Francis of Assisi (1181 - 1226) was the first person on record to recreate a Christmas nativity scene. On Christmas Eve 1223, in order to "set before our bodily eyes - how he (Jesus) lay in a manger," Francis and his companions worshiped in a cave near Greccio, Italy, surrounded by oxen, sheep and donkeys.

It was written that people in the nearby area prepared with joy according to their capabilities, bringing candles and torches to illumine the night that had been the light of the world through its star. Finally the saint of God arrived and saw it and was glad. The manger was ready, hay was spread, and the ox and ass led in.

Simplicity was honored, poverty exalted, humility praised. Greccio was made a new Bethlehem. The night became as day to the joy of humankind and animalkind. The people were happy at this great mystery, the forest echoed with the voices of the congregation; the rocks cried out in jubilation. The friars sang their debt of praise to God, and the night echoed with their hymns. The saint of God stood near the manger, overwhelmed with love and swelling with happiness.

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