A View From The Pew – December 2025
The Christmas Crib
ILMODB
The first Christmas crib was the idea of St Francis of Assisi who on Christmas night in 1223, having been inspired by seeing Christ’s birthplace in Bethlehem, introduced the first living crib to the people of Greccio in Italy. Since then, throughout the world, churches have traditionally displayed their own Christmas crib. Most churches will have them in place for Christmas Eve and will leave it in place for the celebration of the feast of the Epiphany, when the Kings or Magi are added. Many cribs remain in place until the feast of the Baptism of the Lord when the Christmas season liturgically ends, or some churches will leave them on display for the full forty days after Christmas day when the feast of the Presentation of the Lord is celebrated (Candlemas). Whichever option is taken, the crib stands as a beautiful symbol and reminder of the Christmas season.
I remember as a boy gazing at the nearly life size figures of the crib in my home parish at Sacred Heart in Aston. And how, even then, I was drawn into its wonder and beauty. I remember seeing a four-year- old Jonathan boldly opening the doors of my parish church in Headington and running up to the crib with his older brother, Dominic. Jonathan fell to his knees in wonder and awe at the crib in front of the altar, oblivious that I was in the church and able to witness the sight of such wonderful innocence on Christmas day. That same Jonathan is due to be ordained to the priesthood next year, and I often wonder how that little boy’s soul was so moved and touched that he was willing to follow the Lord in such a privileged and special way.
Even now I get so much pleasure in gazing at the three cribs to be found in Brailes, Shipston and Kineton, and how childhood and parish memories are often recalled and cherished as I contemplate the view before me.
Of course, putting the crib on display in the house was something that my dear friend and departed parishioner David Brooks encouraged us to do. Indeed, he took great pride in the fact that so many people would stop and gaze at the wonderful crib that was displayed in the front of his house. I am sure David’s widow, Catherine, will do the same again this year and will do so with a great sadness, but also the cherished memory that the season brings, when your loved ones are no longer there.
So I hope you will take time to put your crib on display in the home for the Christmas season. And I hope that in recalling the absence of departed family and friends you will do so with that childlike trust and awe in the great miracle of Christmas: That “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us”
(John 1:14)
The Mass times for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are as follows:
Christmas Eve:
St Francis of Assisi Church (Kineton) 7.00pm (First Mass of Christmas)
St Peter & St Paul Chapel (Brailes) 11.30pm (Carols from 11.00pm)
Christmas Day:
Our Lady & St Michael Church (Shipston) 9.15am
St Francis of Assisi Church (Kineton) 11.00am
I wish you and your loved ones a most blessed and joyful Christmas time.
God bless.
Fr David Tams