The True Meaning of Joy at Christmas

In his reflection before praying the Angelus today, Benedict XVI spoke of the true joy of Christmas, reflecting the words of today's readings and the antiphon for Rose Sunday "Rejoice in the Lord always . . . the Lord is near" (In Latin, "Gaudate in Domino . . ., from Phil. 4:4-5).  (The third Sunday of Advent, called "Rose Sunday" or "Gaudete Sunday", is a time of Joy, the third Sunday of Advent, when the rose candle is lit from the Advent wreath and the clergy wear rose colored vestments.)

The Christmas Tree is now in place at St. Peter's Square, and today, Roman children brought the baby Jesus that will lie in their mangers in their parishes, schools and homes this year, to have them blessed by the Pope.

Asia News has posted an article.  Full translations are available from Zenit, the Vatican, and from Teresa Benedetta at Papa Ratzinger Forum.

In reflecting on the true joy of Christmas, looking to the coming of the Lord, the Pope remembered those who have fled war torn countries in Africa and the Middle East, refugees, those who are sick or alone, and those who look in vain for joy through self-affirmation and ambition, consumerism, and intoxication.  It is precisely, he said, to the wounded and orphans of life that the message of joy is proclaimed, with Christ, and salvation, rescue that is part of an inner renewal, as the source of true joy.

Here is an excerpt from Teresa Benedetta's translation:

"To transform the world, God chose a humble girl from a village in Galilee, Mary of Nazareth, and called on her in these words: "Rejoice, you who are full of grace, the Lord is with you." In those words lie the secret of the authentic Christmas. God repeats it to the chruch and to each of us: Rejoice, the Lord is near."