The live nativity of Jesus Christ’s birth is an important aspect to Christianity. The Christmas Creche was started by Saint Francis of Assisi in 1223.
The tradition originates back to a cave in Greccio, Italy, where St. Francis had visited to celebrate Christmas. According to the Catholic Education Resource Center, St. Francis had planned to celebrate Midnight Mass in the chapel of the Franciscan hermitage but realized it would be too small for the congregation for mass, thus prompting him to set up the altar in a nearby cave.
St. Francis had wanted to create a scene that would be symbolic of Christ’s birth and that would leave an everlasting impact on those in attendance.
He therefore prepared a manger, which was a feeding trough for farm animals, hay, and brought an ox and donkey to where he prepared the altar. In the altar lay a statue of Christ.
The scenery had symbolized the poverty and plainness that was associated with Christ’s birth into the world.
The Catholic Company writes that it is believed St. Francis had been frustrated with the greed and materialism that had consumed Italy at the time and wanted to combat this by recreating the nativity scene.
Large groups of people gathered that night to hear St. Francis preaching. He was so passionate with his words that many believed the statue of Christ came alive as he was cradling it, according to the Catholic Stand.
The live nativity scene is now recreated throughout the world. Many artworks have been inspired by the Christmas Creche as well.
St. Francis had shown the humanity of Christ, and there is often a statue of the nativity in many homes celebrating Christ’s birth on Christmas.
Every year Neumann University recreates the live nativity. Re-enacted in front of Mirenda Center on December 4th, the annual Greccio re-enactment was open to all students, staff, and families as well as members of the community.
Hosted by students and faculty, the annual Greccio begins with mass, with the re-enactment including a live narration and reading of scripture following after. In addition, the campus hosts a small petting zoo.
The live nativity offers insight into the birth of Christ and has become a prominent tradition in Christianity. Many Christians in modern society view the nativity scene as a symbol for the excitement that comes along with the birth of Christ.
PHOTO CAPTION:
Dariana Troilo and Anthony Carpinella as Mary and Joseph.
Tracy Nguyen
