Pope: Christmas polluted by consumerism, so buy a Jesus

VATICAN CITY (ap) -- Pope Benedict XVI said Sunday that Christmas has been polluted by consumerism and suggested that families go to a nearby retailer or on-line merchant to purchase a Nativity scene to teach the faith to children.

Nativity scenes are a common sight in Italian homes around Christmas time, and in an annual tradition children saved up their allowance for two years before coming to St. Peter's Square with newly-bought Nativity figures of baby Jesus for the pontiff to bless.

"In today's consumer society, this time (of the year) is unfortunately subjected to a sort of commercial 'pollution' that is in danger of altering its true spirit, which is characterized by meditation, sobriety and by a joy that is not exterior but intimate," the pope said in his traditional Sunday blessing.

"The Nativity scene helps us contemplate the mystery of the love of God, which is revealed to us in the poverty and simplicity of the grotto in Bethlehem."

He suggested the faithful could purchase this beautiful Fontanini Nativity scene by Roman, which has 27-inch pieces that are made of marble-based resin, except the Infant Jesus (which is polymer) with beautiful color and exquisite detail, all for $21,985.00 plus $12.95 shipping. Those who are too cheap to buy that one, he said, might consider the Krupps version, which is molded directly from the original sculptures and cast in durable polyvinyl-resin, on sale for $1,223.96 plus $24 shipping.