(mkf) Each year, some thousand persons come to Schoenstatt to see the large crib in the adoration church. Already by the first week of advent, sisters and volunteers started to set up the crib scenery with innumerable details. From December 26, 1999 through January 9, 2000, everybody is invited for ten minutes of meditation and singing. Each one is invited to come and find Jesus who came as a child to help everyone experience God's unconditional love and mercy. Crib singing started three years ago and since then proved to be manifestation of the gospel: The "shepherds" and the "magi" of these times, those close to God and those far away, they just come to see, and many of them find Jesus and Mary. They find some moments of peace and quiet and faith. "Through Schoenstatt may the wide halls of the holy Church be filled again and your praise resound to your throne".

One of the most intense moments: Everyone is invited to write the names of their loved ones on a paper star and place this by the crib. A simple style of prayer, learning (again) by doing (again). Some who come for the second or third time, already before the meditation starts take some of the stars and begin to write. Each night, before the church is closed, these paper stars - sometimes more than 1,000 - are placed on the carpet in the Founder Chapel to entrust all those people and their needs to the intercession of Father Kentenich. The adoration sisters will specially pray for each and everyone whose name is written on a star.

This year, the light from Bethlehem is part of the "ten minutes by the crib". Children are invited to carry the light ahead. Children are welcome and invited to contribute: with songs, or joyful noise from tambourines and other instruments.

Many volunteers helped up to set up the former barn which now serves as sort of cafeteria, decorated with stars, lights and firs. Christmas tea and cookies are served.

Times: December 26, 1999 through January 9, 2000, 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM (on December 31 only 3:00 PM). January 6 and January 9, 3:00 PM: Singing with Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary, accompanying the songs with instruments. Welcome!