Today's nativity scene comes from southern France or northern Spain and includes 'santons' the little saints, or ordinary people, who bring to Jesus the gifts of their everyday lives such as bread, or music, spinning or fishing. Even the animals become santons, offering warmth, strength or kindness.

As our Advent journey reaches its conclusion, and we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, we join with other 'santons' around the world to bring ourselves into the story, into the picture, and to worship the newborn Christ.