This Christmas marks 800 years since the first-ever Nativity scene recorded in history was created by St Francis of Assisi in 1223 who was concerned that the meaning of Christmas was becoming lost. To him, people appeared focused on ritual of gift giving instead of the true message of Christmas; the greatest gift given to us – “Jesus”
Determined to remind people what Christmas is really about, he set about creating the world’s first known Nativity scene to help tell his people of the nativity story. It involved real people and animals, making it a living nativity scene. With live visual aids, St Francis wanted to impress upon everyone more deeply how Jesus came into the world in such poverty, humility, and simplicity. Hopefully, this story of the first nativity scene will inspire you to see your nativity set as much more than just as a lovely Christmas decoration and give thanks to God the Father for the gift of His Son
Christmas reminds us concretely that God is indeed with us. In every circumstance of life, even when we are frightened or lonely or in sorrow, God is with us
Wishing each and every one of you a very Happy and Holy Christmas!
Fr Fabian
St Kevin's Catholic Parish, Hampton Park 