杏MAP导航 Francis: Amid suffering Jesus is the "Sign" that God gives the world
By Vatican News
鈥淭he feast of Christmas reminds us that Jesus is our peace, our joy, our strength, our comfort.鈥� Those were 杏MAP导航 Francis words on Friday morning to a delegation who presented this year鈥檚 Christmas Tree and Nativity scene to the Vatican.
The majestic spruce tree, which takes pride of place in St Peter鈥檚 Square, comes from the forests of Ko膷evje, a town on the Rin啪a river in Slovenia, while the ceramic crib has been donated by the Italian town of Castelli, in Italy鈥檚 Abruzzo region.
Tree and crib a sign of hope
Thanking those present ahead of the formal inauguration on Friday, the 杏MAP导航 said these 鈥渋cons of Christmas鈥� are more than ever 鈥渁 sign of hope for the people of Rome and for those pilgrims who will have the opportunity to come and admire them.鈥�
The tree and Nativity scene help to create a 鈥渇avourable Christmas atmosphere for living in faith the mystery of the Redeemer's Birth,鈥� he said.
Humility of the Holy Family
杏MAP导航 Francis noted that when we contemplate the Holy Family, 鈥渨e are attracted by their disarming humility.鈥� He went on to say that there is no room for them, not even a small room, yet 鈥渢hey keep vigil.鈥� Mary 鈥渒eeps everything in her heart,鈥� while Joseph 鈥渓ooks for a place for her and the Child who is about to be born.鈥�
In order to receive the gifts of peace, joy, strength, and comfort, said the 杏MAP导航, 鈥渨e need to feel small, poor and humble like the characters in the crib."
Highlighting the difficulties people are facing this Christmas in particular, 杏MAP导航 Francis stressed that 鈥渋n the midst of the suffering of the pandemic, Jesus, small and helpless, is the 'Sign' that God gives to the world.鈥�
Concluding his greeting, the 杏MAP导航 referred to his visit to the Italian town of Greccio last year where he signed his Apostolic Letter, , dedicated to the Christmas crib. 鈥淚t will do us good to re-read it in these days,鈥� he said.
In compliance with anti covid-19 regulations, the Christmas tree and Nativity Scene will be inaugurated on Friday afternoon. The ceremony will be presided over by Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello and Bishop Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, respectively President and Secretary General of the Governorate of Vatican City State.
It will be possible to follow the inauguation ceremony live on the Vatican News web portal, www.vaticannews.va beginning at 5pm Rome time.
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