Break out the Nativity!
As we discovered yesterday, Francis of Assisi was credited for the beginning of the Christmas carol. He was also credited for the establishment of the first nativity scene - something we have come to appreciate as a "symbol" of the Christmas season in many a culture. At first, these scenes were simple, perhaps only depicting the three characters of Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus. In 1223, Francis set up a living nativity, featuring living people as the characters in the scene - a tool whereby he could teach about the birth of Jesus. As we all know, we humans do a lot better when there is something to capture our attention and to give us a "picture" of what it is we are considering. The use of the nativity was Francis' way of doing just this. We all need instruction to help us "get" what is complex and not always easily grasped by the human mind. Perhaps we can benefit from a consideration of the next nativity scene we see in our travels this...