Group 3: The Nativity Scene (Creche)

 

Carefully unpack the box with the Creche

Set up the Creche

One group member brings holy water from the church in the container supplied.

Select one group member to read the Origin of the Creche

Select two group members to be the Mother and Father.

The other members will be the children.

The Mother and Father lead the blessing

The children take part as directed.

Origin of the Creche   The word, crèche, comes from the Old French crèche meaning manger. Crib comes from the Old High German krippa meaning manger. Saint Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the first live nativity scene in Greccio, Italy, in 1223. Live animals and children were a part of the scene. Since then, the custom of displaying a crèche during the Advent and Christmas seasons has become a treasured tradition for families the world over.  The Creche, without the infant Jesus, should be set up at the beginning of Advent. Jesus should be placed in the manger on Christmas. The Three Kings should be added at the Epiphany. The Christmas season does not end until the Epiphany.

The Christmas Creche Blessing

Mary and Joseph (Mom & Dad) go to the creche. The manger is filled with scraps of yarn by their children for each good deed performed during Advent. Now it is time to enthrone the Christ Child in the place prepared for Him.

Each family member holds a figure during the blessing, at least one of the shepherds, an angel and the infant Jesus. At the proper time in the blessing, and after each member is sprinkled with holy water, each replaces their figure in the Creche scene.

(Mother & Father read together) Great and good God we stand before you in wonder and awe.

We thank you for the miracle of Jesus' birth.

May this creche reminds us that Jesus is with us always.

May we parents share the deep and pure love that Mary and Joseph felt for their child. (Put Mary and Joseph in place)

May our children know the joy of the shephers and the song of the angels. (Put the shepherd and angels into the creche)

May we all praise the name of Jesus forever and ever. Amen (Now put the baby Jesus in the crib)