Stations of the Crib
Following Mary and Joseph’s Journey
This is a devotion that observes the Holy Family’s journey to Bethlehem. This reflection is inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi and the Franciscan Devotional prayer service followed during Christmas. It is also inspired by Joseph Nassal’s book, Stations of the Crib - A Journey from Advent to Epiphany.
St. Francis had three great devotions, to Christ in the Crib, Christ on the Cross, and the Eucharist. It is noted that he especially loved to celebrate the feast of the Nativity of Our Lord. He is credited with re-creating the first Christmas by fashioning a Nativity Scene in Greccio, Italy, in 1223. A pilgrimage to Bethlehem profoundly affected Francis. Seeing the modest setting of Jesus’ birthplace firsthand made it feel even more real. Francis wanted to replicate that experience for others. After receiving permission from Pope Honorious III, Francis had a manger in a cave, prepared with hay, an ox, a donkey, and a carved doll to represent the infant Christ. Following midnight Mass, St. Francis bent toward the manger to kiss the infant statue. At that moment the statue appeared to be awakened from sleep. All who attended the Mass were astonished at this Christmas miracle. A second miracle shortly followed. The hay that the doll lay in healed sick animals and pregnant women who suffered from difficult labor. Stories of St. Francis’ recreation of that first Christmas night became so popular that soon every church in Italy had its own nativity scene and has become a Christian tradition worldwide.
In that spirit we invite you to visit our virtual version of Stations of the Crib. We hope by sharing this, we inspire contemplation, and it serves as a reminder to prepare your heart for the celebration of Christ’s birth. May the spirit of Peace, Hope and Good Will be with you!
Station I
The Annunciation
“…The Holy Spirit will come on you. The power of the Most High will cover you. The holy Child you give birth to will be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:35-38
Reflection:
Have you ever imagined how Mary felt as she pondered the Angel Gabriel’s request? Perhaps she thought, why me or how can this be? The virgin Mary was faced with being the mother of the prophesied Messiah, the sacrificial Lamb of God, and her answer was clear… “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” This was Mary’s first act of devotion and discipleship to the Lord. Mary said yes to God and took a leap of faith. When we are faced with difficult decisions, is our faith strong enough to say yes to God’s will? If it is not, how can we grow our belief and trust in the Lord?
Station II
The Visitation
“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, ‘most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.’”
Luke 1:39-45
Reflection:
Mary’s faith and decision to say yes to the Lord is affirmed as she visits her older cousin Elizabeth. Her cousin knows her secret and acknowledges that God has chosen her. The only other person on earth who might understand what Mary is experiencing is her cousin, Elizabeth. Both women are blessed by God and Elizabeth’s joy is contagious, filling Mary with hope and strength. This Advent, look for the opportunity to share your faith and blessings with others, fill them with the joy and strength that your faith gives you.
Station III
Joseph’s Dream
“…behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary, your wife, into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.' When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.” Matthew 1:20-25
Reflection:
Despite fear, Joseph is willing to accept God’s command, and in doing so, Joseph becomes the great protector. Joseph was obedient and trusted God. God uses difficult situations to help us grow. He wants us to develop our faith and trust him, like Joseph did.
Station IV
The Pregnancy
Sweet Mary was only 14 years old. Hers was an unexpected pregnancy. She was a young virgin who was told by an angel that she was going to be a mother. Mary understood her child was going to save the world with the ultimate sacrifice of his own life. How brave she was and what an incredible example she is for all mothers.
Let the Blessed Virgin Mary’s courage and dedication to Christ serve as our guide. This Advent season, make an extra effort to support all mothers, especially those who are most in need.
Station V
The Edict
“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So, all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.” Luke 2: 1-5
Reflection:
Caesar needed money to expand the Roman Empire and required a census. Joseph had to return to Bethlehem to be counted. They say, “nothing is certain except death and taxes”. But we believe nothing is possible without the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Station VI
Journey to Bethlehem
Joseph and pregnant Mary traveled approximately 90 miles on foot and by donkey. The journey would have been long, uncomfortable, and difficult. The trails were unpaved, hilly and Mary was very pregnant riding on a donkey!
Reflection:
How many of us travel for Christmas and dread it. It’s hard not to complain about slow traffic, airline delays, and being away from the creature comforts of our own homes. Perhaps if we think of Mary and Joseph’s journey more, traveling would be more bearable.
Station VII
Search for Lodging
“ . . . because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7).”
Mary and Joseph did what any good parents would do and that is to make the best of a bad situation. There was no room in the inn, and so they found shelter. Jesus comes into this world naked and humble, but he is immediately swaddled with the love of Mary and Joseph.
Reflection:
A question we face is whether we are humble enough to make the best of a bad situation or does a sense of entitlement get in the way. Most importantly, do we have room in our hearts for our dear neighbor and do we have room in our heart for God?
Station VIII
Birth of Christ
“…and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger…” Luke 2:7
Reflection:
Christ is born powerless and poor, yet he becomes the redemption on which humankind ultimately depends. There is a purpose behind His modest beginnings. Perhaps understanding that Christ’s humble entry into this world makes him more approachable, more relatable, and like Jesus, God will reward us for our humility.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” James 4:10
Station IX
Hark the Angel
“Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, ‘do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord’”. Luke 2: 8-11
Reflection:
In Luke’s account, he highlights the importance of spreading the Good News to all people. God sends an Angel first to the shepherds. They represent the common people, the poor, and the marginalized. Luke makes this subtle reminder that God’s salvation includes ALL who accept and follow Jesus with no distinction.
Station X
The Magi
“and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.” Matthew 2: 11-12
Reflection:
Following the Star of Bethlehem and finding Christ in a stable most certainly transformed the Magi. With only faith, they trusted the star as their guide. By being faithful they were rewarded to find the manger where Jesus laid.