Three years before he died, St. Francis of Assisi was inspired to recreate the birth of Our Lord as closely as he could. He asked his friend John, a nobleman who owned land in the town of Greccio, to help make the necessary preparations. No effort was spared to present the holy scene of Bethlehem in all its detail, including the ox and the ass and other animals.

As St. Francis’ first biographer, Thomas of Celano wrote:

“Men and women of that neighborhood prepared with glad hearts … candles and torches to light up that night that has lighted up all the days and years with its gleaming star. … The manger was prepared, the hay had been brought, the ox and ass were led in. There simplicity was honored, poverty was exalted, humility was commended, and Greccio was made, as it were, a new Bethlehem. … The solemnities of the Mass were celebrated over the manger … The saint of God was clothed with the vestments of the deacon, … and he spoke charming words concerning the nativity of the poor King.” (1Cel 85-86)

It is said that the statue of the Christ Child came to life that night. This is what the Poverello longed to do, make the Light of the World come alive in the hearts of all living in darkness. The year 2023 marked the 800th anniversary of that night in Greccio. It was the inspiration of the tradition of the nativity scenes that are now found everywhere in the world.

May our own lives reflect the Light, the Beauty and the Glory of the Word made flesh. Amen.

A blessed and joyful Christmas to all!

–Fr. Peter