Day 2 - the Twelve Creches of Christmas

Susan, an accomplished artist, among her other artistic endeavours, creates altar frontals. Last year, while she was working on an altar frontal depicting the Church season of Epiphany, she also found time to read my blog on the “Twelve days of Christmas” (see earlier blogs).

The above Crèche was a painting Susan did for the Reed family in Rockwood. The three Reed children are wearing costumes Susan made for her children. The costumes have been used in Christmas productions at St. John’s Church, Rockwood. This painting became the cover for Susan’s Christmas card in 2005.

The donkey is Hillary, who lives at Sunrise Equestrian Centre for the Disabled.

The doll, representing the Christ child, has outstretched arms, indicating the love of God reaching out to all people.

A donkey carried Jesus - in Mary’s womb - from Nazareth to Bethlehem; another donkey transported the infant Jesus from there to Egypt and back to Nazareth. Later, Jesus would choose a donkey for his triumphant entry into the holy city of Jerusalem ( Palm Sunday), and, I think given the choice, Jesus would have ridden on a donkey to the cross on Good Friday and to the Resurrected Life on Easter Day.

The donkey – the beast of burden and the symbol of peace – carried the “Prince of Peace” to proclaim a message of peace and hope to troubled people then and throughout the ages.

Think today of those weighed down by their “burdens of life”, and who still convey a message of hope and peace to the individuals they meet along the way. Thank God for their contribution to  humanity.

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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.