Pope Francis on Christmas Eve: The poor manger was full of love

On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis said that the poverty of Christ's birth in a stable contains an important lesson for today.

“That manger, poor in everything but rich in love, teaches that true nourishment in life comes from letting ourselves be loved by God and loving others in turn,” Pope Francis said on December 24.

“God always loves us with a love greater than we have for ourselves. … Only the love of Jesus can transform our lives, heal our deepest wounds and free us from the vicious circles of disappointment, anger and constant complaints, ”the Pope said in St. Peter's Basilica.

Pope Francis offered "Midnight Mass" earlier this year due to Italy's national curfew at 22pm. The country has entered a blockade for the Christmas period in an attempt to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

In his Christmas homily, the pope asked a question: why was the Son of God born in the poverty of a stable?

“In the humble manger of a dark stable, the Son of God was truly present,” he said. “Why was he born at night without decent housing, in poverty and rejection, when he deserved to be born as the greatest of kings in the most beautiful of palaces? "

"Because? To make us understand the immensity of his love for our human condition: also touching the depths of our poverty with his concrete love. The Son of God was born outcast, to tell us that every outcast is a child of God, ”said Pope Francis.

"He came into the world as every child comes into the world, weak and vulnerable, so that we can learn to accept our weaknesses with tender love."

The pope said that God "has placed our salvation in a manger" and therefore is not afraid of poverty, adding: "God loves to work miracles through our poverty".

“Dear sister, dear brother, never be discouraged. Are you tempted to feel that it was a mistake? God tells you: "No, you are my son". Do you have a feeling of failure or inadequacy, the fear of never leaving the dark tunnel of trial? God tells you, 'Have courage, I am with you,' ”he said.

“The angel proclaims to the shepherds: 'This will be a sign to you: a child lying in a manger.' That sign, the Child in the manger, is also a sign for us, to guide us in life, ”the pope said.

About 100 people were present inside the Basilica for the Mass. After the proclamation of the birth of Christ in Latin, Pope Francis spent a few moments venerating the Christ child at the beginning of the Mass.

"God came among us in poverty and need, to tell us that by serving the poor, we will show them our love," he said.

Pope Francis then quoted the poet Emily Dickinson, who wrote: “God's residence is next to mine, his furniture is love”.

At the end of the homily, the Pope prayed: “Jesus, you are the Child who makes me a child. You love me as I am, I know, not as I imagine I am. By embracing you, Son of the manger, I embrace my life once more. By welcoming you, Bread of life, I too desire to give my life “.

“You, my Savior, teach me to serve. You who have not left me alone, help me to comfort your brothers and sisters, because, you know, from this night on, all are my brothers and sisters ”.