The nativity scene or crèche arose out of ancient piety and the medieval theater. Christians were honoring the cave in Bethlehem where Jesus Christ is believed to have been born even before St. Helen built the Basilica of the Nativity over it around A.D. 330. Medieval mystery plays later reenacted the Nativity, but when they got out of hand, Pope Honorius suppressed them.

Today, the Church celebrates the First Sunday of Advent. Notice that Christmas is not included in that title, nor is it for the remainder of the liturgical season of Advent, even though much of the world around us is already acting like Christmas is here. I am in Rome right now, and even here, many places are decorated for Christmas. As Catholic Christians, though, we should know that Advent comes first, and cannot be forgotten as an important and necessary prelude to the joy of the Christmas season, which lasts not one day but a little over two weeks until the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

Today I am in Paris, having just visited the Cathedral of Saint-Denis just north of Paris. In that Cathedral is located the French Royal Necropolis. Surrounded by over 140 tombs of French Nobility, 40 of which are Kings, including King St. Louis IX, with their grand but sober funerary monuments, the immense temporal power that was wielded by those now laid to rest is evident, but even in death they seem to recognize that their power was finite and ultimately subservient to that of Christ’s, as on many monuments is incorporated effigies in prayerful posture often on their knees in the direction of an altar.

Continuing the church’s practice of contemplating death and praying for the dead, especially in November, I now invite us to contemplate how hope is present, even in death, with our Holy Father from his homily given on All Souls’ Day.

As Catholics, it’s crucial that we understand not only the Catholic Church’s practices but also the reasons behind them, particularly in our funeral rites. Like all liturgical rites, funerals serve a specific purpose within the life of the Church. Catholic funeral rites consist of three liturgies, each with a distinct role in ministering to the bereaved and commemorating the deceased.

The Eucharist is truly a gift to us. In fact, it’s a continuation of Christ’s total gift of self that began with his incarnation, came to its culmination on the cross where he died for us, and continues to be present to us under the appearance of simple bread and wine. Because the Eucharist is such a precious gift to us, it must be treated with respect.