Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - At midnight on 24 December, in St Peter’s Basilica the Holy Father Benedict XVI presided a solemn mass for the Nativity of Our Lord. In his homily the Pope explained the connection between Christmas and peace. Among Christians, the word "peace" has taken on a very particular meaning “ it has become a name for the Eucharist. There Christ’s peace is present. In all the places where the Eucharist is celebrated, a great network of peace spreads through the world. The communities gathered around the Eucharist make up a kingdom of peace as wide as the world itself.” Moreover, “When we celebrate the Eucharist we find ourselves in Bethlehem, in the "house of bread". Christ gives himself to us and, in doing so, gives us his peace. He gives it to us so that we can carry the light of peace within and give it to others. He gives it to us so that we can become peacemakers and builders of peace in the world. And so we pray: Lord, fulfil your promise! Where there is conflict, give birth to peace! Where there is hatred, make love spring up! Where darkness prevails, let light shine! Make us heralds of your peace! Amen”
Benedict XVI also reminded those present that with his Nativity, God became a man like us that “we might be with Him and become similar to Him”. In Christmas God chose as his sign the Child in the manger: “this is how God is”, the Pope said. “This is how we come to know him. And on every child shines something of the splendour of that "today", of that closeness of God which we ought to love and to which we must yield - it shines on every child, even on those still unborn.”. (P.L.R) (Agenzia Fides 24/12/2005, righe 18, parole 284)
