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Nativity scenes have been part of the Catholic tradition since St. Francis of Assisi created a living Nativity scene, complete with an ox, a donkey and a manger full of straw in the Italian mountain town of Greccio in 1223.
“The Child Jesus had been forgotten in the hearts of many,” St. Francis’ biographer, Thomas of Celano, reported, “but, by the working of divine grace, he was brought to life again through his servant Francis and stamped upon their fervent memory.”
Eight hundred years later, the mystery of that first Nativity in Bethlehem still captures the hearts of the faithful, and the various cultures of the universal Church continue to create their best representations of the day God entered our world as a helpless infant.
The Nativity scene has been a staple of domestic churches and grand cathedrals alike. Whether made elaborately by artisans in grand Neapolitan style or hand-carved of olive wood in the Holy Land, such depictions reflect the meaning of the season.
And as Father Roger Landry says in his Christmas commentary, “This Advent and Christmas, as the Church looks with gratitude to 1223, it’s important to remember the lessons of Greccio. The Child Jesus has similarly been forgotten in the hearts of many today …”
Christians in the Holy Land have been asked to mute their Christmas celebrations due to the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
With that in mind, the Register stands prayerfully with them and other suffering Christians around the world, imploring God that the joy, wonder and grace of Christmas nevertheless touches them.
What follows is a sampling of Nativity scenes from Europe.
Wishing you the joy of the Christ Child! — The Editors
Continued below.
www.ncregister.com
“The Child Jesus had been forgotten in the hearts of many,” St. Francis’ biographer, Thomas of Celano, reported, “but, by the working of divine grace, he was brought to life again through his servant Francis and stamped upon their fervent memory.”
Eight hundred years later, the mystery of that first Nativity in Bethlehem still captures the hearts of the faithful, and the various cultures of the universal Church continue to create their best representations of the day God entered our world as a helpless infant.
The Nativity scene has been a staple of domestic churches and grand cathedrals alike. Whether made elaborately by artisans in grand Neapolitan style or hand-carved of olive wood in the Holy Land, such depictions reflect the meaning of the season.
And as Father Roger Landry says in his Christmas commentary, “This Advent and Christmas, as the Church looks with gratitude to 1223, it’s important to remember the lessons of Greccio. The Child Jesus has similarly been forgotten in the hearts of many today …”
Christians in the Holy Land have been asked to mute their Christmas celebrations due to the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
With that in mind, the Register stands prayerfully with them and other suffering Christians around the world, imploring God that the joy, wonder and grace of Christmas nevertheless touches them.
What follows is a sampling of Nativity scenes from Europe.
Wishing you the joy of the Christ Child! — The Editors
Assisi, Italy
Continued below.
‘O Come Let Us Adore Him’: European Crèches
Marking 800 Years Since the First Crèche
