Celebrating the Season of Advent, Part 3: Home Crêche
During the Advent season, we help prepare our hearts for the birth of Christ by remembering the many years of preparation for our Savior that took place from when the Lord first called Abraham to the Annunciation. Throughout that time, the Lord was readying his people and the world to receive His Son. Every promise God made was fulfilled in Jesus. All of the words of the prophets, which we have recorded in Scripture, were perfectly completed in Christ.
Even in those last several weeks, there were final preparations that took place as the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, in accordance with the Roman decree, traveled to the birthplace of David in order that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. Everything was prepared in accordance with God's plan
An important part of our preparation for Christmas is our home crêche. This beautiful representation of the birth of Jesus helps us remember how perfect God's love is.
Throughout Advent, we begin to set up the scene. Eventually, the figures for Mary and Joseph begin their "journey" to the crêche. Animals are placed in the scene. Then, at the end of Advent, Mary and Joseph arrive. And, of course, on Christmas Eve, Jesus is placed in the creche, and the shepherds also are added. Finally, on Epiphany, the magi arrive in order to honor the newborn king.
There are many crêches available, and it also fun to make your own. We have enjoyed placing it underneath our Christmas tree as holy reminder of why we celebrate Advent and Christmas.
As Pope Benedict XVI noted,
Even in those last several weeks, there were final preparations that took place as the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, in accordance with the Roman decree, traveled to the birthplace of David in order that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. Everything was prepared in accordance with God's plan
An important part of our preparation for Christmas is our home crêche. This beautiful representation of the birth of Jesus helps us remember how perfect God's love is.
Throughout Advent, we begin to set up the scene. Eventually, the figures for Mary and Joseph begin their "journey" to the crêche. Animals are placed in the scene. Then, at the end of Advent, Mary and Joseph arrive. And, of course, on Christmas Eve, Jesus is placed in the creche, and the shepherds also are added. Finally, on Epiphany, the magi arrive in order to honor the newborn king.
There are many crêches available, and it also fun to make your own. We have enjoyed placing it underneath our Christmas tree as holy reminder of why we celebrate Advent and Christmas.
As Pope Benedict XVI noted,
The crib can help us, in fact, to understand the secret of the true Christmas, because it speaks of humility and the merciful goodness of Christ, who "though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor". (II Corinthians 8:9) His poverty enriches those who embrace it and Christmas brings joy and peace to those who, as the shepherds, accept in Bethlehem the words of the angel: "And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger". (Luke 2:12) Angelus Message Advent 2005We are also fortunate in that our parish sets up a beautiful crêche in the outside courtyard. It is always an enjoyable part of Christmas to visit the crêche.
LG visiting the parish crêche in 2010.
Labels: Advent
posted by David at 9:00 AM
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