The enchanting image of the Christmas crèche, so dear to the Christian people, never ceases to arouse amazement and wonder. The depiction of Jesus’ birth is itself a simple and joyful proclamation of the mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God. The nativity scene is like a living Gospel rising up from the pages of sacred Scripture. As we contemplate the Christmas story, we are invited to set out on a spiritual journey, drawn by the humility of the God who became man in order to encounter every man and woman. We come to realize that so great is his love for us that he became one of us, so that we in turn might become one with him.
With this Letter, I wish to encourage the beautiful family tradition of preparing the nativity scene in the days before Christmas, but also the custom of setting it up in the workplace, in schools, hospitals, prisons and town squares. Great imagination and creativity is always shown in employing the most diverse materials to create small masterpieces of beauty. As children, we learn from our parents and grandparents to carry on this joyful tradition, which encapsulates a wealth of popular piety. It is my hope that this custom will never be lost and that, wherever it has fallen into disuse, it can be rediscovered and revived. (Pope Francis)
Comment: Pope Francis issued this apostolic letter during his recent visit to Greccio, the site of the first nativity scene or Christmas crèche. I never knew that Saint Francis was the creator behind this Christian phenomenon. Francis, the Pope not the Saint, goes on to explain the meanings behind the symbology and the proper place of the nativity scene in the faith and lives of Roman Catholics. You don’t have to be “raised by Jesuits” to appreciate this letter. It is far more a historical and anthropological study than an evangelical sermon… unless you’re looking for an evangelical sermon. Enjoy.
I was attracted to this letter because the nativity scene was part of every Catholic house at Christmas I ever entered in my life. My house is no different. Every year I set up the same Goebel figures that I set up for SWMBO’s and my first Christmas in our own house in Mililani Town, Hawaii. I think we bought the set at the Pearl Harbor Base Exchange. It wasn’t all that expensive and we’ve only added the two camels and a sheep in all these years. We like it and it serves to remind us every day of the season and the meaning of Christmas to Christians.
This was Colonel Lang’s Christmas crèche. He introduced it several years ago with this comment. “I bought this one in Bethlehem from the Palestinian Christian who carved it. God bless you every one. pl”
May you all share in the wonder and joy of today.
TTG
Thank you for re-posting both creches. Yours is charming and I agree that camels are essential. The Colonel’s is the most beautiful Bethlehem creche I’ve seen.
I have found some of the least expensive nativity sets can be the most appealing if only because they tend to be simpler. It was a simple scene. Merry Christmas!
TTG,
Thanks. Lovely story. Like your Christmas crèche, but I must ask – where’s the donkey?
Now your Christmas day is complete. Because what day is ever complete without someone pointing out the need for a little ass? Even if it is in the comment threads…. Cheers.
Fred,
The donkey is there. He’s sitting on the left hand of baby Jesus and the right hand of Mary. After your comment, I had to look to see if I had a little ass.
Great post. Growing up we had Nativity scene on a hutch/china cabinet. Most of the figures were ceramic but a few add-ons were plastic.
My five siblings and I enjoyed switching around the figures as each of us saw fit. Instant fun.
The Pope should have asked Putin for a Christmas ceasefire. Perhaps that could have averted the massive number of NorKo KN-23s, Kinshals, Kalibrs, K101s and Shahed drones that attacked Ukrainian cities on Christmas Day.
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5055923-trumps-ukraine-russia-envoy-slams-kremlins-christmas-day-attack/
Some people say we did the same in 1776 at Trenton. But I believe that was on the 26th, the day after Christmas when we killed Colonel Rall and took over 800 Hessian prisoner (xin lỗi Leander).
https://warontherocks.com/2024/12/the-first-u-s-army-christmas-washington-and-the-hessians-2/
Great flic here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jgEMrK1lcM
And what’s the deal with banning Ukrainians from celebrating Christmas in the occupied regions? And reporting them as saboteurs to the FSB if they do so? Yeah, I realize Orthodox Christmas is coming up on 7 January. But if some want to celebrate now and acknowledge Santa instead of Father Frost let them do it.
https://x.com/atesh_eng/status/1871790477898576254