The nativity scene originated "as a sobriety school. And this has a lot to teach us. Today, the risk of forgetting what is important in life is high, and it paradoxically rises during Christmas: engulfed in a consumerism that corrodes its meaning." This is what Pope Francis said during a general audience in the Paul VI Hall devoted to the 800th anniversary of the Greccio living nativity tableau, St. Francis' effort at Christmas 1223. "The consumerism of Christmas" is the subject of the pontiff's reflection, to which he adds: "It is true that you desire to give gifts; this is acceptable and a means to that end; however, that frenzy of shopping diverts attention away from the true essence of Christmas; no sobriety remains. Consider the nativity scene: that awe in front of the nativity scene. It looks like sometimes there is no inner space for astonishment, the only thing that matters is planning the festivities." " The pope returned to the current wars at the close of his catechesis, saying, "Let us not forget the people, the peoples who suffer the evil of war. Wars are always a failure. Let us not lose sight of this. Only the manufacturers of weapons benefit. Please, let us consider Palestine and Israel. Consider the ravaged Ukraine, which is suffering greatly. And we think about the children in conflict and what they witness. Let us go to Jesus' crib and ask for peace. He is the Prince of Peace."
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