
Pope Francis Urges Joy and Sobriety this Christmas
FREE Catholic Classes
In his final general audience before Christmas, Pope Francis emphasized the significance of approaching the advent of Christ with "joy" and "amazement," drawing inspiration from the 800th anniversary of the first living Nativity scene established by St. Francis of Assisi in Greccio, Italy.

Photo credit: Walter Chavez
Highlights
12/21/2023 (1 year ago)
Published in Living Faith
Keywords: Pope Francis, Nativity, Christmas, Joy, Amazement, St. Francis of Assisi, Sobriety, Consumerism, Closeness, Tenderness, Compassion
Pope Francis highlighted St. Francis's intention not to create a mere work of art but to elicit astonishment at the profound humility of the Lord in the humble surroundings of Bethlehem. Stressing that Christmas goes beyond a historical event, the pope urged a religious attitude of amazement, stating, "If I, in the face of the mysteries, do not come to this amazement, my faith is simply superficial."
Reflecting on the Nativity scene's spirit of "sobriety," Pope Francis condemned the pervasive consumerism overshadowing the true meaning of Christmas. He cautioned against the frenzy of shopping, emphasizing the risk of losing sight of life's essential values.
"The Nativity scene was created to bring us back to what matters: to God who comes to dwell among us," the pope asserted, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing people over material possessions.
Amidst the anticipation of Christmas, Pope Francis contemplated the Nativity's dual impact of amazement and joy. He questioned the source of Christmas joy, asserting that it stems not from material abundance or extravagant celebrations but from experiencing the nearness of Jesus and the tenderness of God.
"Closeness, tenderness, and compassion â₏" such are the three attitudes of God," Pope Francis declared, underlining the profound emotional connection with the divine as the true source of Christmas joy.
In a poignant moment, the pope addressed the tragic consequences of war, emphasizing its inherent defeat and the profit reaped by weapons manufacturers. He called for reflection on the Nativity scene and urged prayers for peace, invoking Jesus, the prince of peace.
The general audience concluded with Pope Francis expressing solidarity with the victims of a devastating earthquake in China, extending affection and prayer to the suffering populations and invoking the Almighty's blessing for comfort and relief.
Join the Movement
When you sign up below, you don't just join an email list - you're joining an entire movement for Free world class Catholic education.

Novena for Pope Francis | FREE PDF Download
-
- Easter / Lent
- Ascension Day
- 7 Morning Prayers
- Mysteries of the Rosary
- Litany of the Bl. Virgin Mary
- Popular Saints
- Popular Prayers
- Female Saints
- Saint Feast Days by Month
- Stations of the Cross
- St. Francis of Assisi
- St. Michael the Archangel
- The Apostles' Creed
- Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony
- Pray the Rosary

Why Cardinals Are Locked in a Room to Elect a Pope: The Origin of the Conclave

Why the Next Pope Must Be a Disciple First, Not a Politician

What Near-Death Experiences Teach Us About Faith and Work
Daily Catholic
Daily Readings for Wednesday, May 07, 2025
St. Rose Venerini: Saint of the Day for Wednesday, May 07, 2025
Blessing of a New House: Prayer of the Day for Wednesday, May 07, 2025
Daily Readings for Tuesday, May 06, 2025
St. Dominic Savio: Saint of the Day for Tuesday, May 06, 2025
- Nurse's Prayer: Prayer of the Day for Tuesday, May 06, 2025
Copyright 2025 Catholic Online. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, © Copyright 2025 Catholic Online. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited.
Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.