St. Francis and the Story of the Nativity

This Christmas season, we are invited to pause. Advent has prepared us in waiting, and now we hold our breath before the infant king, Emmanuel. One of the most beloved traditions around the world is the Nativity. This favorite among young and adult alike is rooted in simplicity, wonder, and a deep love for the humble beginnings of Christ. Drawing near to a Nativity scene and imagining the birth of our Lord can help the heart tune in to Christ. Did you know this special tradition comes from St. Francis of Assisi?

The Very First Nativity Re-Creation

St. Francis of Assisi may be known for his radical surrender through poverty, but he is also to thank a tradition that inspires awe and wonder. In Greccio, Italy, St. Francis had a desire for people to see and feel the humanity of Christ’s birth.

Unlike some incredible scenes we see today, the first St. Francis nativity wasn’t elaborate or ornate. Instead, it was real animals, a wooden manger, and the warmth of candlelight. The scene of Christ’s birth was something you could step into, touch, and experience.

People gathered around this new devotion. I wonder how their imagination was piqued by the beauty they experienced. Were their hearts moved? How did they experience the beauty of poverty and tenderness? In bringing to life this intimate moment of the incarnation, St. Francis created an invitation to actually see what it looked like for divine Love to meet humanity. Love Himself entered the world in the quietest way.

How to you experience the Nativity?

Displaying a nativity, or making space for sacred art featuring the Holy Family is about more than decorating for Christmas. If you let it, beauty can become part of your spiritual practice. Images and figures of our Lord as an infant can be used to meditate on the great gift God gave us. We too, get to enter into this quiet, tender moment in prayer.

Create Your Own Place of Prayer

Meditating on the tender infant Lord can inspire us to seek out simplicity in poverty and come to know the majesty of the king in a new way. Especially in this dark, cold time of year, our hearts are drawn to stillness. In the hectic season leading up to Christmas, we may find ourselves needing to carve out space. Here are some ideas for creating your own place of prayer.

• Seek Christ in Candlelight – There’s something so peaceful about soft and bright lights. Whether with matches and wicks, battery-powered candles, or even twinkle-lights, let candlelight remind you that Christ is the light of the world. Even in the darkest time of year!
• Let Beauty Minister to Your Heart– Surround yourself with beauty. Garlands and seasonal greenery can bring the beauty of the natural world into your home. Play your favorite music that draws your soul to prayer. So if you’re feeling stuck, look up independent Christian artists. Check out Pawel’s music, written especially to guide you into deeper prayer.
• Surround Yourself with Sacred Art – Especially in this over-stimulating time of year, gazing on a work of sacred art re-focuses our attention on what really matters. The Lord has something to share with you in each work of sacred art. He is waiting for you there!

This Christmas, may your heart be drawn ever deeper to the heart of Christ!