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Many of us cherish the hand-carved Italian wooden nativity with its crèche and hanging angel given to us as a gift, or a large Fontanini Nativity we bought when we first got married. Maybe you have a burnished gold one-piece nativity passed down through the family, or you have your eye on a stained glass nativity. During the holiday season, our yard is bedecked with a beautiful, illuminated, larger-than-life nativity. Now, we might think this tradition goes all the way back to the first Christmas in Bethlehem so many years ago. You may be surprised to learn that the tradition began with Saint Francis of Assisi:

 In the early part of the thirteenth century, Saint Francis of Assisi was troubled by the lack of holiness in the holiday season. There was a lot of drunkenness and desire. The fact that God came to earth as a man seemed to be lost in the preparations for the feasting and merrymaking.

 As Francis often did when he was troubled, he went to a cave on Mount Subasio and prayed. In his solitude, an answer came to him: he remembered the humble birth of our Lord. Saint Francis came up with a plan to remind people of the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

 For weeks, he prepared. Three of the monks were dressed as Kings. Other monks would come as shepherds.  A farmer agreed to loan him a donkey, a cow, chickens, and sheep. He found a carpenter to portray Joseph and a beautiful young maiden to portray Mary.

 It was Christmas Eve, and everything was set. He chose a cave on the edge of the village of Greccio because it reminded him of the biblical description of the manger. Even in his own time, Saint Francis was well known. When word went out that he had arranged a special celebration of Christmas, people came from far and near. 

 (Imagine now that you are standing on the side of this hill, near the cave. It is just past sunset, and the light is fading from a rose colored sky. Looking out over the valley, you see hundreds of people gathering. Some are carrying torches, others candles. Each person carries their light. From each home and village, a stream of light flows towards the cave. These streams of light gather into a river of light. Soon, a flood of light flows up the hill to the mouth of the cave. Each of us brings our small light to make an ocean of light.)

Just as everyone arrived, Saint Francis realized that he had forgotten something.  The shepherds and sheep were there, so were the three kings and their horses.  There was a donkey, a cow, and some chickens sleeping or scratching in the straw. Mary and Joseph were there.  How could he? He had forgotten the most important thing! Saint Francis had forgotten the baby!

Just then, he saw a spark in the straw. At first, he thought the spark had leapt from a candle or torch, and Saint Francis leapt to put it out. But then it took shape. A small ball of fire began to grow and softly glow. Right before the eyes of a thousand seekers, the glowing light took the shape of an infant. For the second time, God came to earth as a child. Everyone present witnessed a miracle.

Francis could not let the baby rest on the cold stone floor of the cave.  He scooped the Christ child up into his arms and cuddled him. It dawned on him then and there, the true meaning of Christmas.

God came to earth not as a king but as the child of a poor carpenter. He was not born in a palace but in a manger among animals. Saint Francis realized God is there to take care of us, yes, but we also must nurture that of God within. 

 Though chaste, in that moment, Saint Francis gave birth.  For a moment, he knew the pleasure of fatherhood. He also gained a deeper appreciation of our Father and his infinite wisdom. What a blessing for us all!

 And so it has been to this day: throughout the world, we celebrate the birth of Christ with the celebration of the nativity, an idea inspired by a poor man from Assisi.

Do you have a special nativity that you place near the tree at Christmas?

 Whether your nativity set is tabletop or garden statues, when you arrange the decorations on your mantel or in your front yard, think of Saint Francis and this story, the first celebration of the nativity. And maybe, just as they do in Italy, you may wish to set the kings and camels at a distance on the first night and inch them closer each day to remind us of that journey we all must make to be nearer to God. Keep the baby Jesus under wraps and place Him in the manger on Christmas Eve to remind us of the real reason for the holiest of seasons.

 *This traditional story is based on the medieval book, “The Little Flowers of Saint Francis” and is retold by Brian “Fox” Ellis, author and storyteller. © 2008 All rights reserved.  www.foxtalesint.com

St. John the Baptist professed to his crowds that he was nothing, and that the coming Messiah was everything. His 1st century BC birth to Zechariah and Elizabeth was miraculous because both parents were older. His mother had been through menopause and had even been unable to have children during child-bearing years. While performing duties as a priest in a temple in Jerusalem, Zechariah learned of the impending miracle. As the priest burned incense, Zechariah was told by the angel Gabriel that Elizabeth would bear a child, that they would name him John, and that he was destined for a special purpose.

Today St. John is revered in the Christian church as the forerunner or precursor to Jesus Christ, but he is also recognized in other religions, including Judaism, Islam, Baha'i Faith and Mandaeism. In the Quran, he is known as the prophet Yahya.

As a modest man, John believed in a messianic figure greater than himself, and baptized those who repented ahead of the coming of God's Final Judgment. John spent a period of solitude in the desert, often referred to his time preaching in the wilderness. Later, he resided in the lower Jordan Valley region, where he gained disciples, including Jesus. John believed one would come who would not be baptized with water, but baptized with the Holy Spirit. This belief was realized when John baptized Jesus in the river Jordan. As Jesus emerged from the water, the Holy Spirit descended from the heavens to Jesus like a dove. A voice from heaven was heard to say, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."

St. John the Baptist is described in the fourth gospel as a man sent from God to bear witness to the light. With this witness of the light, everyone would believe through John.

St. John the Baptist is discussed in four Gospels, including Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Quick Facts about St. John the Baptist

Born: Late 1st century BC

Died: AD 31-36

Feast Days include June 24 (Nativity); August 29 (beheading); January 7 (Synaxis, Eastern Orthodox)

Patronage: Patron saint of Jordan, Puerto Rico, Knights Hospitaller of Jerusalem, French Canada, Newfoundland, Cesena, Florence, Genoa, Monza, Perth (Scotland), Porto, San Juan and Turin

Mary's incredible story begins in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, in the New Testament. A teenage Galilean Jewish virgin, Mary was engaged to a carpenter named Joseph when she miraculously conceived her son by the Holy Spirit. Luke begins his account of Mary's life with the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel appeared to her and told her she had been chosen to bear the Messiah. When Joseph took note of her pregnancy, he intended to leave her, but another angel of the Lord told him that she was to bear the Son of God, and that he should marry her without hesitation.

When a decree of the Roman Emperor Augustus required that Joseph return to his hometown of Bethlehem to register for a Roman census, Mary went with him. Finding no room at a local inn, the Blessed Virgin gave birth to her son in a stable, wrapping him in swaddling clothes and laying him in a manger. Some time later, after a premonition that King Herod was planning to murder the baby Jesus, the Holy Family escaped, eventually settling in Nazareth.

Mary appears again in the only account of Jesus' adolescence, when she finds him at the Temple. Later, she suggested he perform his first miracle - turning water into wine. She appears again throughout Jesus' life until his Crucifixion, for which she was also present. As such, Mary is often depicted in art cradling her the body of her son, the Lamb of God.   

After Christ's ascension, Mary is mentioned by name when returning from Mount Olive, but then never again. The Holy Mother's death was not recorded in the scriptures, but in Catholic, Orthodox and other churches, it is doctrine that she was directly assumed into Heaven.

Quick Facts about Holy Mary
Feast Days: January 1, January 8, February 2, February 11, March 25, May 13, May 31, June 27, August 15 (holy day of obligation,) August 22, September 8, September 12, September 15, October 7, November 21, December 8 (holy day of obligation,) and December 12.
Best known for: Being Mary Mother of God, the Blessed Virgin.
Born: September 8, c. 18 BC (traditional; celebrated as the Nativity of Mary)

Amsterdam, NY – September 18, 2013 – Christmas Night Inc., global retailer of nativity scenes and Christmas displays, is encouraging retailers to get a head start on planning for the busy holiday season. While September may seem centuries away from Christmas, seasonal decorators have been researching customer requests and working on major projects for months, and many are now placing orders for nutcrackers, nativity sets and other Christmas décor.

"September is a very busy time of year for us," said Don Henderson, co-owner of Christmas Night Inc. "The way this September is going, I wouldn't be surprised if we ran out of our most popular products before December 25."

Christmas Night Inc. has seen an increased demand for life-size six-foot scale nativities, which have been purchased by shopping centers, municipalities and businesses as well as churches and some very large and devout private homes. The traditional version of the Santa, sleigh, and reindeer continues to be in high demand for shopping centers and private homes.

As the trend toward Christmas decorating with outdoor figures continues to grow, such figures are becoming more readily available. All Christmas Night Inc. figures are made of durable fiberglass with a finish that is bright and long-lasting. For these reasons, it's important for retailers to start planning for the holiday season with the right Christmas display from Christmas Night Inc. 

About Christmas Night Inc.

Claire and Don Henderson opened Christmas Night Inc. in 1999, to fill a consumer need for complete nativity sets, holy families and large outdoor Christmas figures, including Santa, snowmen, toy soldiers, and nutcrackers. Located in Amsterdam, NY, Christmas Night Inc. is pleased to provide these seasonal items to those who celebrate and enjoy the spirit of Christmas.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/9/prweb11131295.htm

The Story of the Nativity - "The Birth of a Babe"

A magnificent brightness lit up the sky when an angel appeared to Mary, a young pure women, who was engaged to be married to Joseph. The angel announced that she was going to have a baby.

"That's impossible for I am not yet married," answered Mary.

"This baby will be very special. He will be the Son of God."

Although Mary did not fully understand she agreed to the Word of God. She was devout.

Some months later Mary and Joseph were married. When it was near to her time they travelled to Bethlehem but found it very crowded. Not a room was available. Then one kind man noticing how tired and heavy with child she was offered them the use of a stable.

Gentle animals - cows, donkeys, lambs and poultry - greeted them. During the night Mary's boy child was born. She wrapped the baby Jesus in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger cushioned with hay. The cows, donkeys and sheep peered into the manger and with their constant breathing kept the baby warm whilst Mary slept.

Out in the countryside beyond Bethlehem the bright light that appeared in the sky was seen by some shepherds tending their flocks. They became frightened until an angel appeared and told them not to be.

"I have great news. A child has been born in a stable in Bethlehem who will save all the world."

They were amazed and decided to go and see this 'Saviour' for themselves. With their flocks they arrived at the stable and gazed down in wonderment at the baby Jesus. They then set off to relate this happy event to all in the area.

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to men who enjoy his favour."

The shepherds returned to the hills glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen; it was exactly as they had been told.

Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.

That same bright light had been seen by three wise men in the East. They knew a great king had been born.

After travelling to Jerusalem and enquiring from King Herod where this king might be they were instructed by him to "please find him and tell me of his whereabouts."

A star lead them to Bethlehem and to the baby Jesus.

The three wise men entered the stable and worshiped the baby. They gave him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Before returning to the East God sent them a message not to see Herod. They therefore returned home by a different route.

This is the story of the Nativity.

Written by Henry Grattan Bellew. Irish Author: Latest book "A Pinch of Saltee", see:
http://homepage.eircom.net/~snicholson

• Grilled Meats - Those who live in a warmer climate can break out the grill for everything from burgers and hot dogs to chicken and steaks.
• Stews and Soups - These are relatively easy to prepare and also keep well if there are leftovers. They can also be prepared in advance and reheated without sacrificing the flavor.
• Quiches and Casseroles - Other foods that can be whipped up easily and adjusted to fit the holiday theme.
• Cheese and Crackers - This is a party staple. Stock your pantry with several kinds of crackers and pre-sliced cheese, and add some pepperoni or salami slices to kick things up.
• Chips & Dip - Having a few types of chips along with dips or salsa makes for good snacking. You can add a vegetable platter as well for a healthier option.
• Cookies - Cookies go well with any holiday, but especially at Christmas. Sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, you name it, people will love it!

• Wine and Spirits - Christmas is a good time for these classier drinks. If wine is the main beverage, we recommend getting at least one bottle per expected adult guest.
• Beer - Decide what to buy (light beers, lagers, craft IPAs, etc.) based on who you expect to be there. Feel free to ask in advance what they like if you're not sure.
• Soda - This can be added to mixers or offered as a non-alcoholic option for non-drinkers, designated drivers and children.
• Cider - Whether served hot or cold, a good glass of apple cider always goes down easy.
• Hot Chocolate & Egg Nog - The beauty of these drinks is that they can be served as kid's drinks or made into an adult potable with a shot of rum, vodka or schnapps.
• Coffee and Tea - These are a great choice for more formal affairs as a pick-me-up or post-meal chaser.
• Water - Sometimes, people just need a good glass or bottle of water. This will also reduce the chances of post-party hangovers.

• Holiday-themed paper plates and serving trays
• Cocktail napkins
• Glasses
• Eating utensils (forks, knives, spoons)
• Serving spoons, forks and spatulas
• Ice and an ice bucket (plus tongs or a scoop)
• Grill gas or charcoal/lighter fluid (if grilling)
• Coolers and/or ice tubs to chill beverages
• Condiments - ketchup, mustard, horseradish, etc.
• Cream and sugar (for coffee and tea)
• Salt and pepper
• Bottle openers
• Bar garnishes - olives, lemons, limes, etc.

• Coat racks and extra hangers
• Boot racks
• Umbrella stands
• Candles
• Extra garbage bags and buckets
• Extra toilet paper
• Dish soap and dish racks

• Life-Size Statues - Setting one or two toy soldier statues, nutcracker sculptures or snowmen by the front entrance is a charming way to greet your guests.
• Animal Figures and Sculptures - Reindeer, polar bears, dogs, penguins and other popular winter animals can be staged outdoors or indoors depending on how the figure is constructed.
• Holiday Stars - Hang a new star at the top of your garage as a beacon for guests or on the tree inside to brighten the mood.
• Light Displays - Thanks to the use of modern LED lights, it doesn't cost much to run a colorful light-up wreath or train car all night.
• Tabletop Decorations - If you don't have space or money for larger statues, a few tabletop Santa's, animals or nativity sets can make a good impression throughout the evening.

We'd be happy to answer your questions.  Call us at  888 900 2073

Here is a list of our most frequently asked questions:

1. Can you send me a catalog?
-As an ecommerce retailer, our website is our catalog. Please visit our website and look  under BY  CATEGORY,BY BRAND, BY PRICE or type your product number into the box that says "What are you looking for?" and click on the magnifying glass

2. Does Christmas Night offer wholesale prices to retail stores, designers and decorators and Christmas re-sellers?
-Christmas Night Inc. is happy to offer access to our reseller prices to approved Christmas resellers and designer/.decorators. Please click on the "ReSeller Discount" link and follow the process of becoming qualified
-For a further explanation of this policy, please call our toll free number 1-888-900 2073.

3. Can I purchase a Nativity or large decoration on layaway with time payments?

We offer a Layaway Plan for larger items. Please click on the link and follow the instructions. Contact us at 888 900 2073 to place the order

4. Do you ship to Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America?

We find that most shipments to these areas are best done through a US based shippers or freight forwarder who can handle the freight and customs requirements. We can ship to your choice of  US forwarder.

5.Do you ship to Europe, Asia and Australia?

Smaller items can be shipped by international courier such as FedEx or UPS Larger items will require ocean shipping by LCL container. Please email or call us at 888 900 2073 with your shipping address and postal code for a shipping quote.

6. Your website says my item is "sold out". Will you receive more and when?

We normally start receiving new stock in April and our incoming shipments are complete by September. If the item is sold out after October, it will most likely be re-stocked in April of the next year

7. In order to purchase a set or obtain presentation pictures, I am going to give Christmas Night Inc. my name, addresses and email address. What about my privacy and the security of my information?
-Christmas Night will not sell, rent, license or in any way disclose your information to any other party.
-Your information is held in a secure part of our website and our service provider and website are audited regularly by security services on behalf of the major credit card companies to ensure integrity and security.
-From time to time, Christmas Night will be sending out a newsletter containing information on now-in-stock items, new sets (and items) and special offers. This newsletter will include an opt-out link if you no longer wish to be informed of our news.

As a website for serious nativity buyers, Christmas Night Inc. receives many calls from church parishioners who are members of, or the head of a committee appointed by the priest or minister or created by concerned church members, Knights of Columbus or Mens Group, to search out alternatives and make a recommendation regarding a new nativity set, manger scene or nativity scene for their church.

Many churches are finding that it is time to replace the beloved thirty, forty or fifty year old outdoor nativity set that can no longer be repaired and/or painted and set up for another Christmas. Others are deciding that a large outdoor or indoor nativity set makes a more public statement of their faith than the smaller indoor nativities that they have been displaying. Still other congregations are deciding that a beautiful, large outdoor nativity scene with the Holy Family, The Magi, the shepherd and sheep and all the other animals, spotlighted in a unique stable makes their church stand out from others in their town or village.

Whatever the reason for these folks contacting us, we suggest that they proceed as follows:

1. Visit our website www.christmasnightinc.com and note all of the various nativity sets that you feel might meet the needs of your church. As "The Ultimate Source for the Serious Nativity Buyer" Christmas Night offers a selection of medium, large, life size and giant nativity sets unmatched anywhere. These sets include Holy Families, Angels, camels, Wise men and the full array of nativity set animals including the donkey, ox (or cow) and  Shepherds and a variety of sheep.
2. Call us toll free at 888-900 2073 and discuss your list and needs with our product specialists. We will listen carefully to your thoughts and budget and we may suggest alternatives based upon our wide experience in specifying nativity scenes for all sizes of churches.
3. With your list of possible nativity sets and your mail address, we will mail you a package of full color 8 inch by 10 inch glossy photos of each of the nativity sets you requested. This package will also include the dimensions of the set and information on our shipping service and its cost.
4. This presentation package may then be used at the next meeting of your selection committee, presented to your priest or minister or reproduced and used as a central part of a fund raising campaign for the purchase of the recommended nativity set.
5. Again, our product specialists are always available during any part of this process to offer suggestions and advice.
6. Once the final choice has been made, the purchase can be completed with an order through our website shopping basket, confirmed by credit card telephone call to our order desk or a mail order accompanied by a check. In both cases the full amount of the nativity purchase and the delivery service cost must be paid in advance. Beginning in May and until we sell out of stock in early December, most items are in stock in our warehouse in Amsterdam New York (near Albany NY).  Once your order is confirmed we ship within 24 hours.
7. The large sets suitable for churches are usually quite bulky and heavy. They are shipped on wood pallets or what truckers call "skids". Most of our church size nativities are too heavy and bulky to be shipped via UPS or FedEx and therefore are shipped via LTL (less than truckload) specialized trucking companies. These truckers use trucks with a "lift gate" or small elevator platform on the back of the truck so they can lower your skids to the ground outside your delivery destination. The individual boxes containing the set may then be carried by hand indoors for inspection and storage.
8. The larger, more visible church style nativity sets are very popular and, sell out quickly. Please try to get a decision as quickly as possible ( we know how committees can be) to avoid disappointment.

In case this information sheet has not answered all of your questions, please call us at Christmas Night Inc at 888-775-0010 or 888-900-2073.