“While it is good that we seek to know the Holy One, it is probably not so good to presume that we ever complete the task.” ~ (Bonhoeffer)
At the first Christmas – the circumstances were dire. There was no room at the inn and the Baby Jesus was born in a manger. There were no doctors, nurses, midwives, bright hospital lights, and a bag packed with fine clothing for either mother or child. It was the humblest of births.
There are many miniature depictions of this Nativity Scene as part of the Christmas celebrations. It is known by different names as well – creche, nacimiento, presepio, or Krippe. The name depends on the country and the figures and scenery sometimes reveals the culture.
I read that St. Francis of Assisi was responsible for the very first live staging of the Nativity outside of a church. This took place in Greccio, Italy, in 1223. It is very common for most church groups today to put on their own version of the Nativity at which all the parishioners and children get involved. This brings everyone closer to what the original Birthday Celebration was all about.
It’s easy to forget the reason for the big party altogether amidst all the school parties, office parties, decorating, shopping, cooking, and planning for the party. The Manger Scene and the song “Away in A Manger” are a good way to remember the reason for the Season.
Away in a manger,
No crib for His bed
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down His sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky
Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay.
We hear the beating of wings over Bethlehem and a light that is not of the sun or of the stars shines in the midnight sky. Let the beauty of the story take away all narrowness, all thought of formal creeds. Let it be remembered as a story that has happened again and again, to men of many different races, that has been expressed through many religions, that has been called by many different names. Time and space and language lay no limitations upon human brotherhood. ~New York Times, 25 December 1937, quoted in Quotations for Special Occasions by Maud van Buren, 1938, published by The H.W. Wilson Company, New York.
Have a Merry Christmas! Hope you enjoyed all the Manger Scenes.