Pope explains the meaning of Christmas tree and sand sculptures at Vatican

"The lights on the Christmas tree remind us that Jesus is the light of the world, the light of the soul, dispelling the darkness of hostility and making room for forgiveness,"Catholic News AgencyPope Francis said as the 20-meter-tall Christmas tree was lit in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican on December 7.

The Pope shared that the signs and symbols of the Christmas tradition can "help us reflect on the mystery of God, making him close to each person."

This year’s Christmas tree is a red spruce from the Cansiglio forest in Italy, donated by the diocese of Concordia-Pordenone in the Veneto region. It will be displayed throughout the holiday season and removed on January 13. The Pope explained that the tree’s great height symbolizes Jesus, who humbled himself, taking on human form to create humanity in his own image.

This year the Vatican recreated the Nativity scene with a 5.5-meter-high and 16-meter-wide sculpture made from 720 tons of sand from the Dolomites. The idea was inspired by a tradition in the northern Italian coastal town of Jesolo, where professional sand sculptors from around the world create works depicting the Nativity or other Christian stories for locals and visitors each Christmas.

Pope Francis explained that sand is a humble material, recalling the simplicity of Christ's birth in a stable, amid the precarious conditions of Bethlehem. "Thinking of Christ, who radiated light in humble circumstances, we too can become witnesses of simplicity, tenderness and goodness," the head of the Vatican said.

"The Nativity and the Christmas tree, delightful symbols of the holiday, can bring to families and gatherings the light and tenderness of God, helping everyone to live in the joyful atmosphere of Christmas," said Pope Francis.