2 Days Before Christmas

For centuries, nativity scenes have helped Christians during Advent. 

It was 1223 when St. Francis of Assisi constructed a nativity scene outside his church in Italy.  Historians believe his display to be the first. The priest intended exhibit to serve as a teaching tool.  He invited children to interact with the three-dimensional exhibit and view it from the inside, where they sang songs of faith.

As the centuries passed, churches began to open their doors for Christmas eve services and carols were brought into the sanctuary. Outdoor nativity plays begun by St. Francis were eventually adapted for worship services.  What began eight centuries ago in a small village in Europe has now become an important part of Advent for millions of people around the world.

That first Christmas scene was described by Luke. He describes the Christmas gift God offers everyone.

Here’s the real story…and you can gain more understanding this Christmas eve.

Luke 2:1-20  
     About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for.
     So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David's town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.
     There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. 
     Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him. As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us."  They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger.
     Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed. Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they'd been told!