The tradition of the nativity scene during Advent started off with St Francis of Assisi when he wanted to spread the warmth of the Jesus story to the people around him.
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us not forget that Jesus was born in the manger in an inn at the city of Bethlehem. The word ‘manger’ translated from old French mangier (to eat) from Latin mandere (to chew). It is a structure that holds food for livestock and is generally found in a stable. This is highly symbolic in two ways.
The first, the manger, as opposed to the inn, which is a temporary abode for travelers, is permanent. What this tells us about the arrival of Jesus is that the arrival if Christ is eternal. Jesus as human may be mortal. But the coming of Christ Jesus suggests that God is with us always.
The second, from the etymology of the word, manger, the arrival of Christ Jesus is bread for us. We are nourished through the Incarnation of the Word and Christ as Jesus is the Word made flesh. As we celebrate the Eucharist in mass, we are fed and nourished with God’s presence around and in us. Even in challenging moments in our life, we hold on to hope and faith as we pray and look up to God for guidance through the Holy Spirit.
In other words, in the celebration of Christmas, we are reminded that we are all children of God. No matter who we are, and where we are, Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, whether if we are poor or shunned by society, God loves us all equally through the gift of Christ Jesus.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
