Ribbons on Vatican creche are for lives saved from abortion

Pope Leo welcomed a special Nativity scene in Paul VI Hall, created by a Costa Rican artist, which, “together with the Christmas message of peace,” also appeals “that life be protected from the moment of conception.”

The scene will show Mary pregnant until Christmas when the baby arrives.

The Pope noted as well that the scene includes 28,000 colored ribbons, each representing “a life preserved from abortion thanks to prayer and the support provided by Catholic organizations to many mothers in difficulty.”

The Vatican on December 15 also lit up the majestic tree and Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square. The Holy Father praised how those who create these works are “seeking to unite art and spirituality in a setting that tells the story of the faith and cultural roots of your land.”

He considered some of the symbolism of these images:

The tree, with its evergreen branches, is a sign of life and calls to mind a hope that does not fade even in the cold of winter. The lights that adorn it symbolize Christ, the light of the world, who came to dispel the darkness of sin and to illuminate our path.

“Dear brothers and sisters, hermanos y hermanas,” the Pope said. “[…] For pilgrims coming from every part of the world who will go to St. Peter’s Square, the Nativity scene will recall that God draws near to humanity, becomes one of us, entering our history in the smallness of a child. Indeed, in the poverty of the stable of Bethlehem we contemplate a mystery of humility and love. Before every Nativity scene, including those set up in our homes, we relive that Event and rediscover the need to seek moments of silence and prayer in our lives, in order to find ourselves again and enter into communion with God.”

The Holy Father also reflected on Mary’s silence of adoration:

The Virgin Mary is the model of adoring silence. Unlike the shepherds who, returning from Bethlehem, glorify God and recount what they had seen and heard, the Mother of Jesus keeps all these things in her heart (cf. Lk 2:19). Her silence is not mere quiet: It is wonder and adoration.

The Pope suggested a prayer as we contemplate these beautiful scenes, and the ones in our homes and parishes: “Let us ask the Lord to renew in us the gift of peace and fraternity. Let us pray for those who suffer because of war and violence.”

Here he mentioned the tragedy that had occurred in Sydney, at the Hanukkah celebration.

Let us allow the tenderness of the Child Jesus to illumine our lives. Let us allow the love of God, like the branches of an evergreen tree, to remain alive within us.