CV NEWS FEED // To help Catholics enter into the Christmas season, a Catholic diocese is releasing a video showcasing the best local Nativity scenes.
The Diocese of Wilmington, Delaware, announced that they would be releasing a short YouTube video that consists of a photo montage of different Nativity scenes from across the diocese. The video will be released on Sunday, December 17th, at 3:00 p.m. local time.
Last Christmas, the diocese asked each of its 56 parishes and 18 mission churches to submit a photo of their nativity scene. The photos were then compiled together into a video accompanied by beautiful Christmas hymns.
Diocesan officials said that they hope the video helps Catholics reflect on the meaning of Christmas and recommend that families watch the video together and discuss the beauty of the scenes.
“When watching this video, one can’t help but be struck by the beauty and simplicity of the story of Christ’s birth artistically represented in these scenes from our churches,” said Robert Krebs, Director of Communications for the Diocese of Wilmington. “Some are very elaborate, featuring dozens of pieces, while others simply depict the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and the Child Jesus. All are beautiful in their own way.”
The diocese decided to release the video this year to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the first Nativity scene. In 1223, St. Francis of Assisi created the first Nativity scene, also called a crèche.
For the first crèche scene, St. Francis created a live nativity in the village of Greccio. He constructed it in a cave and included live animals to depict the birth of Christ.
Today, the Nativity has become a staple during the Christmas season, with many churches and houses featuring it.
