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CHASE BOTTORF/THE EXPRESS
It's been 800 years since the first Christmas manger scene was created at a midnight Mass. On Dec. 24, 1223, the manger scene began after a request from Saint Francis. The scene was celebrated in a cave on the property of a wealthy man with Saint Francis as deacon. According to the legend, provided by Holy Spirit Parish's Father Joseph Orr, Saint Francis preached and picked up the statue of the infant Jesus and held it tenderly in his arms. Witnesses claimed they saw a light shine around the statue and, as they watched, the statue moved, reaching up its tiny hand and touching the cheek of Saint Francis. Ever since, manger scenes have become a staple at many churches, public spaces and homes. Pictured above is a manger scene located in Triangle Park in downtown Lock Haven.