This year, 2023, marks the 800th Anniversary the first representation of the Nativity Scene which Saint Francis set up in Greccio, a little village close to the Italian city of Rieti.
In 1223 the future patron saint of Italy stopped off in the valley outside Rieti, probably on his return journey from Rome, where, on 29 November of that year, he had received from Pope Honorius III the confirmation and approval of his new Franciscan Rule. The grottos which occur naturally in the area around Greccio reminded him of those he had seen in the Holy Land and especially recalled the panorama of Bethlehem.
Franciscan sources describe thus the desire that burned in the heart of St Francis in the weeks leading up to Christmas 1223 – the desire to represent the Nativity in a way that everyone could experience and take in with a glance the concrete reality of God made man. “I would like to represent the Baby born in Bethlehem, and somehow let people see him with their own eyes … how he was laid down in a feeding trough and how he lay there on the straw between the ox and the ass.”
Two weeks before Christmas Francis called on a man known only as John, and asked him to help him build his crib. So it was, that on 25 December that year, in the presence of many Friars who had made their way to Greccio, St Francis, when he saw the crib with the straw, the ox and the ass, was filled with joy.
“In that moving scene shines forth the simplicity of the Gospel: poverty is praised and humility presented to us in a positive way. Greccio has become like a new Bethlehem,” said Saint Francis.
Now, 800 years on from that first Christmas crib scene in history being set up, the tradition is passed on in homes and communities, across the world, bringing with it a message of hope and peace which never fades away. Both churches are marking this special anniversary of the Crib by giving out “Jesus Rocks” - stones that have been painted with a baby Jesus on them. These will be blessed on Advent Sunday in both churches and on Thursday 30th November in St Anne’s School and at the Thursday evening Family Worship at St Anne’s.
When we receive these rocks we are asked to find a home for Jesus in our homes. We can make a simple crib for him to lay in or if we are feeling creative we might make the rest of the characters in the nativity story and create a nativity scene. You might have a cosy place already in your home where you might place him.
There will be a prize for the best children’s and best adult’s nativity at each church. You will be asked to take a picture of your Jesus Rocks nativity and send it to Revd Liz on WhatsApp on 07725 739506 or email [email protected]. We can then share the nativities on social media (The Benefice of Heyside and Royton) and spread the good news that God came down to earth for us as a vulnerable child in a manger. The hope is too that in preparing and making a home for these Jesus Rocks in our home we might in this season of Advent prepare our hearts to make room for him there too.
Will you make room for Jesus this Advent and Christmas?
