Father Francis Xavier Weninger, who lived in the 19th century, wrote:
“Octavius Augustus, the Roman Emperor, had given peace to the whole empire by conquering his enemies. Nowhere was war heard of, and peace reigned over all the world. The emperor, desiring to know the strength of his empire, and the number of his subjects, profited by this calm, and gave command to his officers to register the names of all the inhabitants of his dominions. Cyrinus was charged with the census of Syria and Judea. In order that this registering might be correctly made, the command was issued that everyone should be enrolled in the city from which his family came.
The Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph resided at Nazareth, a small town in Galilee; but as both were descended from King David, who came from Bethlehem (a small hamlet or town in the tribe of Judah five miles from Jerusalem), they went there.
At Bethlehem, they found all the houses so filled with strangers, who had come for the same purpose, that although St. Joseph took all pains to find a lodging for his holy spouse, he could not succeed. As the night approached, nothing was left for them but to repair to a cave in a rock, outside of Bethlehem. Both submitted to divine Providence, humbly worshiping the judgment of Heaven, as they recognized that the only begotten Son of God, who became flesh to teach us humility and poverty, had Himself chosen this lowly and miserable stable as His birthplace.”
When the Virgin Mary placed the Holy Infant in the manger, there was an ox and a donkey in the Cave of Bethlehem with the Holy Family. The two animals drew near to the Infant Jesus and warmed him with their breath.
Shortly after the birth of Our Lord, the Heavenly Host appeared to the shepherds, telling them of the birth of the Savior, and singing, “Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace to men of Good Will.”
The three Kings then came from the East, following the Star of Bethlehem, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
The Church Supply Store Nativity Christmas Figurine is a beautiful representation of the birth of Jesus. At the top of the figurine, His star shines down on the Holy Family, the three Kings, and one of the shepherds. Directly beneath the star is one of the holy angels who sang to the shepherds. In lovely antique colors, this figurine will enhance your Christmas Holiday for years to come.