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A Christmas manger is a three-dimensional display of characters who
populate the story of the birth of Christ. It is also known as a crib or
a crèche. St. Francis of Assisi originated the custom in the 13th
century, and it has been adopted by homes, churches, and even some public
squares around the world.
A manger scene usually shows Mary and Joseph together with shepherds
and magi, all in reverent pose before the newborn Jesus, who lies in an
animal feeding trough. Around them gather livestock — lambs, a cow, a donkey,
and the camels that transported the magi. An angel may hover above the
scene, proclaiming “Glory to God in the highest.” Most of these figures
can be traced to the Gospel accounts of the birth of Jesus (Mt 1:18—2:12
and Lk 2:1–20), but the cow and donkey (or ox and ass) come from a prophecy
in Isaiah 1:3. Some scenes are filled with more delightfully fanciful figures.
In all, the manger proclaims that Christ was born for all — the wise and
the poor, angels as well as animals.
The manger foreshadows the Eucharist because Jesus would give his Body
and Blood for food. It also foreshadows the cross; in art, the crib and
the swaddling clothes sometimes resemble a coffin and burial cloths.
When the manger is first erected, it may be blessed with prayers from
the Book of Blessings, which are also found in Catholic Household
Blessings and Prayers.
In a church, the manger is not supposed to occupy a place in the sanctuary,
lest it block one’s view of the altar. Still, it is fitting to arrange
the scene in a place where the faithful can come, look, and be inspired
to praise God for the miracle of Christmas. ML
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This bulletin insert originally appeared in Ministry
& Liturgy, a pastoral planning resource used by the worship leaders
in your parish as an aid for better liturgy. Copyright © 2006, Resource
Publications, Inc. 160 E. Virginia St. #290, San Jose, CA 95112, (408)
286-8505. This article may not be reproduced in any form without permission
from the publisher. For permission e-mail
info@rpinet.com.
Paul
Turner, pastor of St. Munchin Parish in Cameron, MO, holds a doctorate
in sacramental theology from Sant' Anselmo University in Rome.
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