Saturday, December 25, 2004
![The Nativity]()
Have you ever wondered how we got our Nativity? The Gospels give us the beloved story of Christ's birth, of course. But who started the tradition of placing crèches on the fireplace mantel or coffee table? When did churches start dramatizing Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, or choirs begin singing the angels' praises in the "shepherds' fields?"
For that we have to thank St. Francis, that remarkable 13th-century Italian friar best known for his love of animals and commitment to simple living.
The story goes that a woodcarver, embittered by his daughter's blindness, declared he would have nothing to do with a God "who condemns innocent children to darkness." He stopped going to church, and refused to make anything that would bring glory to God. But out of love for his girl, he consented to carve a doll for her as a Christmas present (even though he no longer had reason to celebrate).
Yet his wife continued to believe the gospel message, and when St. Francis came to town, she went to go listen to him preach. She wondered at the friar's extraordinary peace and gentleness, yet no amount of pleading could convince her husband to go with her. Until Christmas Eve, that is, when she stole her husband's doll and took it to Francis, who had set upon the idea of creating a nativity but needed a baby Jesus.
The carver discovered the theft, and realizing what his wife had done, headed for the friar's church. But upon finding his wife, he stood transfixed, for around his carved doll the friar with animals gathered round, singing the ageless story of the birth of our Savior. And the carver's bitterness melted away. Francis approached him, gripping his shoulder. "You wondered if God could cure blindness? Well, we are watching him do it, are we not?"
This Christmas season, many of us have reason to not celebrate—to instead throw our pain in God's face and ask why we should be glad his son came to earth. But Jesus understands our pain—he endured the greatest suffering any of us could ever imagine. And on this joyous morning, we invite you to walk into that stable, to hear the music of delighted angels, and join in the chorus, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
May you have a blessed Christmas!
From all of us at the ChristianityToday.com team
![The Humble Gift]() BETWEEN YOU & ME
The Humble Gift
By LaTonya Taylor
I sat near the back of the sanctuary as the soloist made his way to the stage before the service began. He looked to be around 16, had dark curly hair and a preoccupied _expression_ on his face. He sat down behind a music stand, adjusted his music, and gently placed his bass guitar on his lap. More …
IT HAPPENED TO ME
Where's My Christmas Spirit?
The kid had just broken a window, and I was ready to let him have it.
By Gwen Spaulding as told to Chris Lutes
GOOD ADVICE
It Seems Like Everyone Swears
I can't stop it all, but hearing it at school is affecting my thoughts. What can I do?
By Jim Burns
COLLEGE GUIDE
Confessions of a Clueless Senior
Everyone else was so sure about their plans … except me.
By Allison Asimakoupoulos
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Visit Our Special Christmas Section!
Come celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Experience the wonder of the first Christmas, find tips on planning and gift-giving, read up on history and traditions, enjoy heartwarming stories, make use of our devotionals and quizzes, and send free Christmas e-cards to friends and family. Find everything you need in these Christmas pages to help you experience the true meaning of this blessed holiday!
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What Would Jesus Do? Interactive Devotional
This timely devotional offers encouragement from top
Christian artists, including Rebecca St. James and the
Newsboys—along with color photos and much more.
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January CD Birthday Card
Send a touching note of love with this beautiful November
birthday card and gift all in one! Features space to
write a personal message and a full-length CD.
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Complete KJV Bible on DVD
Synchronized graphics and text show every verse of the
KJV. Wide screen and full frame technology display
beautiful photographs of the Holy Land.
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