The Mystery of the Stable

Exactly 800 years ago this Christmas in the small Italian village of Greccio in the Rieti Valley of Italy St. Francis of Assisi created the first Nativity scene in a cave having received the permission of Pope Honorius III to do so.  St. Francis first called for an ox and an ass. Then he placed straw in the manger. He summoned the faithful of the village who came carrying torches while singing and glorifying God. As a deacon, St. Francis then chanted the Gospel of Our Lord’s Nativity during the Mass offered at the place of the Nativity scene and preached with tender love of the birth of the Savior in the stable of Bethlehem. Because of his profound love for the Divine Infant, he could not pronounce the Holy Name of Jesus without copious tears. He simply called Him the Babe of Bethlehem.
           
A certain soldier of high reputation, Master John Veleti of Greccio, who had left worldly pursuits and become a friend of St. Francis, affirmed that he saw a miracle at that Christmas Midnight Mass. An Infant of great beauty appeared asleep in the manger whom St. Francis picked up and embraced with great love.
           
Dear friends, at this time of year when we look upon nativity scenes in our parish churches or at home, let us remember the tremendous love that St. Francis had for the Divine Infant of Bethlehem as he assembled the first Nativity scene. Then let us also remember that, while we put in place the scenes of Our Lord’s Birth, we do not make Christmas happen. Rather, the mystery of Jesus’ Birth is made present to us by God’s grace and especially by the Eucharistic Sacrifice of the Lord who went from the wood of the crib to the wood of the Cross.  On the Feast of His Birth He bids us to enter His glorious Presence. This mystery of His Incarnation and Nativity is the power of God’s love saving us all. Let us bring all of our intentions to the stable and lay them in  the manger bed of our Savior. There the Infant King will shower graces, mercy and love upon us and all for whom we are praying.
             
I assure you of my prayers for every grace and blessing for you and all those whom you love at this holy time of the year.
      
A Blessed and Joyous Christmas!

Most Reverend William J. Waltersheid
Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh