11 Crib - imagine the scene

As well as traditions and customs linked to the crib, we learn different things of the birth of Jesus from two of the Gospel writers, Matthew and Luke, who help us to imagine the scene of where Jesus was born and who visited him.  
In Luke we here how Joseph took Mary to Bethlehem to be registered. 

While they were there the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her first-born.  She wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn, ... Luke 2:6-7

Luke then describes how shepherds in the field were visited by Angels praising God and singing:

Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to men who enjoy his favour Luke 2: 14

and how the shepherds then went to look for themselves.  After their visit they shared with everyone they met.  After our visit to the crib and reflecting on the wonders of the incarnation in this Year of Faith we might think about what we news we might share.

Meanwhile in Matthew, we hear how some wise men came to Jerusalem from the east.  

The sight of the star filled them with delight, and going into the house they saw the child with his mother Mary, and falling to their knees they did him homage.  Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  Matthew 2: 10-11

And as we celebrate each of the eight days of our Christmas octave we may want to think what gifts we will offer to serve the Lord.  

The news report below shows of a crib created by a street cleaner in Rome, and containing stones from around the world. 

See Cathedral Parish blog for other cribs, being used by families to help them imagine this wondrous scene.