Did you know that 2023 is the 800th year that the nativity scene has existed?
Many of us are familiar with the story of St. Francis of Assisi — the wealthy man who reinvented himself by giving away his riches and dedicating his life to God. He teaches all of us the true meaning of humility and is an example of how to act selflessly for others.
In the year 1223, St. Francis, along with the help of a wealthy friend, Giovanni Vellita, decided to recreate Jesus’ birth story with a pageant. With creativity, passion, and patience, the two men were able to recruit people and animals to represent the various roles in the nativity.
You can only imagine how wondrous it was to see what the birth of Jesus looked like for the first time!
For the rest of 2023, we would like to recognize St. Francis for initiating such a beloved tradition and for bringing to life one of the most amazing events in history.
