Pope Francis, in his final General Audience before Christmas, reflected on the significance of the Nativity scene, particularly emphasizing the inaugural one crafted 800 years ago by St. Francis of Assisi in the Italian town of Greccio.
The Pope sought to understand St. Francis’s intent in organizing the living Nativity in Greccio, noting that the saint aimed not to create a work of art but to “provoke amazement at the extreme humility of the Lord” and the hardships endured for the love of humanity.
He underscored the importance of cultivating a religious attitude of amazement in the face of the mystery of Jesus’s birth.
Highlighting two primary characteristics of the Nativity scene, Pope Francis pointed out its sobriety and the resulting joy it evokes.
He contrasted the simplicity of the Nativity scene with the consumerism and busyness often associated with the holiday season, emphasizing that it serves as a reminder of what truly matters—the presence of God among us.
“The Nativity scene was created to bring us back to what truly matters: to God Who comes to dwell among us,” Pope Francis said.
He clarified that the authentic joy of Christmas does not emanate from extravagant gifts or lavish celebrations.
Instead, it is “the joy that overflows from the heart that has tangibly experienced the closeness of Jesus, the tenderness of God, Who does not leave us alone.”
Pope Francis likened the Nativity scene to a well, describing it as a source of hope and joy. He characterized it as a “living Gospel, a domestic Gospel,” akin to the biblical well, where people can bring their life’s expectations and worries to Jesus, as exemplified by the shepherds of Bethlehem and the people of Greccio.
Encouraging believers to approach the Nativity scene with a sense of entrustment, the Pope concluded by inviting everyone to experience “great joy” by allowing themselves to feel the profound significance within when standing before the scene in the manger.
“Let us go before the Nativity scene,” Pope Francis concluded, urging all to contemplate the sacred moment and connect with the deeper sentiments it evokes.
