Tim Larsen

McManus Professor of Christian Thought and Professor of History at Wheaton College and author/editor of multiple books including The Oxford Handbook of Christmas, speaking here about St. Francis and the origins of the nativity play.

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Dec 9, 2025 • 1h 5min

St. Francis & the First Nativity Play

In this engaging discussion, Tim Larsen, McManus Professor of Christian Thought at Wheaton College, reveals how St. Francis of Assisi revolutionized Christmas by staging the first nativity play in 1223. Delve into the dramatic evolution of worship that fused spirituality with spectacle and public engagement. Learn how Francis's theatrical approach, including the use of vernacular songs and nature imagery, made religious narratives accessible to all. Explore the deeper themes within the nativity story, highlighting Francis's message of peace and compassion.

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