What do you do during the Stations of the Cross?

The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Way of the Cross and the Way of Sorrow (Via Crucis in Latin), detail fourteen different moments on the day Jesus died. This prayer pilgrimage is a powerful way to grow closer to Jesus at any time of the year, though it is most popular during the Lenten season.

What are the stations of the cross and what do they mean?

Definition of stations of the cross 1 : a series of usually 14 images or pictures especially in a church that represent the stages of Christ’s passion and death. 2 : a devotion involving commemorative meditation before the stations of the cross.

Who is part of the nativity scene?

Nativity scenes exhibit figures representing the infant Jesus, his mother, Mary, and her husband, Joseph. Other characters from the nativity story, such as shepherds, sheep, and angels may be displayed near the manger in a barn (or cave) intended to accommodate farm animals, as described in the Gospel of Luke.

What does the nativity scene symbolize?

But for many Christians throughout the world, no matter the characters, the sight of a nativity still evokes the miracle of Jesus’ conception, his humble birth, his ultimate sacrifice and the gift of everlasting life to those who believe.

Why are the stations of the cross important?

The objective of the stations is to help the Christian faithful to make a spiritual pilgrimage through contemplation of the Passion of Christ. It has become one of the most popular devotions and the stations can be found in many Western Christian churches, including Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, and Roman Catholic.

What are the 14 stations?

The series of stations is as follows: (1) Jesus is condemned to death, (2) he is made to bear his cross, (3) he falls the first time, (4) he meets his mother, (5) Simon of Cyrene is made to bear the cross, (6) Veronica wipes Jesus’ face, (7) he falls the second time, (8) the women of Jerusalem weep over Jesus, (9) he …

Why is the nativity so important?

The story of Jesus’ birth, called the nativity , is often retold by children in nativity plays. Christians often celebrate Christmas by giving and receiving presents and cards. This reminds them of the gift of Jesus, beginning his earthly life.

Why is it called nativity?

The first records of the word nativity come from before 1150. It comes from the Middle French nativite, meaning “the feast of the birth of Jesus.” It ultimately derives from the Latin nātivitās, meaning “birth.” Although nativity can mean “birth” or “birthplace,” it’s not commonly used in this way.

What is the meaning of the shepherds in the nativity?

At the birth of Jesus, the only recorded appearance of angels in the Bible was to shepherds. They demonstrated an eagerness to embrace the good news; they hurried to find Jesus; they spread the word about him, and they glorified and praised God.

What is the purpose of the Nativity story?

The Nativity Story, also known as the Christmas Story or the Nativity of Jesus, is a story that tells the conception and birth of Jesus Christ. Throughout the many centuries of Christianity, the Christmas Story has developed into a yearly tradition and is central to the celebration of Christmas in the Christian faith.

What is the origin of the nativity scene?

St. Francis of Assisi seemed to be thinking similar thoughts nearly eight hundred years ago, and it is to his credit that we possess the concept of the Nativity scene today. In the year 1223, St. Francis was preparing to say Midnight Mass in the small town of Grecio in central Italy.

What did St Francis of Assisi think about the nativity scene?

Francis of Assisi seemed to be thinking similar thoughts nearly eight hundred years ago, and it is to his credit that we possess the concept of the Nativity scene today. In the year 1223, St. Francis was preparing to say Midnight Mass in the small town of Grecio in central Italy.

How do you plan a live nativity event?

Think about ways you can take your guests on a journey through Ancient Rome at the time of Jesus’ birth. Maybe you want to include a census taker or a Roman soldier, for example. Include prayer at this important meeting and be sure to be enthusiastic about the impact the Live Nativity can have on the community.

Is a live nativity right for your church?

Well, neither concern has to be true. In fact, with proper planning and organization, a Live Nativity can be one of your church’s or group’s most rewarding outreach events. First, the time to get started on preparations is late summer or early fall.