This year marks the 800th anniversary of the Nativity Scene which our catholic tradition began in 1223 by St. Francis of Assisi. The manger which was a humble birthplace of the LORD Jesus was depicted in fresco by St. Francis to meditate on, and to reflect the mystery of the Nativity. Every figure in the manger is placed in to point out the scriptural reference of a character, and to meditate the nativity in preparation for Christmas, and during the Christmas season. The Scripture was not very well known to the people in the earlier time, because it had not been printed yet, and was not available to the public. St. Francis’ goal was to make the Holy Scripture known to the simple by starting the tradition of the Nativity Scene in 1223. The Evangelization of St. Francis to ordinary people now marks 800 years. This year Pope Francis declared a plenary indulgence to all who stop by the Nativity Scene and pray. After 800 years, we are still struggling to evangelize the Word of God to ordinary people. Jesus accepted the humble birth in the manger, to stay away from the noise of the World, and to attract everyone to join him in silence of the night, and in simplicity of the manger to pray and to ponder over the scene. Unfortunately, so often today’s celebration of Christmas lures us back to the noise of the world and keeps us away from the “Silent night” Psalms 46:10 says, “Be Still and know that I am God”. We are still fighting the evil in the World even though God says in exodus 14:14 “I will fight for you; you just need to be still”. Also, he emphasized again in Deuteronomy 20:4 “For it is the LORD, your God, who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies and give you victory.” In so many places the world celebrates the noise, and its master antichrist during Christmas (John 12:31). Anyone who takes our attention from Christ during Christmas season, is the antichrist himself, and holds the spirit of the antichrist. So, let us return full-heartedly to our beautiful catholic tradition where we reflect, ponder, and meditate like the Blessed Mother in Luke 2:19 and Luke 2:51; the Word was made flesh in the womb of the virgin and raised up from the tomb for our salvation by the Power of the Most High. Let us stay away from the noisiness of this world, of social media and its propagandas, and let us focus on the simple manger where the voice (St. John the Baptist) strikes our ears, and the Word (Jesus) strikes your hearts. Wishing all of you “Merry Christmas”. May the LORD JESUS CHRIST who attracted the Blessed Virgin Mary to be the first tabernacle, draw our hearts to every Word in the Holy Scripture through the meditation of the Nativity Scene! With Blessing of John 1:14,
Fr. Rijo Johnson, SDV
Pastor