In its present form the custom of displaying figures depicting the birth of Jesus Christ owes its origin to Saint Francis of Assisi who made the Christmas crèche or manger for Christmas eve of 1223. However as early as the fourth century representations of the nativity of the Lord were painted as wall decorations.
The prayer of blessing offered here may be used by a parent or any other family member. It is appropriate to precede it with a reading from the Gospel of Luke. Most suitable is likely to be the story of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Luke 2:1-8
God of every nation and people,
from the very beginning of creation
you have made manifest your love:
when our need for a Saviour was great
you sent your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary.
To our lives he brings joy and peace,
justice, mercy, and love.
Lord, bless all who look upon this manger;
may it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus,
and raise up our thought to him,
who is God-with-us and Saviour of all,
and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
Photograph (c) 2016. Figures created by Margaret Rope.