PREPARE THE WAY

Background to the creation of a crib:

St. Francis of Assisi set up the first nativity scene in a manger set up in a cave with live animals. This scene was set up in Greccio in 1223, to help the people understand the hardships and poverty Joseph and Mary went through. According to Olive Margaret Scanlan who wrote on the life of St. Francis, all the peasant people around came from far and wide carrying torches and lanterns to see this crib. The statue of Jesus was placed in this manger. St. Francis made a makeshift altar in this crib setting, and sometime during the Eucharist when St. Francis lifted the statue to the people, the people seemed to have a live experience of the nativity scene.

Given below is the preparation of a crib that can be done at Sunday School and in our own homes. Figures can be made of paper cones (as shown on this page) or of pipe cleaners (as shown overleaf).  The text that follows gives instructions for executing the crib, to look like the one on the inner front cover.

Steps to make Conical Figures

Teacher draws a circle of 5 radius using cardboard, and cuts out portion as shown in the diagram.  This can be used as a stencil in class.  Each child traces out a sample piece on handmade paper and cuts it.  The two ends of the circumference are overlapped so that A coincides with A to form a cone.  The cone can be decorated by painting it, adding sequins or tinsel dust on it.  If you use ordinary paper then the cone can be decorated with coloured paper or cloth.

Appropriate faces (measuring a little larger than a rupee coin) are drawn, painted, cut out and stuck on the top of the cone to form a conical figure.

Steps to make Pipe Cleaner figures

1.   2 pipe cleaners twisted tightly (1/2 way) to form the torso of the figure (see diagram).

2.   A third pipe cleaner used to twist around the first two pipe cleaners at shoulder level.

3.   A bead/cork decorated with paper/cloth to form the head of the figures, with a crown  or headgear or scarf on the head.

4.   Drape the pipe cleaners with pieces of cloth so as to form the figures to resemble the appropriate character e.g. shepherds, Mary, Joseph, etc.

5.   The twisted end of the pipe cleaner is pushed into the decorated bead/cork which forms the head of the figure.

STAGE 1 - 3 weeks before Christmas

At Home

The Crib is prepared with only the animals placed in it. Along with the initial preparation of the crib we prepare a bed of straw and prepare our hearts as well. Choose a spot to place your crib where you can pray.

Reading: Luke 1: 26-38

Here the Gospel of Luke beautifully shows that the radical newness of Gods saving action is the focus of the announcement of the birth of Jesus. He will not only be great in the sight of the Lord like John but he will be called Son of the Most High. Jesus is conceived by the power of the Spirit and will be the final and eternal King of Israel.

Mary is the model Christian disciple from the beginning. Her physical motherhood was a unique grace but her motherhood on the spiritual plane is shared by all who make the same faithful response she did.

At the message of the angel, the Virgin Mary received the Word of God in her heart and in her body and gave life to the world (Constitution on the Church, 53)

Make a bed of straw for Jesus. Straw can be made of stripes of paper of yellow and green or brown. On each straw write down the good deed or act of kindness done.

Besides the place kept for the crib you can start preparing a spot for the shepherds by planting some (rye) seeds in mud. The grass takes at least a week to grow.

Hymn at Crib: O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Stage 2: Two weeks before Christmas

The scene shifts again, now from the lonely villages in the hills of Galilee to the vast arena of the Roman Empire. Emperor Augustus orders that a census be taken. Joseph and Mary, law abiding citizens, make the journey from Nazareth to Josephs ancestral city - Bethlehem (70 miles away).

Reading: Luke 2: 1-5

We reflect on this long strenuous journey and the difficulties they faced, especially in the state Mary was in; Joseph worried, responsible, full of questions; and the donkey, filled with wonder at the holy burden it carries, hungry and thirsty but ever so patient!

Three days before Christmas the figures of Joseph and Mary can travel all over your home to signity this strenuous journey to Bethlehem.

At Sunday School: Share with the person next to you how you cope or handle with difficult times, e.g. when you are hurt by someone or feel not loved and cared for at home or school.

At Home: Share with each other your own difficulty or areas where you are facing problems. What are the difficulties that come up when you want to go out in service but are unable to do so.

(Pause)

Is it because we have no time?

Maybe we feel that we are too small or too weak to help others.

Are we very busy with so many other things we need to do, e.g. attend classes/household chores/hectic work schedule, etc.?

End with a hymn.

Stage 3: One week before Christmas

At Sunday School

Reading: Luke 2:6-7

1. Each child writes down her/his good qualities or talents (at least 5).

2. Divide the class into groups of 10.

3. Each child has to interact with the other 9 in the group.

Next, as they meet each person they tell each other what qualities they like in each other. If the qualities/talents are already listed out by the child they need to put a tick against the qualities/talents (as many ticks as good qualities mentioned by others). If not listed by the child he adds it to his list of good qualities.

End with thanksgiving prayer, Hymn: Joy to the World, and a time of fellowship.

Stage 4: On 24th December 

At Home

We reflect how Joseph and Mary struggled to find a place to give birth to Jesus because there was no place for them in the inn. How can we open our hearts more fully to receive Jesus?

Share with each family member any hurt or pain you feel. When the person who is hurt shares - the other person only listens and does not interrupt or make any excuses.

This sharing is done on a one to one basis or jointly as a family. Family members can also share their own difficulty in praying together daily or in reaching out to others.

End with a carol, eg. O Come all ye faithful.

Place only Joseph and Mary in the crib - the manger still remains empty.

Stage 5: On Christmas Day

Place Jesus in the Crib

At home before lunch

We have been nourished spiritually at the Eucharist and will be nourished physically at the sumptuous family lunch.

Let us give each other a further boost - start by giving each other a warm hug!

Share and tell each other what you like about each other. This can be done either verbally or through exchange of notes of affirmation only. This is a day of great rejoicing so all stand around the crib to adore Jesus in song. Bring your pets too - as this is a festival for animals too, as it was the ox and donkey who came close to Jesus and their breath on Jesus kept Him warm during the cold winter days!

Sing carols of rejoicing: Joy to the World, Silent Night

Stage 6: On 26th December

At Home

Reflect on role of shepherds.

Place shepherds and sheep on pasture land -

Reading: Luke 2:8-20

The shepherds were generally poor and to some extent outcasts, considered by the respectable to be ignorant, dirty and lawless. Like the hated tax collectors these outcasts are ready for the gospel as we see below:

a. Appearance of Gods messenger lights up the sky; there is fear and reassurance as at the Annunciation of Mary.

b. It is through these lowly people that the message of salvation comes to the people.

c. Angels pronounced peace as a gift of Gods favour.

d. Shepherds respond by glorifying and praising God.

e. Mary reflects on Gods words and deeds in her heart.

Once again the family silently reads the passage and reflects how the shepherds listened to message from God.

Share which verse / word strikes each one and what way it speaks to you personally.

End by thanking God for speaking to us.

Place shepherds and sheep in the crib and sing: Angels we have heard on High and The first Noel

Stage 7: Feast of Epiphany  4th January

Ten days prior to this feast the 3 wise men can travel all over your home on table tops, on the top of cupboards, etc. signifying the long and strenuous journey they had to undertake in search of Jesus.

Reading: Mathew 2:1-12

Here we see wise men from the east. They see the star and follow it, probably because Num 24:17 connects the Messiahs birth with the appearance of a star.

There is a contrast between the Magi and Herod - the reactions of both very different. It was the magi who chose to come to worship Jesus. God called and they answered by following and keeping their eye on the star.

Spend 5 minutes in silent reflection.

During this time you can play -

(a) I have called you by Name - Bob Fitts or (b)To dream the impossible Dream

Reflect on what is God calling you to do.

To be done at Sunday School and At Home

Give each one a star cut out of chart paper

u  On one side write what is  God calling you to do - in school / with friends / in the neighbourhood / at work / at home.

u  On the other side of the star write what difficulties you foresee in answering that call.

At the end we sing We three Kings and come in procession. The figures of the Magi are now brought to be placed at the crib. The one leading the procession carries the star on a stick and places it on the crib.

The cutout stars are then placed at the foot of the crib and offered to Jesus - as an offering of oneself.