccio, Italy in 1223 by gathering an ox and a donkey around a manger in a hillside cave and inviting all the people to come and see the re-enactment of God’s love for those humble and the poor. And come they did, according to the early writings, with torches lit and great anticipation to see the little man from Assisi tell them and show them the mystery of God present as a baby.
From that simple and glorious celebration at midnight in the rural countryside, we have fashioned more elaborate living nativities (still with donkeys and some even with camels) and also smaller nativity sets that rest on our mantels and tables.
Over the years, I have collected over 70 nativity or crèche sets from around the world, each different, unique and bearing the cultural marks of the place; yet, each telling the story of the Holy One bending low to be with us – with each of us whatever our circumstances.
Take a moment to remember any crèche sets you have or have seen. How does each invite you into the amazing story of the Divine dwelling with you. You might also offer this prayer to help you enter into the remembering.
Holy One, into such a world as ours and such a time as this, you chose to enter. Again and again, you visit us in the darkest times of life. Again and again, you surprise us in the midst of hectic schedules, tense cities, global pandemics, and worried lives.
Cause us to breathe deeply and receive this amazing good news.
A couple years ago, I stood in the cave at Greccio, before the stone manger with a little straw laid on top. One light shown on the manger and another on an old peeling fresco on the back wall showing Mary, the baby and a kneeling Francis. The moment hushed me into silence and awe, wonder and thanks.
There is something awe-filled about that Italian cave but what I think Francis hoped for was that if Greccio could be a little Bethlehem, then everyplace could be Bethlehem. We can have Bethlehem moments anywhere and kneel in wonder. Even here and now. Maybe, especially here and now as we push again toward birthing love and healing, justice and inclusion for all people in our country and throughout the world." https://contemplativemonk.com/preparing-for-christmas-with-st-francis/
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