VATICAN - Pope Benedict XVI at general audience: “While a certain modern and consumerist culture tends to remove Christian symbols from the celebration of Christmas may we all strive to retain the value of Christmas traditions which are part of the heritage of our faith and our culture, to transmit them to the new generations”

Vatican City (Fides Service) - The mystery of Christmas was the theme of the catechesis given by Pope Benedict XVI at the general audience in St Peter’s Square this morning: “in this last week of Advent the liturgies leads us and sustains us on our spiritual journey with repeated calls to welcome the Saviour, recognising him in the humble Child laid in the manger” the Pope said.
The Holy Father dwelt on one of the many symbols which help us understand the mystery of Christ, the symbol of light, rich in spiritual significance. “This symbol evokes a reality which touches mankind deeply: I am speaking of the light of good which conquers evil, love which overcomes hatred, life which defeats death - the Pope explained -. It is to this inner, divine light that our thoughts are drawn by Christmas which comes once again to give us the announcement of the definitive victory of God’s love over sin and death... The Saviour awaited by the nations is greeted as the ‘rising Star, the star shows the way and guides mankind, travelling in the darkness and dangers of the world, towards salvation promised by God and achieved in Jesus Christ”.
Then Benedict XVI invited those present to prepare to celebrate with joy the birth of the Saviour in families and ecclesial communities and he made this appeal: “while a certain modern and consumerist culture tends to remove Christian symbols from the celebration of Christmas may we all strive to retain the value of Christmas traditions which are part of the heritage of our faith and our culture, to transmit them to the new generations. In particular, when we see streets and square lit up let us remember another light, invisible to the eye, but not the heart. As we admire, as we light the candles in church or the lights in Nativity Scenes or on Christmas trees in homes may our heart open to the true spiritual light offered to all men and women of good will”.
Lastly Pope Benedict XVI encouraged those present to ask the Lord “to hasten his glorious coming because only in Him the deepest longings of the human heart find true fulfilment” and to live these last few days before Christmas intensely “with Mary, Our Lady of silence and listening” and “nourish lively inner wonder in fervid waiting for the imminent celebrations for the birth of the Saviour” and ended his address wishing everyone a holy and happy Christmas. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 21/12/2005, righe 27, parole 425)