Pope Francis is a fan of nativity scenes: no pope has had such innovative nativity scenes set up in St. Peter's Square (for example, a nativity scene made of sand!), and he even dedicated his own apostolic exhortation to the topic.
Vatican Radio/Vaticannews documents the text of Pope Francis' catechesis in a practical translation. As always, you can find the official translation…
Stefan von Kempis – Vatican City
In this Wednesday's general audience, the Pope also discussed in detail the scene of Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus in the stable of Bethlehem. The starting point was an anniversary: exactly 800 years ago, at Christmas 1223, St. Francis of Assisi created a “living” nativity scene in Greccio – and thus became the father of the nativity scene tradition.
“Francis does not want to create a beautiful work of art, but rather, through the nativity scene, to arouse admiration for the Lord’s great humility; about the deprivations he suffered out of love for us in the poor cave of Bethlehem… I want to emphasize one word: astonishment. And that's important. If we Christians see and pray for the nativity scene as something beautiful, as something historical, even as something religious, then this is not enough. Before the mystery of the incarnation of the Word, before the birth of Jesus, we need this religious attitude of admiration. If I do not reach this level of admiration for the mysteries, my belief will only be superficial, a “computer” belief. Do not forget that.
Francis with Vatican Radio editor Christine Seuss, who read texts in German to the audience
“No surprise, I only have a computer belief”
An important characteristic of nativity scenes is their simplicity, Francisco continued. (He was probably not referring to the detailed Neapolitan nativity scenes – true hidden object pictures through which camels roam and in which everyday life is depicted in the most vibrant colors.) One could almost see nativity scenes as a “school of simplicity”.
“And that has a lot to say for us too. Because today there is a great danger of losing what really matters in life – and paradoxically this danger becomes even greater at Christmas… The mentality of Christmas is changing: in the midst of meaningless consumer behaviors that distort its meaning … It's true that you want to give gifts – and that's a good thing. But this spending spree distracts your attention and you lose that simplicity of Christmas. Let's look at the nativity scene: the amazement before the manger. Sometimes there is no space inside to marvel, but only to plan celebrations, organize celebrations.”
Nativity scenes point us to the essential
The nativity scene, on the other hand, leads us to the essential: “God comes to live among us”. Anyone who looks at the manger understands what really counts: social relationships, love. That people are more important than “things”. And, very important: joy.
“Joy is different from fun. Having fun isn't a bad thing if it's done right; It's not a bad thing, it's a human thing. But the joy is deeper, it is even more human. Sometimes the temptation is to have fun by making noise, but without joy. It's a bit like a clown who laughs, makes people laugh, but his heart is sad. Joy is the root of celebrating Christmas well.”
“A Living Gospel, a Domestic Gospel”
Joy does not come from gifts, but comes from the heart when one feels “the closeness and tenderness of God” – for example, when one prays in the manger.
“Dear brothers and sisters, the manger is like a small well from which we can draw closeness to God, a source of hope and joy. It is like a living gospel, a domestic gospel… If we entrust to Jesus, before the manger, everything that is dear to us, we too will experience “great joy” (Mt 2:10)… step in front of the manger ! Let’s look at them and allow something to stir our hearts…”
(Vatican news)
