Pope unveils Vatican Christmas tree, EU unveils nativity scene

When the Vatican’s Christmas tree and nativity scene were unveiled on Saturday, Pope Francis called on believers to stay “rooted in Jesus Christ” even during the holidays.

“Trees tell us about our roots, and nativity scenes invite us to contemplate. Remember these two human and Christian attitudes,” he said.

“This tree and its light remind us that Jesus comes to light our darkness, our existence, which is often trapped in the shadows of sin, fear and pain. I’m here.

“And that brings up another reflection. Just like trees, humans need roots.”

“Only those who are firmly rooted in the ground will grow firmly, mature, resist the swaying winds, and become a reference point for the beholder,” he pointed out.

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

This year’s tree dates back to the Middle Ages and was planted by Benedictine monks of the Convent of San Giovanni in Verde, according to locals.

The decorations were handcrafted by young people from a psychiatric institution in collaboration with seniors from nursing homes and local schoolchildren.

At over 20 feet tall, the St. Peter’s Square nursery consists of 18 life-size wooden statues placed beneath a large domed structure, all made without cutting down new trees .

“A simple, friendly nursery evokes a Christmas that is different from the consumeristic and commercial one,” said Francis.

He encouraged believers to “make themselves small” in order to meet Christ where he was.

“We are also invited to contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation,” he added.

Francis concluded by reminding those in the hall:

“He never leaves us alone. He is by our side in all our joys and sorrows.”

The Pope’s reminder about the meaning of Christmas is also evident in the European Parliament.

This Christmas marks the first time in history that the European Parliament has allowed a nativity scene to be installed at its headquarters in Brussels.

Until now, European Agency officials considered it “potentially offensive”.

Spain’s EU Member of Parliament, Isabel Benjumea, has helped change this.

After three years of hard work, she received the approval of the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Mezzola, to exhibit the nativity scene.

However, it is only “authorized as a special exhibition” and may or may not be updated in the future.

Pope St. John Paul II and Pope Emeritus Benedict tried to get the European Union to recognize the roots of European Christianity.

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