For over 30 years we Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary in Quarten, Switzerland, have been inviting people to visit our crèches at our center, New Schoenstatt. This year too, a good 100 people made their way to our crèches.
Absolutely a camel
The children may wear a costume, if they wish. Some know in advance what they would like to be. We heard from a three-year-old that he wanted to be St. Joseph. But in the end, he decided to be a lamb. One girl absolutely wanted to be a camel even though the “head” didn’t quite fit. She couldn’t be persuaded to be anything else. Finally the head fit, and with pride and joy she went to the crèche as a camel.
You are the light
There was singing, praying, and instrumental music at the crèche in the House Chapel. The children brought lights and everyone expressed gratitude that Christ is our light: “You are the light for victims of terror and war. You are the light for the unemployed, the sick, the poor, and you are the light for people nobody likes. You are the light when we are sad, when we don’t know what to do, and when we are discouraged and afraid.”
Many names on hearts
In conclusion, everyone took a heart with a name written on it and prayed, “We bring you the people written on this heart. Help them. Console them. Sustain them. Look at them. Give them courage. Give them joy and peace. Bless them.“
Afterwards, everyone went to the Schoenstatt Shrine. The adults receive a sentence from Father Joseph Kentenich to take with them and, with great joy and enthusiasm, the children rang the bell.
A Christmas raffle and other games
In the festively decorated hall with a stage, everyone could fortify themselves with Christmas tea and cookies. The children always look forward to the shepherds’ play, the Christmas raffle and, most of all, the traditional “Mohrenkopf-Schleuder” (a game).