Day 5 - The Twelve Creches of Christmas

On quiet Spruce Street in Burlington, Ontario, the owners of this house must spend thousands of hours and dollars planning and decorating for Christmas.

Each year, they come from far and wide – families, couples and individuals – to bask in the electrical glow of this magnificent masterpiece.

Not only are the house and front lawn aglow in neon lighted figures, so is the back yard – adorned with colourful displays and appropriate music to heighten one’s emotions and awe on a cold winter night. There is constant movement as the lights rotate from brightness to darkness and skip around.

There is so much going on that one could easily get lost in the chaos and fervent activity. In some ways it mirrors life in our hectic and uncertain world. And yet, in the midst of it all is a Crèche, where Mary and Joseph are tenderly and protectively caring for their infant boy, as the rest of the world skips merrily by.

The baby – the one who later would call himself ‘the prince of peace” - is bringing  God’s peace to all people of good will.

In a prominent place on the front lawn is a motorcycle with the name – Cam – inscribed in lights. I don’t really know the story behind this display, but I have heard that Cam died in a motorcycle accident. If that is true, then his legacy lives on in a splendour of flashing lights, which is an annual tribute to him and his contribution to life on this earth. 

It also jogs our memory, reminding us that tragedies are never far from the Crèche, and the Crèche is there to console, soothe and bring peace to  troubled persons, households, communities, countries or nations.

Today, think about those who grieve this Christmas and to whom the Crèche can bring comfort and relief. Pray for them.

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The Crèche is a nativity set depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. Since St. Francis built the first Crèche in the 13^th century, the idea has expanded around the world. Even though people frame their Crèches to reflect their local customs, traditions, cultures and materials, the central focus is always the same – the birth of the Saviour. During the 12 days of Christmas, I will share 12 Crèches and their messages. Hope you enjoy them.  

     Love to hear your thoughts on the Creches in COMMENTS below.