SAINT FRANCIS AND THE FIRST NATIVITY SCENE

Presented by Brother Patrick

This Christmas, believers around the world celebrate the 800th anniversary of the first Nativity scene. Pope Francis writes: “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.” In this spirit of bringing the Gospel to life and growing closer to the Son of God, we turn to the life and times of Saint Francis of Assisi.

It is December 1223. Francis travels to the mountain village of Greccio. He asks some friends to help him recreate the brith of the Christ Child using a newborn baby, local livestock, and homemade costumes. In this enchanting true story, updated for contemporary readers and listeners, Thomas of Celano (1185-1260) describes how one night in Greccio was not just the beginning of a beloved Christmas tradition. It was a moment for miracles.

One Night in Greccio
Saint Francis and the First Nativity Scene
By Thomas of Celano

Francis’s highest intention, his dominant desire, and his firmest will is to observe the Holy Gospel, and with all vigilance, with all zeal, and with all the longing of his mind and heart to follow the footsteps and teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. Francis meditates constantly on Christ’s words and never loses sight of his deeds. Above all, the humility of the incarnation and the sacrificial love of the passion are so imprinted on his memory that it is difficult for Francis to think of anything else. With this in mind, what he does on the birthday of our Lord near the little village of Greccio, just three years before his death, should be devoutly celebrated and reverently remembered.

There is a man in Greccio called John. He enjoys a good reputation and lives an even better life. This man is very dear to Francis, because although noble and greatly honored in that part of the world, John prefers nobility of spirit over nobility of the flesh.

About two weeks before Christmas, Francis asks for John’s help, as he has done on other occasions. Francis says: “If you would like to celebrate the Birth of Jesus at the hermitage in Greccio, then go with haste and diligently do as I ask. I wish to recreate the birth of the babe born in Bethlehem, so that we may see with our own eyes how he did not have even the barest necessities, how he lay in a manger upon some hay with an ox and an ass standing beside him.” When John hears these words, the good and faithful man departs and prepares the place according to Francis’s instructions.

Now the day of joy draws near! It is a time of great rejoicing! For this Christmas celebration, many brothers are summoned from both far and near. Men and women of the village come, too. They are dressed in festive costumes; and they carry candles and torches in order to light the night, whose heavenly star lights up all of our days and years on this earth. When Francis arrives and finds everything prepared, he is filled with joy. The manger is then prepared with the hay that has been brought. The ox and ass are led in, too.

At this point, the simplicity of the Gospel is breathtaking. Poverty is exalted. Humility is praised. Greccio becomes a new Bethlehem. The night is as bright as the daytime; and it is sweet to people and beasts alike. The good folk come and are filled with joy as if for the first time over a whole new mystery. The woods ring with voices. The rocks echo the festive chorus. The brothers sing praises to the Lord. The whole night seems to leap with joy.

Francis stands enraptured before the manger. His spirit trembles with love and compassion. The priest then solemnly celebrates the Eucharist and he experiences a consolation that he has never before tasted. Francis is clothed in the vestments of a deacon and he sings the Holy Gospel in a deep voice. His voice is strong and sweet, clear and melodious, ravishing every person with heavenly desires.

Francis then speaks to the people with charming words about the Newborn King and the little town of Bethlehem. When Francis refers to Christ Jesus, he calls him simply the Little Baby of Bethlehem. At the word ‘Bethlehem’, his voice sounds like the bleating of a sheep. When he says ‘Little Baby of Bethlehem’, his tongue licks his lips as he savors the very sweetness of the words.

The gifts of the Almighty God are miraculously multiplied at Greccio. A wonderful vision is seen by a virtuous man who is present at the Holy Mass. This man sees the little child which seems to lie lifeless in the manger. But then Francis, the holy man of God, approaches the child and rouses him as from a deep sleep. This vision is fitting because the Child Jesus, who is forgotten in the hearts of too many people, is brought to life again by God’s grace working through his servant, Francis.

When the Vigil of Christmas is finished, the people return to their homes with an unspeakable joy in their hearts. The hay that is placed in the manger at Greccio is kept, so that the Lord might save beasts of burden and other animals. In truth, many animals from that region, beasts of burden and others with various illnesses, are healed from their ailments after eating this hay. Even some women, who had been laboring for too long in childbirth, easily deliver healthy babies when the hay is simply placed upon them. Indeed, many persons of both genders are cured of various sicknesses when touched with the miraculous hay.

Now, the place upon which the manger stood is consecrated to the Lord as a church. Over the manger, an altar is dedicated to Saint Francis, so that where animals once ate hay, people now eat for the health of body and soul the flesh of the Lamb without stain or blemish, the flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ who out of his boundless and highest love, gave himself to us, and lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God eternally glorious, forever and ever. Amen. Alleluia. Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us! Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us! Our Lady of the Angels, pray for us!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brother Patrick Garvey is a co-founder of the Assisi Project. He is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine, Saint John Seminary, and the Catholic University of America. He is a writer, spiritual director, retreat leader, and university lecturer. He also serves as Associate Minister of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport in Massachusetts. In 2023, on the Feast of the Transitus of Saint Francis of Assisi, Brother Patrick was consecrated as a diocesan hermit by Bishop Mark O’Connell, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Boston. For more information about the Assisi Project and our programs and ministries for adults of all ages and backgrounds, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@assisiproject.com.

Art Credit: Jozef Sedmak – Image 237281781 – Dreamstime.com

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ABOUT US

Founded in 2007, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscans in Spirit with friends and followers throughout the world. We are dedicated to helping Christian believers of all ages more faithfully live the Gospel of Christ in the spirit of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi. The Assisi Project is a non-profit, tax exempt charitable organization. All are welcome to support our ministry via Pay Pal (see link below) or by mailing a tax-deductible donation to the Assisi Project, Post Office Box 3158, Gloucester, Massachusetts 01931-3158. The Assisi Project Podcast is Produced by the Assisi Project, Inc. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. May the Lord give you peace!

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