God is more anxious to bestow His blessings on us than we are to
receive them. For it is not God's way that great blessings should
descend without the sacrifice first of great sufferings - St Augustine
What many people don't know, however, is that St Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the very first Nativity Scene. In 1223 he was visiting the town of Grecio to celebrate Christmas but the chapel here was too small so he set up an altar in the town. He made a manger with an Ox and Ass beside to help re-enact the Nativity for the people of Grecio and told them all about Jesus birth. This was the very first 'live' Nativity 790 years ago, something that has now become common place in schools and churches around the world.
When you look at the Nativity scene you have at home or you see in church spend a little bit of time thinking about how each of the people involved in the very first Nativity, the birth of Jesus, actually felt. What did Mary think after her special child was born? What role did Joseph feel he would play in bringing up the baby boy? What about the shepherds and the wise men, two vastly different groups in society but each so important in the birth of Jesus.
A couple of weeks ago some of our young people were involved in a Nativity Flashmob in Newcastle Central Station, Durham City and Hartlepool Town Centre. What better way to start our 12 Days of Christmas reflection than by enjoying a video showing footage of the Nativity in Central Station.
Video from RCDHN.org.uk
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