VATICAN - The Pope’s reflection at the Angelus prayer: “A Nativity Scene is a familiar and expressive representation of Christmas. It is an element of Christian culture and art but above all a sign of faith in God who came ‘to dwell among us’ in Bethlehem”

Vatican City (Fides Service) - Yesterday, 3rd Sunday of Advent, at the Angelus prayer Pope John Paul II blessed statues of Baby Jesus which children had brought for the occasion and he spoke of Nativity Scenes at home and in schools and parishes as the Christmas Season approaches.
“Christmas is coming and people are putting up Nativity Scenes in many places, also here in St Peter’s Square, the Pope said. Whether small or large, simple or elaborate the Nativity Scene is a familiar and expressive representation of Christmas. It is an element of Christian culture and art but above all it is a sign of faith in God who in Bethlehem came ‘to dwell among us’ (Jn1,14). As every year in a few moments I will bless the statues of Baby Jesus which on Christmas Eve will be placed in Nativity Scenes where Mary and Joseph are already, silent witnesses of a sublime mystery. With their eyes filled with love they call us to keep watch and to pray to welcome the divine Saviour who comes to bring the world the joy of Christmas.”
After the Marian prayer the Pope recalled that Rome diocese is celebrating a day for collecting funds for new churches in the outskirts of Rome, and he said he hoped all the Catholics in the capital “will have place in which to grow in Christian faith and life”. The Pope also invited young people to come to St Peter’s on Tuesday 14 September for the annual University Student’s Mass with the Pope. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 13/12/2004 - Righe 16; Parole 250)