Every year, on the Third Sunday of Advent, families and children gather in St. Peter’s Square to celebrate “Bambinelli Sunday.” The children bring the Christ Child figures—known as “Bambinelli”—from their family Nativity scenes. During the noontime Angelus prayer, the Pope blesses both the children and the figurines they present. You can use these words to bless your own family Nativity scene:
God our Father, you so loved humankind that you sent your only Son Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary, to save us and lead us back to you. We pray that with your blessing, these images of Jesus, who is about to come among us, may be a sign of your presence and love in our homes. Good Father, give your Blessing to us too, to our parents, to our families and to our friends. Open our hearts, so that we may be able to receive Jesus in joy, always do what He asks and see Him in all those who are in need of love. We ask you this in the name of Jesus, your beloved Son, who comes to give the world peace, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.