The Nativity Scene (Creche) of St. Mary Magdalene in Manor, Texas

For the 2022 Christmas season, St. Mary Magdalene, Manor, created a Pesebre or Nacimiento (Creche), drawing from Latin American traditions. In a number of countries, “creche,” or nativity scenes, are created and placed in community spaces, in churches, and in homes. The traditional figures of the Holy Family, shepherds, animals, and magi are often set in the middle of a representation of the local town and topography.

The tradition reportedly got its start in Italy. By the mid 18th century, the tradition was made popular in Spain and its colonies, including America.

Theologically, a “nacimiento”(birth or nativity), places the birth of Jesus in the middle of a town in the here-and-now and shows a central truth of the incarnation. Namely, Jesus was born in our world, thereby transforming us and the whole creation.

St. Mary Magdalene has not put aside this beautiful tradition that is long etched in history. The congregation built its own “nacimiento” during Advent but left the baby Jesus figure out of the manger until he appeared on Christmas Eve.

A nativity scene complete with animals represented the arrival of the child Jesus to the town of Manor, incorporating familiar images of the city such as the metallic tower that can be seen from afar, along with a scenic pond. The town’s church is represented along with the Manor Police Station and city hall buildings. Quaint houses were added to include the neighboring town of Elgin.

The Manor community that attended St. Mary Magdalene enjoyed the Christmas nativity scene this past Christmas, and the community is already planning an updated version next year.

Isaiah 58:10