LED lighting was also unveiled on the facade and dome of the basilica during the ceremony. (Catholic News Service/Paul Haring)
By Carol Glatz
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – God did not come to the world with arrogance to impose his might; he offered his powerful love through a fragile child, Pope Francis said.
The Christmas tree and Nativity scene are reminders of this mystery of the Incarnation and they both carry “a message of light, hope and love,” he said, meeting the people who donated the centerpieces of the Vatican Christmas decorations.
The Italian city of Verona donated the Nativity scene, and the southern Italian city of Catanzaro donated the 82-foot white spruce tree, which both adorn St. Peter’s Square.
Earlier in the day, the pope thanked the delegates for their generosity and highlighted the importance of the Christmas creche and tree for Christians, as they are a sign of how “God made man to save us and the light that Jesus brought to the world with His birth.”
The Nativity scene and Christmas tree touch the hearts of everyone, “even those who do not believe because they speak of fraternity, intimacy and friendship, calling all people of our time to rediscover the beauty of simplicity, sharing and solidarity,” he said.
“They are an invitation to unity, harmony and peace; an invitation to make room – in our personal and social life – for God, who did not come with arrogance to impose his might, but offers us his omnipotent love through the fragile person of a child,” he said