Come and visit the window display of the Nativity of Jesus at Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

The tradition of setting up the Nativity scene probably dates from the time of St. Francis of Assisi. The story is told by Francis’ first biographer, Thomas of Celano, a contemporary of his, in his First Life of St. Francis (84-87). Thomas tells us that during the Advent season in the year 1223 Francis asked his friend John, who lived in the town of Greccio, to set up a nativity scene. He told him “I wish to do something that will recall to memory the little child who was born in Bethlehem.”

John prepared the manger scene complete with hay, ox and a donkey. When Francis came to celebrate the Christmas Eve service he was thrilled at what he saw: “There simplicity was honored, poverty was exalted, humility was commended, and Greccio was made, as it where, a new Bethlehem. The night was lighted up like the day, and it delighted men and beasts. The people came and were filled with new joy over the new mystery.

The woods rang with the voices of the crowd and the rocks made answer to their jubilation…Francis stood before the manger, uttering sighs, overcome with love, and filled with a wonderful happiness.” Then the Eucharist was celebrated and Francis preached that night “with charming words concerning the nativity of the poor King and the little town of Bethlehem.”

Later a man from the town had a vision, in it he saw “a little child lying in the manger lifeless, and he saw Francis, the holy man of God, go up to it and rouse the child as from a deep sleep. This vision was not unfitting, for the child Jesus had been forgotten in the hearts of many; but by the working of his grace, he was brought to life again through his servant Francis and stamped upon their fervent memory.”

The nativity at Emmanuel will be on display until the end of the Christmas season on Jan. 8. This scene was made possible thanks to the many members of Emmanuel parish who contributed by purchasing different figurines.

Join Emmanuel to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with services on Christmas Eve at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., and on Christmas Day at 9 a.m.