Pope Francis - Christmas Message

Dear brothers and sisters:

As Christmas approaches, we prepare to hear once more the joyful message of the angels to the shepherds of Bethlehem: “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy… for to you is born this day a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord” (Lk 2:10-12). Like the shepherds, we too are called to make a spiritual journey to Bethlehem to seek and find Jesus, God’s eternal light shining in the world. Christmas invites us to overcome a certain worldly mentality that blinds us to the core of our faith: the Word made flesh who dwells among us. It reminds us that God’s eternal plan intersects with our history and opens the way to a better future. This year, amid the global health crisis, Christmas can help us look ahead and embrace the hope that the newborn Jesus offers us. As we reflect and pray before the Christmas crèche may we become more aware of the closeness and tender love of God, who took flesh for our salvation. This Christmas, may Jesus be born anew in each of us, so that by our lives we may bring joy and new hope to all.