Hajja Salesjana

7. The manger is a sign of God’s love. Pope Francis writes that nativity scenes resonate so deeply because they showGod’s tender love. They proclaim that “the Creator of the universe lowered himself to take up our littleness.” They engage the senses and one’s imagination, helping people “to ‘feel’ and ‘touch’ the poverty that God’s Son took upon himself in the Incarnation.” 8. The nativity scene contains a call to service. The Pope says that the Christmas crib contains an implicit message. “It summons us to follow him along the path of humility, poverty, and self-denial that leads from the manger of Bethlehem to the cross,” he writes. “It asks us to meet him and serve him by showing mercy to those of our brothers and sisters in greatest need.” 9. Even a nativity scene’s landscapes are meaningful. The Pope notes that depictions of the Nativity often include “the ruins of ancient houses or buildings.” He writes: “More than anything, the ruins are the visible sign of fallen humanity, of everything that inevitably falls into ruin, decays, and disappoints. This scenic setting tells us that Jesus is newness in the midst of an aging world, that he has come to heal and rebuild, to restore the world and our lives to their original splendor.” 10. Nativity scenes nourish devotion to Mary and Joseph. The Pope observes that the Virgin Mary is shown as “a mother who contemplates her child and shows him to every visitor.” In her, “we see the Mother of God who does not keep her Son only to herself, but invites everyone to obey his word and to put it into practice.” St. Joseph stands at Mary’s side, protecting her and the Christ Child. The nativity scene reminds us that Joseph “entrusted himself always to God’s will, and put it into practice,” encouraging us to do the same. 34 Ottubru-Diċembru 2024 hajja