Celebrating all creatures great and small
At this time of year, the birth of Jesus Christ is reverently recalled through recreations of the straw-filled stable in Bethlehem and figurines symbolising the Christmas characters.
From simple cribs at home to elaborate crèches around the world, portrayals of the age-old story feature Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus, surrounded by visiting shepherds and high-ranking sages. Since the infant was laid in a manger, sheep and cattle must necessarily be included. An angel, hovering atop the shed, completes the solemn scene.
While artistic depictions of this traditional theme had existed long before the 13th century, the custom of setting up cribs, as we know it today, owes its origin to Saint Francis of Assisi (1182-1226). Realising, even in a more devout era, that the Christ of Christmas might well be forgotten in the revelry of the festive season, he wished to impress upon people that Jesus was born in lowly circumstances. It was knowledge he himself had grasped. The son of a wealthy merchant, he had voluntarily embraced poverty, gladly renouncing the things of this world. For this rebellion — as his father viewed it — the young man was disinherited in 1206.
Graphic representation
In 1223, after gaining permission from the Pope of the day, St Francis arrived in the town of Greccio — not far from Assisi — and made arrangements to celebrate Christmas Eve in a meaningful way. Inspired by his pilgrimage to Bethlehem a few years earlier, and enlisting the support of an influential friend and admirer, St Francis arranged a graphic representation of the site where Jesus was born. In a cave in the hills he placed some hay on a stone and upon it the image of a child. He then led an ox and an ass to the spot, reminding those who had arrived there in a torch-light procession that such humble beings had been present at the extraordinary event they were commemorating. A contemporary of St Francis relates that the latter appeared radiant as he delivered the message of Christmas to his congregation.
A great lover of birds and beasts (even preaching to them), St Francis would have found the participation of animals in the celebrations especially moving. In an age in which their right to care and consideration was dimly understood, this is what the man of God had to say: “Not to hurt creatures is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission — to be of service to them wherever they require it.”
