The story behind the Nativity traditions
It was during the reign of the Roman Emperor Constantine that the celebration of Christmas on December 25th was established in the early 4th Century. This was a strategic move to replace the pagan celebration with a Christian holiday, making it easier for converts to adopt the new faith.
The pagan celebrations by the Romans was a festival known as Saturnalia, honouring Saturn, the god of agriculture. It was a time of feasting, gift-giving and revelry.
The tradition of gift giving for Christmas was influenced more by the Christian Saint St. Nicholas, a 4th Century Bishop known for his generosity and magnanimous charity. His feast day traditionally celebrated on December 6 involved giving gifts especially to the children and the needy.
Enduring legacy: St Francis of Assisi created the first Nativity scene in 1223
The customs of giving gifts is also tied to the Biblical story of the Magi or Wise Men who brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the infant Jesus. This act of giving honours the birth of Christ and symbolises the gifts of love and sacrifice.
Over time, St. Nicholas evolved into Santa Claus, who brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve, this tradition emphasising the joy of giving, reflecting the values of generosity, love and community which embodies the greatest gift of all – given by God to mankind that of His only Son Jesus Christ, who came in human form to suffer and die.
The Christmas tree
The tradition of the Christmas tree can be traced back to medieval Germany. It is believed that in the 16th century, devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. Some built Christmas pyramids of wood and decorated them with evergreens and candles, if trees were scarce.
The Protestant reformer Martin Luther is often credited with first adding lighted candles to a tree. It is said that he was inspired by the beauty of the stars shining through the evergreens as he walked home one winter evening, and wanted to recreate the scene for his family.
The Christmas tree and the custom of gift giving are rich traditions that blend historical, cultural and religious elements. They enhance the celebration of Christmas by symbolising eternal life, the light of Christ, and the spirit of generosity and love.
The evergreen tree is a symbol of eternal life, reflecting the everlasting nature of Christ, and the lights and decorations on the tree symbolise the light of Christ, bringing hope, joy and peace into the world
The crib
The first Nativity scene was created in 1223, by St. Francis of Assisi who is credited with having created the first live Nativity scene in the town of Greccio, Italy. He wanted to bring the story of Jesus’s birth to life, and help people to visualise the humble circumstances of the Nativity. St. Francis aimed to inspire devotion and a deeper understanding of the mystery of the incarnation. By seeing the scene of the Nativity with their own eyes, the faithful could better grasp the reality of Christ’s humble birth.
St Francis’s introduction of the Christmas crib which has become a common feature in churches and homes, has left an enduring legacy, helping generations of Christians to celebrate and contemplate the birth of Jesus in a tangible and heart-warming manner.
There are several elements in the Nativity scene: the crib or stable represents the humble surroundings where Jesus was born, as described in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. The simple setting underscores the humility and poverty into which Christ entered the world. The Holy Family – the figures of Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus are central to the scene. Mary is depicted as a loving mother, while Joseph stands as a protective and caring father.
Jesus is placed in a manger which was the feeding trough for animals symbolising His humility and fact that He is the Bread of Life which has come down from heaven as the food that gives life eternal. The presence of animals, typically an ox and a donkey, reflects the simplicity and natural setting of the Nativity adding to the peace and innocence of the scene.
Luke Chapter 2:1-20 describes the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph make an arduous journey complying with a decree of Emperor Augustus for a census and the angelic announcement to the Shepherds. “Fear not: for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you. Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” It highlights the humble circumstances and the joyous proclamation of the Saviour’s birth.
This passage from the Gospel of St. Matthew recounts the visit of the Magi, who followed a star which guided them to the newborn King. They bring gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh signifying Jesus’s kingship, divinity and his humanity which was subject to suffering, death and resurrection.
The devotional practice of setting up a Nativity scene has become a beloved tradition in Christian homes and churches around the world. It serves as a focal point for prayer, reflection and celebration during Advent and the Christmas season and inspires believers to embrace humility, simplicity and love in their own lives, following the example of the Holy Family.
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