A manger scene is the primary decoration in most southern
European, Central American, and South American nations. St.
Francis of Assisi created the first living nativity in 1224 to
help explain the birth of Jesus to his followers. Over two
thousand years ago a young woman by the name of Mary lived in
the small town of Nazareth. Mary was to be married to a
carpenter named Joseph. She was unaware of the significance of
her life until one day an angel sent from God appeared before
her. The angel Gabriel had good news for Mary. She had been
chosen by God to have a special baby. The baby was to be God’s
son and she would name him Jesus. Mary told Gabriel she would do
whatever God asked. Not long after the angel’s visit, Mary and
Joseph were married. Together they made a long journey to
Bethlehem where Mary was to have her baby. When they arrived in
Bethlehem they did not have a place to stay because the inn
there was full. The kind innkeeper told them he had a stable
where the animals lived that they could stay in