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~*`ORIGIN OF THE CHRISTMAS CRECHE`*~
St. Francis and the Christmas Creche ~*~+~*~ What is the origin of the Nativity Scene (creche)? ~*~+~*~ The story of the origin of the Christmas creche rests with the very holy man, St. Francis of Assisi. ~*~+~*~ In the year 1223, St. Francis, a deacon, was visiting the town of Grecio to celebrate Christmas. Grecio was a small town built on a mountainside overlooking a beautiful valley. The people had cultivated the fertile area with vineyards. St. Francis realized the chapel of the Franciscan hermitage would be too small to hold the congregation for Midnight Mass. So he found a niche in the rock near the town square and set up the altar. However, this Midnight Mass would be very special, unlike any other Midnight Mass. Francis called it a "creche" the French word for cradle, Francis created the first creche using real people, a real manger, a real ox and ass, and real shepherds. ~*~+~*~ The Incarnation (Christmas) was a key component in the spirituality of Francis. He wanted to celebrate the Incarnation in a very special way. He wanted to do something that would help people remember the Christ Child and how He was born in Bethlehem. Francis wanted the people to see and experience how the Christ Child lay on the hay in a manger with an ox and an ass (donkey) standing by. ~*~+~*~ It was Christmas Eve, in the year 1223, At the appointed time, Franciscan Brothers came to the new Bethlehem. Men, women and children from the area came also to celebrate. The torches they carried lit up the night as they approached the creche. Once again, shepherds were walking in the night to come and adore the Christ Child. All were filled with joy over the mystery of the Incarnation. And a Great Tradition Began! ~*~+~*~ As you look upon your Nativity Set, may you remember and celebrate again God's Love for His Creation, To show His abundant Love, Mercy, and Forgiveness, He became a person like us, This is what the creche (cradle) symbolizes! From the Life of St. Francis , by Thomas of Celano. ~*~+~*~ Our own Nativity scenes which rest under our Christmas trees are a visible reminder of that night when our Savior was born. May we never forget to see in our hearts the little Babe of Bethlehem, Who came to save us from sin. We must never forget that the wood of the manger that held Him so securely would one day give way to the wood of the cross. ~*~+~*~ May we too embrace Him with all of our love as did St. Francis. To all of you who read this, I wish you a very Holy Christmas. ~*~+~*~ ~*~+~*~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~*~+~*~ ©*2010*`Presented by: `Mary Jane's Poetry` `Never Ending Circle of Love` by:`Janie/mjfb1954 a.k.a.~'MJB'~ Vote for this poem
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