Finding True Joy Amid the Chaos of the Holidays

The nativity scene, with Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus in the crib, some farm animals, and a star, is a prominent part of the Christmas traditions. The first nativity is attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi, who, through his meditation on the life of Jesus, reimagined the life of our Lord as a newborn baby. Through his imagination of the nativity scene, he brought to life the story of our Savior’s birth, leading us to understand in a deeper sense the reason for the season.

In contrast to the bright lights, the vibrant sounds, and the fresh scents that we are accustomed to during the Christmas season these days, the nativity scene that Saint Francis recreated gives us the quiet opportunity to meditate on the simplicity and the humility of the birth of our Lord. Because, after all, Jesus Christ, our King, the Son of God, entered into history by way of a manger, a feeding box for animals, in poverty and in desolation, surrounded by that barnyard smell. God, who gave us the gift of Himself, chose to become poor for our sake.

As Saint Francis stood before the manger that night of the first nativity scene, he was so moved that, according to Saint Bonaventure, “he bathed in tears and radiant with joy.”

We have a lot to learn from the meditation of Saint Francis that night. It is easy to get caught up in the chaos of the Holiday Season. The extravagance of Christmas traditions, the rituals, the bright lights, and the festive decorations can lead us to jubilation, but it is in the simplicity and in the humility of our Savior in the manger that can move us, reminding us of the deeper meaning of Christmas joy.