"Nature was a mirror of the soul for St. Francis of Assisi—a mirror for himself and a mirror for God. All this mirroring effected a complete change of consciousness, a shift in how he saw reality.The outer world began to name the inner experience and the nature of God for Francis. It all became a two-way mirror through which he could see God and also see his deepest soul. Our Franciscan tradition has always seen creation as “the first Bible,” which had a 14.5-billion-year lead on the written Bible."  -Fr. Richard Rohr                                                           

Frances had a desire to honor and express his Love of God by celebrating the birth of Jesus. In Greccio, Italy on Christmas Eve in 1223, Francis recreated a nativity scene complete with a manger, people, and live animals. The villagers all came to bear witness to the miracle and mystery of the incarnation. Christmas hymns filled the cold night air with joy and wonder. This awe inspired evening began the lovely tradition of making
a nativity scene for decoration during Advent and Christmas.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. 

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Where there is injury, pardon.

Where there is doubt, faith.

Where there is despair, hope.

Where there is darkness, light.

Where there is sadness, joy.

-St Frances

We, Angels and Mortals, Believers and
Nonbelievers,
Look heavenward and speak the word
aloud.
Peace.

We look at our world and speak the
word aloud.
Peace.

We look at each other, then into
ourselves,
And we say without shyness or apology or
hesitation:

Peace, My Brother.
Peace, My
Sister.
Peace, My Soul

~Maya Angelou 

Wishing you a peace filled Christmas.

~liz Sorensen Wessel