Christmas Message from Fr. John

The Empty Crib in Bethlehem – The Heavenly Mystery becomes humanity’s reality . . . Nativity scenes are a popular Advent and Christmas decoration that adorn our homes, our churches and many public squares. And the placing of the Child Jesus in an empty crib becomes a tradition that many anticipate throughout the world. The nativity scene, like the one in silhouette above and on our parish’s ornament gifts for this year, originated with a catholic saint, St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis had a special devotion to the Child Jesus. In about the year 1223, St. Francis was believed to have made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land to visit the stable in Bethlehem. It is likely that this event deepened his devotion to the Child Jesus, who was born into the world in such poverty, humility, and simplicity. In fact, St. Francis founded his new religious order to imitate these very virtues (Filz, 2016). St. Francis wanted to bring what he experienced in Israel into every home. And many households which put out the nativity scene, leave the crib empty until Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. "Crib" translates the Hebrew word [~'ebhuc] exactly, as it denotes "a barred receptacle for fodder,” food for God’s creatures. The Hebrew word is from a word meaning to feed ('abhac). www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/crib/ But why does our Lord fill the empty crib by seeking shelter in this vessel, in this cave, in this stable, at Bethlehem?  Why is the Divine Infant often seen sleeping and at rest in this hay-filled home? Why is the Little One seen with arms open wide, welcoming the whole world?  God’s plan for His Son is to have Him fill up any emptiness in the world, any area where we need renewal and growth with His love and life – to nourish His creation. Bethlehem meaning House of Bread, is the first home for Our Savior, Who feeds us as He is the Heavenly Response to all our needs. Another saint, Gregory Nyssa (335 to 395), wrote that the Lord rests in a manger, placed in an empty crib because He is the One who makes the grass grow for the cattle; He is the same One who is the Bread Life Who feeds us Spiritual food so we too might live. St. Gregory proclaims -- What more joyful feast is there than that of today? Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!