SW News: During his general audience on Wednesday, December 18th Pope Francis reminded Christians that making the crib is an opportunity to invite Jesus into our life.

“The crib is more relevant than ever, while every day many weapons and so many violent images are made in the world, which enter the eyes and the heart. The crib is instead a handcrafted image of peace,” he said.

“The crib is a domestic Gospel. The word crib literally means "manger", while the city of the crib, Bethlehem, means "house of bread". Manger and bread house: the crib we make at home, where we share food and affections, reminds us that Jesus is nourishment, the bread of life,” the Holy Father explained.

“Making the crib is celebrating God's closeness.”

“It is nice to be in front of the crib and to trust in the life of the Lord, to talk to him about the people and situations we have at heart, to do with him the budget of the year that is ending, to share the expectations and concerns,” said Pope Francis.

The Holy Father encouraged Catholics to prepare Christmas nativity scenes in homes, schools, workplaces, hospitals, nursing homes and prisons.