Experience the Wonder of Christmas!
Throughout the history of the church, the telling of the Christmas story has been a staple of Christian tradition done in a variety of ways, from nativity plays, to scripture reading to prayerful Christmas songs. A tradition at the St. Charles Campus is our annual Live Nativity, where the scene of Christ’s humble birth literally comes to life.
This popular Christmas tradition, going back over 800 years, is attributed to the famous 13th century evangelist St. Francis of Assisi. His plan for the people in the small town of Greccio was that by depicting the manger scene much like it was that first Christmas- in a cave, with human actors and animals playing various parts- they would more fully encounter the miracle of the Incarnation. By taking it all in through the senses this miracle would become more real, transforming the scene from just a display into an invitation to witness Jesus meeting us as one of us, in his humility, poverty, and love.
Although St. Francis in his later years usually sought solitude, he wanted to experience this Live Nativity with others as a communal celebration of Jesus' birthday. I think that’s fitting for us too as we transition into a family of Parishes. May this year’s Live Nativity help us to experience our own interconnectedness with one another as we behold in the words of St. Francis: “the memory of that Child who was born in Bethlehem, to see with bodily eyes the inconveniences of his infancy, how he lay in the manger”.
Step into the true meaning of Christmas at our Live Nativity at St. Charles on Sunday, December 21.
This cherished parish tradition brings the story of Christ’s birth to life with live animals, joyful music, and the sight of our children portraying the Holy Family in a beautiful manger setting. As you walk through the scene of Bethlehem, you’ll be reminded of the simple yet profound miracle of God’s love made flesh in Jesus Christ—Emmanuel, “God with us.”
After visiting the Nativity, join us in the PAC for festive fun and fellowship. Children can enjoy games, crafts, and time with the animals, while families share cookies and hot cocoa together. Our Youth Ministry will also be hosting a delicious fundraiser dinner featuring pulled pork sandwiches (or PB&J), along with popcorn and pizza sales to support their work. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate our faith, support our youth, and strengthen our parish community during this sacred season of Advent.
Come and encounter the beauty of that holy night, where faith, family, and community come join in harmony to welcome the newborn King.
