Admirabile Signum: On the meaning and importance of the Nativity Scene.
Published on December 1, 2019, Admirabile Signum is an apostolic letter from Pope Francis on the meaning and importance of the Nativity scene in Christian life. This letter was issued on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the return of the Nativity scene to St. Peter's Square and aims to reflect on the spiritual, educational, and pastoral value of this important symbol of Christmas.
Admirabile Signum highlights the importance of preserving and renewing the tradition of the Nativity scene as a sign of the Christian faith, inviting all the faithful to reflect on the humility, poverty, and love of God that are present in the Nativity scene. In an increasingly secularized world, Pope Francis encourages us to live Christmas more deeply, making the Nativity scene a symbol of hope and a means of evangelization for the family and society.
With this Apostolic Letter, Pope Francis seeks to encourage families to continue the beautiful tradition of setting up the Nativity scene in the days leading up to Christmas. He also encourages us to continue setting it up in workplaces, schools, hospitals, prisons, and squares. This is because the representation of the event of Jesus' birth always inspires "wonder and admiration" and speaks to us of God's love, the God who became a child with simplicity and joy to show us how close he is to every human being, regardless of their condition.