CHRISTMAS CRIB

St. Francis spent the Christmas of 1223 at Grecchio in the valley of Rieti, Italy where he formulated the idea of building a crib. He said: “I would like to make a memorial of the Child Jesus who was born at Bethlehem and in some way behold with bodily eyes the hardships of His infant state, lying on hay in a manger with the ox and ass standing by.” Accordingly a “crib” was set up at the hermitage, and the peasants crowded into Midnight Mass, at which St. Francis served as Deacon and preached on the mystery of Christmas. From this time on the custom of crib-making to express the Christian sentiments of
Bethlehem grew in popularity.

Christmas in Heaven
I see the countless Christmas trees below,
With tiny lights like Heaven stars,
Reflecting on the snow.
All is grand so wipe away that tear
For I am spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the hymns that people hold so dear
Yet the sounds of music can’t compare
With the Christmas chants up here.
I know how much you miss me
I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away – only just apart.
Please love and help each other,
As God the Father said to do.
Being mindful of the blessings He has for you.
Have a holy Christmas & wipe away the tear.
For I am spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.