LAKE JAMES
NORTH CAROLINA
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LAKE JAMES NORTH CAROLINA
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The Christmas Crèche Christians today are so used to seeing representations of the stable in Bethlehem that it may come as a surprise to find that, although as early as the fourth century representations of the birth of Jesus were painted as wall decorations, the first Christmas Crèche was not made until 1223. It came about at the direction of Saint Francis of Assisi, and through the encouragement of Franciscans, the practice of erecting such cribs soon became a widespread custom not only in churches but also in the homes of devout Christians.
Traditionally, the Christmas Crèche is displayed
on Christmas Eve and includes figures of the Infant Jesus, the Blessed Virgin
Mary, Saint Joseph, an Angel, Shepherds, and animals. Figures of the Three Wise
Men (the Magi) are added on the Feast of the Epiphany, and the Crèche If you have a Christmas Crèche in your home, you might like to ask God’s blessing upon it and all who see it, that it may be more than a mere seasonal decoration, but rather, a powerful reminder of the meaning of the Feast of the Birth of the Son of God. A. T. K. Z.+ A suggested form for blessing a Christmas Crèche God of every nation and people, from the beginning of creation you have made manifest your love: when our need for a Savior was great you sent your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary. To our lives he brings joy and peace, justice, mercy, and love. Bless all who look upon this manger; may it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus, and raise up our thoughts to him who is God-with-us and Savior of all, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
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This page last modified on Friday, April 11, 2008 09:39 PM |
remains in place until the Octave Day of the Epiphany (January 13th).
The stable for our new crèche was made by Carrol Epley and the figures were
given by Charles Graham and the Zadigs.