The History of the Provençal Nativity Crèche and the Joyful Little Santons of Provence

The village portrayed in the scene is not that of Bethlehem where Christ was historically
born. Rather, this little village is meant to represent a small town in Provence, France, in the early
1800’s, around the time when this tradition was born. This village is meant to be symbolic of our
modern present day and the santons are meant to symbolize us in the 21st century going about our
busy lives.
The manger in which the Christ Child lies, together with His Mother, Mary, and St.
Joseph are present in this town with these French villagers. The profound message behind this scene
is Catholic Faith of Incarnation. We, as Catholics, believe that Christ was not only born in Palestine
two millennia ago, but is born every year on December 25th within our souls through His grace, even
in this present 21st century. The message of this nativity scene reminds us that, through the Liturgy
of the Catholic Church, 2000 years of history are suppressed and the actual birth of Christ Our
Savior is taken from the year 0 A.D. and brought to us in this present day and we, like these little
santons, are meant to receive him into our lives and to adore the Incarnate God.
Each little santon, having heard the news of Jesus’ birth from the shepherds, spreads the
news to their neighbor and hastily go to the manger to adore Him and to offer their unique gifts to
this newborn King. Let us within our hearts humbly fall down and offer ourselves in adoration to the
Redeemer come.