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What we know as the traditional Christmas Nativity Scene turns 800 this year.

In December of the year 1223, Saint Francis of Assisi displayed the first creche in a cave in Italy.

 

Today on Family Life’s Noon Report, we hear some of the history of this display of the people — and animals — which were part of the original Christmas celebration a dozen centuries earlier. Reporter Lauren Guillen has studied the history of how the Nativity Scenes built upon some similar artwork of earlier years, but caught on to be a global aspect of how the birth of Jesus is commemorated — even with some localized varieties.

Guillen also authored the young-adult novel A Bellwether Christmas, set in medieval Italy, where her main character overlaps with Francis’ era. Her book speaks to the way the Christ Child’s arrival encourages love, honor and sacrifice.