Dear Parishioners and Friends,
When I was a young child I used to love looking at the Nativity scene in our parish church in Buffalo. In fact, our parish had two: one for inside the church and one for display outdoors. Both sets were made of carved wood, just like the beautiful Nativity set in our own church of St. Patrick-St. Anthony.
Ever since that time many years ago, I had hoped to own a wood-carved Nativity set some day. I finally got mine in 2002 after a trip to Europe when I found a shop in Vienna which sold many different Nativity sets of varying sizes. I ordered a “starter” set and continued to collect figures during subsequent trips abroad. My set now totals 42 figures, including St. Francis. I decided to set it up in the Franciscan Center this year so that everyone could enjoy it.
I know that many cathedrals, churches, retreat houses and museums have a custom of displaying different Nativity scenes from different parts of the world, or different types of media (wood, clay, glass, etc.) I’m thinking that it might be something we could do here next Christmas at St. Patrick-St. Anthony. If you have a Nativity set that is attractive and interesting, or from another culture, and are willing to loan it to us for about a month, please let me know. The main room of the Franciscan Center offers plenty of space for display, and it might become a fun tradition here.
This Sunday and next, the Gospels focus on Saint Joseph before and after the birth of Jesus. His silent witness can be a source of inspiration and hope for all of us in these difficult times. Rather than removing the Holy Family from Nativity scenes, I prefer to see them as symbols of God’s presence (Jesus), guidance (Joseph), and faithful discipleship (Mary). Here is a poem I came across many years ago about the role of Joseph at Christmas.
“Getting to the Front of the Stable”
Who put Joseph in the back of the stable?
Who dressed him in brown, put a staff in his hand,
and told him to stand in the back of the crèche,
background for the magnificent light of the Madonna?
God-chosen, this man Joseph was faithful
in spite of the gossip in Nazareth,
in spite of the danger of Herod.
This man Joseph, listened to angels
and it was he who named the Child Emmanuel.
Is this a man to be stuck for centuries
in the back of the stable?
Actually, Joseph probably stood in the doorway
guarding the mother and child
or greeting shepherds and kings.
When he wasn’t in the doorway,
he was probably urging Mary to get some rest,
gently covering her with his cloak,
assuring her that he would watch the Child.
Actually, he probably picked the Child up in his arms
and walked him in the night,
patting him lovingly until he closed his eyes.
This Christmas, let us give thanks to God
for this man of incredible faith
into whose care God placed the Christ Child.
As a gesture of gratitude,
let’s put Joseph in the front of the stable
where he can guard and greet
and cast an occasional glance at this Child
who brought us life.
Ann Weems, Kneeling in Bethlehem
Have a Blessed Christmas!
Fr. Tim Shreenan, O.F.M.
Pastor
