"The tree teaches us about our roots, the nativity scene invites us to contemplation. Don't forget these two human and Christian attitudes," he said.

"The tree, with its lights, is a reminder that Jesus comes to lighten our darkness, our existence, which is often enclosed in the shadow of sin, of fear, of pain.

"And it inspires another reflection: like trees, men, too, need roots."

Only the person "rooted firmly in the ground remains firm, grows, matures, resists the winds that shake him and becomes a reference point for those who watch," he noted.

"This is what the Christmas tree reminds us of: being rooted in Jesus Christ," he added.

This year's tree dates back to medieval times and, according to locals, was planted by the Benedictine monks of the Abbey of San Giovanni in Verde.

The decorations were handmade by young people from a psychiatric care facility, who worked with elderly residents of a nursing home and local schoolchildren.

The creche in St. Peter's Square, more than 20 feet high, is made up of 18 life-size wooden statues arranged under a large domed structure, all made without cutting down new trees.

"Simple and familiar, the creche evokes a Christmas that is different from the consumeristic and commercial one," Francis said.

He encouraged believers to "make themselves small" in order to meet Christ where he is.

"We also are invited to contemplate the mystery of incarnation," he added.

Francis concluded his remarks by reminding those in the hall that "God loves us so much that he wished to share our humanity and our lives.

"He never leaves us alone, he is at our side in every circumstance, in joy and in sorrow."

The Pope's reminders of the meaning of Christmas are evident in the European Parliament too.

Christmas this year marks the first time in its history the European Parliament has allowed a Nativity scene to be set up at its headquarters in Brussels.

Until now, officials of the European institution considered it "potentially offensive".

Isabel Benjumea, a member in the EU's House of Representatives from Spain, helped change this.

After three years effort, she gained the approval of the European Parliament president, Roberta Metsola, for the Nativity scene to be displayed.

It has, however, only been "authorised as a special exhibition," which may or may not be renewed in the future.

Both Pope St John Paul II and emeritus Pope Benedict attempted to have Europe's Christian roots recognised by the European Union.

Source

• Religion News Service
• Catholic News Agency

The nativity scene is drawing mixed reactions for the way it presents the Holy Family's flight into Egypt in the context of current U.S. immigration policies. (According to the Bible, the Holy Family became refugees immediately after Jesus's birth, because they feared King Herod would have him killed.)

The United Methodist Church's nativity scene aims to highlight the plight of migrants and refugees, which the congregation has been striving to change, says the Rev. Karen Clark Ristine, who is the church's senior pastor.

"Our intent is to focus on the asylum seekers and the ways they are being greeted and treated and to suggest there might be a more compassionate way to show God's love," Ristine says.

"I think as Christians we have a responsibility to proclaim a narrative that might be counter to what the world thinks."

Claremont's nativity has been planned for several months. It is one of many "protest nativities" that have attracted public attention over the years.

Other US protest nativities have advocated for gun control, for marriage equality and against war. In fact, one of the first protest nativities was set in New York's Central Park in 1969 as a statement against the war in Vietnam.

Ristine posted pictures of the nativity to her personal Facebook page and was stunned by the response. The page was shared more than 15,000 times and attracted 4,000 comments in one day. Most have been supportive and have spawned an online discussion from across the world about inclusion, she said.

Source

• Chron
• Image: The Jerusalem Post

Casting the animal participants in live nativity scenes has always been a challenge in New Zealand, where there are no camels to accompany the wise men who made the trek to Bethlehem.

But over the 16 years the Auckland event has been running, organiser Dan Mills has managed to come up with a creative solution. Read more

Set beneath a sign that asks the question "Peace on Earth?", the scene calls attention to the treatment of immigrants at the US-Mexico border.

The display is both a rebuke for the way immigrants are treated at the US border, and acts as a reminder of the Trump administration's family separation policy, which some referred to as "kids in cages."

"It doesn't seem to be the message of the person whose birth we celebrate," Fr Steve Josoma of St Susanna's parish says.

"Is this peace on Earth? Is this what it would look like?"

Josoma says 65 million refugees worldwide are seeking a better way of life.

"We [the church's Pax Christi committee] were wondering what that might look like 2000 years ago if this family encountered the same dynamics that are taking place in our country right now," he says, adding that the parish hopes the display will "start a conversation."

This is not the picture of Christmas peace we want to have in people's minds for years to come. It can't be this forever; it just has to change," Josoma says.

This is not the first time St Susanna's Pax Christi committee has chosen to reflect the current political landscape in its nativity scene.

Last year, it called attention to mass shootings taking place throughout America, with signs showing the locations and death tolls. Across the top of the display was a quote from the Gospel of Luke, "If only you knew the things that make for peace."

Earlier this year an Indianapolis church put up a similar display showing Jesus, Mary and Joseph surrounded by metal fencing.

Source

• Yahoo
• Miami Herald
• Image:BCNN1WP