14 And Counting

Did you know that the Nativity scene was not a part of the Christmas tradition until the 13th century? St. Francis of Assisi (the namesake of our new pope) popularized this visual sign of Christ's birth. The idea came to him after seeing a manger when visiting Bethlehem. Francis decided to create such a crib and make it a part of the celebration of Midnight Mass. In the year 1223, he shared his plan with Pope Honorius III, who approved of the idea.

St. Francis then found the ideal spot for his display. He located a small cave near the mountainside town of Greccio, Italy and began preparations. He made a crib, filled it with hay, and had an ox and ass stand beside the manger. He also had figures to represent the Virgin Mary, Joseph, Jesus, and the shepherds. At an appointed time, people from the nearby town arrived carrying torches and candles.

St. Francis knelt before the crib and prayed silently. He was overcome with love and filled with a wonderful happiness. After this event, devotion to the crib and the Nativity spread. Today, a crib representing the birthplace of Jesus is brought into the church at the beginning of Midnight Mass. It is displayed until the Epiphany as a way to remind us all of the mystery of the Incarnation.

Do you have a Nativity scene in your home over the Christmas season? Are there any special memories attached to the tradition for your family?

Some people collect these scenes. Here are some that reach the level of fine art!

This is considered possibly the largest hand carved olive wood Nativity scene ever created. Made in the Holy Land by artisan Jeries Facouseh, it is almost 5 feet tall and over 6 feet wide. The price, $23,900.00.

The Church of Sts Cosma and Damiano in Italy possesses one the largest Nativity scenes in the country. Originally commissioned by Charles III of Naples, this was the first scene to include detailed figurines of people from real life. Six master woodcarvers were said to have spent over forty years crafting this piece of art, which is on display all year. The city of Rome bought the scene in the 1930s and fully restored it to its current grandeur. 

Every year, the Historical Museum in the city of Krakow, Poland  organizes the Krakow Nativity Scene Competition. Nativity scenes made by children and young people appear side by side with those crafted by old masters and competition winners. In addition to the Nativity, artisans also construct beautifully ornate replicas of the city's churches. Actual sizes of the competition nativities will range from small enough to fit inside a matchbox to several meters high.

Nativity excerpt from Let the Children Come Cycle B published by Bound By Grace Press.