Vatican City, Dec 18, 2019 / 03:12 am
Pope Francis Wednesday called Christmas nativity scenes a "domestic Gospel," which helps to make the Holy Family present in one's home.
He also encouraged every family to have one in their home at Christmas time.
During his last general audience of 2019, Francis said Dec. 18 that gazing at the nativity, with the baby Jesus, Virgin Mary, and St. Joseph "we can imagine the thoughts they had while the Child was born in poverty: joy but also shock."
"And we can also invite the Holy Family to our home, where there are joys and worries, where every day we wake up, get food and sleep close to our loved ones," he said. "The nativity is a domestic Gospel."