In today's General Audience, at the beginning of the Christmas novena, Pope Benedict spoke of the true meaning of Christmas. The English language summary from the Vatican Press Office's Daily Bulletin says:
"Today we commence the Christmas Novena of Advent by contemplating the
fulfilment of the ancient prophecies in the coming of the Son of God, born of
the Virgin Mary in the stable of Bethlehem. Christmas speaks to everyone; it
celebrates the gift of life – often fragile or endangered – and the
fulfilment of our deepest hopes for a world renewed. The present economic crisis,
causing so much suffering, can however help us to focus on the spiritual meaning
of Christmas, and to welcome into our hearts the hope brought by God’s coming
among us as man. The Word became flesh to offer humanity the salvation which can
only be received as a gracious gift from God. The same Word by whom the universe
was made, the Word which gives all creation its ultimate meaning, has come to
dwell among us: he now speaks to us, he reveals the deepest meaning of our life
on earth, and he guides us to the Love which is our fulfilment. In the Christ
Child, God humbly knocks on the doors of our hearts and asks us freely to accept
his love, his truth, his life. As Christmas approaches, let us rekindle our hope
in God’s promises and, in humility and simplicity, welcome the light, joy and
peace which the Saviour brings to us and to our world."
Asia News has an article. Vatican Information Service has a press release with quotations. The original Italian text is posted at the Daily Bulletin. Full English translations are posted at Zenit and Papa Ratzinger Forum, and the latter also has a photo.
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