The Manger Scene

The origin of the nativity or manger scene is credited to St. Francis of Assisi. Francis was born the son of a wealthy cloth merchant in Assisi of Italy in 1182 and as such lived a life of privilege. As a young man he was captured in battle with the warring town of Perugian and spent a year as a prisoner of war. After his release he became gravely ill. Those experiences are said to have caused him to convert to Christianity and renounce his wealth. He dedicated himself to a life of poverty and service to the poor. Francis was known for his deep love of all of God’s creation and was said to preach to the birds. One Christmas he built a life-size manger scene with real animals to share the gospel and the hope and joy of Christ’s birth. Songs were sung around that peaceful scene and are said to have been the first Christmas carols.
In Italy large manger scenes, called presepios, are still set up in churches and homes. The manger is left empty until Christmas Eve when the family gathers round and with prayers and songs places the Christ Child in the manger. The French also have popularized this tradition and given us the word “creche.” The setting up of a creche or nativity should be a central focus of our Christmas celebration, as it tells the story of Christ’s birth.
The manger itself symbolizes the humility with which Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth. The Jewish people were awaiting a king to be their Messiah (Savior), but they, and all of us, were sent what was needed, a humble servant who would offer his sinless life as a sacrificial atonement for our sin-filled lives. When Christ comes again he will come as a king with great power and glory and will reign over the earth. His first coming, however, was as a baby in a manger; his purpose was to serve and save mankind.

The manger scene reminds us
that God sent to earth his Son.
God’s prophets had foretold
of the promised, holy one.
Christ came humbly as a servant;
his precious life he gave.
He came to do the Father’s will
and all mankind to save.

Long ago St. Francis
served God upon the earth.
He would tell the people
of our humble Savior’s birth.
One Christmas with live animals
he set up a manger scene,
So he could teach the people
more of Christ the Nazarene.

Now people all around the world
set up nativity scenes.
And it’s important to remember
what each piece within it means.
A stable forms the background;
it is a lowly place.
Humbly Christ left heaven
to show God’s mercy and his grace.

Remember that the baby
laying wrapped up in the straw,
Is the God of all the universe
we are to worship with great awe.
Mary and Joseph were good people,
faithful to the Lord above.
They were the parents chosen
to raise Jesus up in love.

The night that Christ was born
a bright star lit up the sky.
And angels came in glory
to shepherds standing by.
The shepherds praised their God
for the Savior he did send,
To bring his peace to all the earth
and sinful hearts to mend.

Some wise men living far away
saw that special star.
They set out to find the king,
riding camels from afar.
Royal gifts they brought him.
They kneeled down upon the ground.
Grateful that the king they sought
they had finally found.

There were animals in that stable,
that was their dwelling place.
Christ created every animal
and people of each race.
The Lord of all creation
took on the form of man,
To pay the penalty for sin
and fulfill God’s perfect plan.

At Christmas we should think about
the baby in the hay,
That Jesus is our Savior
who leads us in God’s way.
So when you set up pieces
in a manger scene,
Thank God he sent his Son for you,
your sinful heart to clean.