Pope Francis: Let Jesus’ humble goodness touch our hearts
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis said on Friday that the Christmas crib scene reminds us that Jesus made himself small like a child to touch our hearts with his humble goodness. Saying that God doesn’t like the revolutions of the powerful, he explained that through his poverty Jesus gives a jolt to those who are scurrying to accumulate the false treasures of this world. The Pope’s words came in an address where he thanked the local authorities from the German of Bavaria and representatives of the Italian archdiocese of Trento who this year respectively donated the Christmas tree and the crib scene and figures for St. Peter’s Square.
The Pope said the nativity scene reminds us that Jesus never imposes himself by force but came into this world in simplicity, humility and meekness. The crib scene, he said, speaks to us of God’s tenderness and His divine mercy and how He wants to move our hearts.
This year’s Christmas tree in St Peter’s Square is a two-pointed Spruce which stands 32 metres high and it was unveiled on December 8th which was earlier than normal in order to coincide with the inauguration of the Jubilee Year of Mercy.
Twenty-four life sized figures carved from wood and then painted make up the nativity scene that stands at the base of the Christmas tree. The scene shows one of the male figures bending to help an old man to symbolize the theme of mercy.
The tree is adorned with particularly colourful decorations this year. The Vatican joined forces with the Lene Then Foundation, creating designs made by children suffering from cancer. The youngsters were asked to come up with designs that represent their dreams and wishes.