From the Vatican:
Pope Leo called Vatican employees to learn simplicity and humility from Jesus’ birth this Christmas and “to ensure, all together, that this becomes increasingly the style of the Church in all its expressions.”
He made the invitation on Monday, December 22, to the employees of the Roman Curia, the Governorate of the Vatican City State, and the Vicariate of Rome, and their families, who had gathered in the Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall for the annual audience to exchange Christmas greetings.
Pope Leo thanked those present for their warm welcome and their work, explaining that he is getting to know the Vatican as “a great mosaic of offices and services.” “Little by little, with God’s help, I think I will also be able to meet you by visiting the various workplaces,” he said.
“Please convey my greetings to your loved ones at home; especially to the elderly and sick, tell them that the Pope is praying for them,” he added.
Give glory to God through your daily life
In his greeting he reflected on the various figures and characters that have been added to nativity scenes over the course of history and that represent daily life, such as for example “the blacksmith, the innkeeper, the landlady, the laundress, the knife grinder, and so on.”
He pointed out that although these trades are from the past – and some have disappeared altogether – they still have an important meaning within nativity scenes.
“They remind us that all our activities, our daily occupations, acquire their full meaning in God’s plan, which has its center in Jesus Christ,” he said.
“It is as if the Baby Jesus, lying in the manger, blesses everything and everyone. His gentle and humble presence spreads God’s tenderness everywhere.” [scroll for more:]
He highlighted that while Mary, Joseph and the shepherds are in awe of Jesus’ birth, the other characters continue their work. He explained that, while they may seem detached from this important event, in reality they are participating by staying in their place and doing their job.
“I like to think that this can also be true for us in our working lives: each of us carries out our tasks and we praise God by doing them well, with commitment,” the Pope emphasized.
“Sometimes we are so caught up in our occupations that we do not think about the Lord or the Church, but the very fact of working with dedication, trying to give our best, and also—for you lay people—with love for your family, for your children, gives glory to the Lord.”