According to St. Bonaventure in the 13th century, St. Francis of Assisi desired the townspeople to commemorate the birth of Jesus. After obtaining permission from the pope, he prepared a real manger, brought in hay, an ox and a donkey. Then he gathered the townspeople to the site one night, and their torches and voices filled the forest with brilliance and praise.
Francis full of tears of joy, preached to the people about the birth of the poor King. So profound was his reverence and devotion to the Lord, he could barely speak His name, but referred to Him instead as, “the Babe of Bethlehem.”
The story continues with a soldier name Master John of Grecio, who had left his military pursuits and had become a friend of Francis’. While beholding Francis’ manger, the former soldier saw a vision of “an Infant marvelously beautiful, sleeping in the manger.” This vision was believed not only because of the character of Master John, but also because of the miracles that followed.
It is said that the hay of that manger cured diseases of animals and “many other pestilences”.
In our day, this simple display suffers much public controversy.
The Babe of Bethlehem still causes “the fall and rise of many in Israel and for a sign to be opposed…”Luke 2:35
I love the manger scene, wherever it is displayed, because I love the One who came to reconcile me back to God.
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