Christmas lights glisten in store windows, streets, Memorial Park and private homes. The Christmas tree on Main Street, in stores and in family homes set the Christmas mood. Christmas carols and music draw us into the Christmas spirit. Giving and receiving beautifully wrapped gifts is also part of the pre-Christmas excitement as are Christmas parties.

Yet, it is another Christmas symbol, the nativity manger, that more fully expresses the meaning of Christmas. In whatever form it is depicted, the nativity manger scene, sometimes referred to as “crèche” or “crib,” is a reminder of the mystery of God coming as a human being into our world over two thousand years ago. The scene is presented in simple terms. Joseph and Mary – travel weary – find a place to rest in an animal shelter in Bethlehem; and there, surrounded by the animals, the long-awaited messianic king is born.

The origin of the nativity manger dates to an era about 1,200 years after the birth of Christ. It was St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) who introduced the nativity manger scene as part of popular Christmas tradition.

He wanted to help believers and especially worshippers to remember and understand the story of Jesus’ birth. He presented the figures from the Gospel stories in visual form; and by bringing these together in a barn-like scene, he touched the minds and hearts of people over the centuries.

I like the fact that churches and many families in this community set up manger scenes for the Christmas celebration. A few years ago the manger scene from the International Paper company was restored, and some of it is now on view on the grounds of the Natchez Visitors Center.

St. Mary congregation has a lighted manger scene beside its Family Life Center on Main Street, as do many churches in the community; and inside St. Mary Basilica, which is open to visitors daily, there is a manger scene with an interesting history. The figures in the manger were donated in 1887 by the then pastor of St. Mary, Rev. Mathurin Grignon. The shelter in the manger was built by L.M. Dawson who died in 1950. The shelter and the figures have been in use each Advent and Christmas season since they were donated.

Different traditions regarding the manger have developed over the years. In the European tradition, for the most part, and this was the case in my family home in Ireland, the nativity manger was set in place with all of the manger figures on Christmas Eve. At St. Mary Basilica and Assumption parishes in Natchez, the nativity manger is set up in stages, beginning on the first Sunday of Advent and reaching completion with all the nativity figures, including that of the infant, for the worship celebrations on Christmas Eve (4 p.m. and 9 p.m.) and Christmas Day.

The manger scene is more than a Christmas decoration. It is a visual aid for prayer and devotion. It is also a teaching aid in that each figure in the nativity scene can serve as a model for us to live as believers.

Mary, the humble and gentle Jewish girl, reminds us what can happen in our lives if we are open to God’s grace. Joseph – strong, loving and courageous — challenges us to be faithful and dedicated to whatever work or mission we have in life.

Jesus, seen in the manger as a helpless infant, was the long-awaited savior challenging all of us now to be his witnesses. The shepherds, seen as low on the social order of their time, probably represent us well because they had nothing to bring to the Christ-child but were graced to be in his presence.

My suggestion is that every believer, during this Christmas season, stand before a nativity scene to reflect on the mystery of the Son of God coming into our world as an infant over 2,000 years ago. If you have children or grandchildren, bring them and remind them of the story of Jesus’ birth and call their attention to the figures in the manger — infant, Joseph, Mary, Shepherds, Magi or Kings and the animals.

I pray that you and your family will have the blessings of the Christ-child, as depicted in the manger scene, this Christmas. May you be abundantly blessed during 2019.

The Rev. David O’Connor, is pastor of St. Mary Basilica and Assumption Catholic Church in Natchez, Mississippi. He has ministered in Mississippi since the civil rights era.