Nativity scene was for John Paul II the center of Christmas. For, as he explained, “Christmas marks the beginning of the history of the Church, the people of the New Covenant.” The nativity scene is the image of this Church, this Covenant, with the figures of Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds who greeted the Newborn.
National elements also appeared in the nativity scene on the St. Peter’s Square – says the Archbishop. – Every year, the country that donated the Christmas tree to the St. Peter’s Square was able to present elements of its culture, traditions in a crib. In 1997, when a Christmas tree from Podhale stood on the square, four figures symbolizing the Polish family stood at the foot of the nativity scene. “They will symbolize every Polish family and in a way all the families in the world” – John Paul II expressed his gratitude during the Christmas wafer meeting with Poles. – It can even be said that they will represent the whole human family– because this joyful news that the Angel announced to the shepherds was addressed to all people of all times.” For this reason, the Pope has appealed to all people that what testifies to Christmas in our homes and on the streets should not hold up the mystery of the incarnation, which is the meaning of this feast.
With the consent of Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki – “Place for everyone”
Znak Publishing House, Kraków 2013.
