Christmas Traditions & Pope Francis

Image source: Pinterest

I have always loved the traditions of Christmas, but I especially love the true purpose of Christmas—celebrating the miraculous birth of the Son of God—our dear Savior Jesus Christ! As I contemplate Christ’s love for me, it makes all the other traditions of Christmas more meaningful as I show my love to others. Visiting with family members in person or over the phone, baking pumpkin bread for friends and neighbors, going caroling, decorating our home inside and out (which brings back all the sweet memories of our delightful children when they were little),  and wrapping simple gifts to put under the tree are ways I show my love at Christmas time. However, the tradition I love best, is when we go out to the barn with the horses, where David has set up the scene of Christ’s birth, and he reads the story in Luke 2:1-20. I always feel the Spirit which testifies to my heart that the whole story about Jesus Christ—His humble birth, amazing life, incomprehensible atonement, cruel death, glorious resurrection—is all true! I know Christ lives today and personally cares for each one of us, and that’s why I love celebrating Christmas!

Pope Francis: Christmas Wisdom

Pope Francis lived from December 17,1936 to April 21, 2025. He was born the same month we celebrate Christmas and passed on the same month that we usually celebrate Easter. He set an example of loving all people and spoke many words of wisdom. Here are a few:

The Celebration That God Likes

“Christmas is preferring the silent voice of God to the turmoil of consumerism. This is the invitation for Christmas. Take some time, stand in front of the manger and be silent.”

Christmas Is Hope

“Hope is always on the move, and it makes us be on the move. We can ask ourselves, 'Do I journey in hope, or is my interior life stopped, shut down? Is my heart a closed drawer or an open drawer, open to the hope that helps us journey, not alone, but with Jesus?' It is a good question to ask ourselves.”

Understanding

“Fraternity among people with different ideas, yet capable of respecting and listening to one another. Fraternity among persons of different religions. Jesus came to reveal the face of God to all those who seek Him.”

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,  but have everlasting life.

— John3:16