Why do we set up Nativity scenes?

Nativity scenes are certainly staples of the season. Many of our homes and churches would not be the same without them. It’s surprising to realize, then, that mangers weren’t displayed at Christmas for over a millennium after Christ’s birth. St. Francis of Assisi set up the first one on Christmas Eve in 1223. Such a novel idea at the time, he even obtained the pope’s permission (Pope Honorius III) in advance.

That Christmas, the saintly deacon who founded the Franciscan order invited the villagers and friars of Greccio, Italy, to gather for Mass at his manger. This was not a scene with statues familiar to us today, but rather a cave with animals and their feeding trough-turned-crib. He told a friend, “I want to do something that will recall the memory of that child who was born in Bethlehem, to see with bodily eyes the inconveniences of his infancy, how he lay in the manger, and how the ox and ass stood by.”

It seems St. Francis was inspired by visiting the site of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem during his own pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He wanted to foster love for the Child Jesus and hoped his “live” Nativity’s visual display would drive home the poverty and simplicity in which God’s Son came into the world. Like St. Francis we call to mind this reality of Christ’s birth each year as we set up our own Nativity scenes.

While the manger is traditionally empty all through Advent, many places are known to have the faithful bring the Christ Child to be blessed at Mass on the Fourth Sunday of Advent — Bambino Sunday — before placing him in the manger on Christmas. We will honor this tradition in our parish next weekend: bring the Baby Jesus from your family’s nativity to Mass.

This year, let us consider making the Nativity scene the first and most important Christmas decoration to grace your home. If possible, find a new place of honor for your Nativity set. Try not to hide it under the tree, where it will eventually be buried by presents. Instead, place it on a mantle, a hutch or a small table set up for this special purpose. The live animals were most important to St. Francis in his first Nativity scene. He wanted the townspeople to truly experience the stench and roughness that surrounded the Christ Child’s birth.
 

Let us pray: … As I look upon the empty manger where Christ was born, inspire me to live humbly and simply…. Intercede for me, so my preparations this Advent make a lasting difference in my life. Amen. - St. Francis of Assisi

The month of November is a very special time in the life of the church as well as in the lives of our families. It's a time of transition from fall to winter; a time of a few warm days and early fall coupled with periods of cold and even snow; and a time when families look to "home" and gather together for a day of Thanksgiving and fellowship. It's one of my favorite months and seasons of the year.

On November 1, we celebrated All Saints Day in which we gave thanks for the multitude of saints throughout time. We continue to give thanks for those whom we know now enjoy the presence of God in heaven.

On November 2, All Souls Day, we remembered all who have gone before us. We believe that our prayers for their souls will assist them on their way to the fullness of new life with God.

On Sunday, November 11, we celebrate Veterans Day. This U.S. holiday was renamed from “Armistice Day” (which ended World War II) to “Veterans Day” in 1954. Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, and should not be confused with Memorial Day which honors those who have died while in military service.

In a couple of weeks we will gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving Day, a day of gratitude. Our “attitude of gratitude” is a fundamental response to God’s love. Our generous and loving God has blessed each of us with particular gifts of time, talent, and treasure. What is our response?

As Catholics, our whole lives are a journey of hope on a path we know will lead us one day to meet the God of Life face-to-face. Our hope for heaven does not guarantee our lives will be without pain, hardship and/or sadness. However, our response can be full of peace, joy and love.

Pope Francis tells us: “What must our attitude (about gratitude) be, if we want to become part of a people who walk the path towards the Father … in this world of wars, in this world of tribulation? Our attitude … is (must be) that of the Beatitudes. Only that path can lead us to the encounter with God.” And we don’t walk alone.

Our celebration of the Eucharist is the privileged moment when the Church in heaven and the Church on earth are united as one family of God and the communion of saints.

In November, we have the joy of family, thanksgiving to God, great food and fellowship, and the joy of the Advent and Christmas seasons, without the undue rush and pressure that comes in December. Enjoy it along with me.

Holy, Happy November!