I would like to congratulate The Guiding Light Group (Jesus of Nazareth Youth Group) of Xaghra, Gozo, for their beautifully presented live crib.

I had read about it in The Malta Independent on Sunday and as we were having Christmas lunch in Gozo, I had made a mental note in case we had time to visit it before taking the ferry back to Cirkewwa. And I am so pleased that we did.

I really did not know what to expect – but thought it would just be a depiction of the manger scene, with some live animals for good measure. It was, however, so much more. As we entered what I assume is an old farmhouse (and one that an estate agent would doubtless describe as “ripe for conversion”) we saw a very pretty little donkey, tethered outside. Once inside the building we came across a young lad working on a clay pot. In another room was a young girl weaving on what looked to me like a pretty good replica of a loom from the time of Christ. There were some sheep, contentedly chewing away in another room, and then there was the manger scene: A sleeping Mary curled up on the hay, holding her baby and watched by Joseph and a shepherd.

What particularly struck me was that the young people taking part paid absolutely no attention whatsoever to the people quietly – reverentially, even – filing past them. Apart from the very soft Christmas music – instrumental not choral – that filled the air, there really was no sound. Even the undoubtedly awestruck young children were quiet!

I have never seen a live crib before – it is not an English tradition, as far as I know – and I can honestly say that this one really made my Christmas.

So, thank you, Guiding Light Group. You must have spent many months in preparation, and it showed.

The crib will be open to the public again on New Year’s Day, from 3pm to 9pm, and I can assure anyone who is able to visit it that they will be glad they did.

Judith Falzon

Mellieha