Who came up with the idea of using nativity scenes to celebrate Christmas? Many might be surprised to learn that Francis of Assisi, the well-known thirteenth-century saint, is credited with creating the first nativity scene. The Living Nativity introduces readers to Saint Francis and his joyous reenactment of the birth of Jesus, complete with a manger and animals. The Living Nativity explores how nativity sets, Advent wreaths, candles, carols, Christmas cards, and other traditions help prepare our hearts for the God "who bends low to enter our world and our lives." Prayer poems for each day of the season lead readers to deepen their spiritual journey, and the book provides a guided pattern for individuals and small groups to share reflections and experience activities that open their hearts to the Christ child. The Living Nativity provides a prayer, meditation, and reflection questions for each day of Advent. The Leader's Guide includes suggestions for worship, discussion questions focused on the readings, and guidance for a mini-retreat on a theme of the week. Weaving the story of beloved St. Francis of Assisi into a rich tapestry of historic and contemporary Advent traditions from around the world, the author offers daily reflection, ritual, and practical suggestions to accompany our journey from the first week of Advent right through Epiphany. The Living Nativity gives us many reasons and ways to celebrate the season. The author's prayers are characteristically lovely--often poetic--and his wonderful reflection questions by themselves make this book a gem! --Marjorie J. Thompson, Author of Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life Larry Peacock illuminates the love St. Francis had for the Incarnation. His storied and poetic guide through the journey of Advent glistens with creative images, prayers, activities, and reflections that enrich our preparations for the coming of the Christ child. The book refreshes some of the more imaginative and thoughtful Advent traditions that are often forgotten or overlooked. This is a splendid resource for individuals, families, small groups, and churches. --Rev. Suzanne Seaton, Spiritual Director Reverend Larry J. Peacock is director of the Franciscan Spiritual Center, Milwaukie, Oregon. A trained spiritual director and retreat leader, Larry served for 11 years as executive director of Rolling Ridge Retreat and Conference Center in North Andover, Massachusetts. In addition to being the author of The Living Nativity, Peacock is also the author of Openings: A Daybook of Saints, Sages, Psalms, and Prayer Practices (Second Edition published by Skylight Paths, 2014; First Edition published by Upper Room Books, 2003). A retired United Methodist pastor, Rev. Peacock served churches in Manchester, England; Michigan; and California. Peacock completed The Upper Room Two-Year Academy for Spiritual Formation and has served on the faculty for Five-Day and Two-Year Academies across the United States. He has a longtime interest in St. Francis of Assisi; in 2014 he went on pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy with Spiritual Directors International, and in 2018 he led a pilgrimage/retreat to Assisi with other staff from the Franciscan Center. Rev. Peacock lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife, Rev. Anne Broyles, an author of several children's books and author of an Upper Room book on journaling. They have two adult children, Trinity and Justus, and one delightful grandchild, Lulu. The Living Nativity: Preparing for Christmas with Saint Francis by Larry Peacock