Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “Does humanity in our day still await a Saviour?” Pope Benedict XVI asked during his general Wednesday Audience on 20 December in which he reflected on the mystery of Christmas. “One has the feeling that many consider God as foreign to their own interests- the Pope said. They appear not to need God; they live as if He did not exist or worse as if He were an "obstacle" to self-realisation, which must be removed. Even some believers are drawn by alluring fantasies, distracted by misleading doctrines which propose illusory short cuts to happiness. Nevertheless with all its contradictions, anxieties and tragedies, humanity today is in search of a path of renewal, of salvation, in search of a Saviour and waits, at times unawares, the advent of Christ who renews our world and our life, the one and only Redeemer of the human person and the whole person. Of course false prophets continue to propose “low cost” salvation, generating only painful disappointment. Precisely human history of the past fifty years demonstrates this search for a ‘low cost’ Saviour and all the deriving delusion. It is our duty as Christians to diffuse with witness of life, the truth of Christmas, that Christ brings to every man and woman of good will.”
The liturgy of Advent encourages us to “watch, not to let ourselves be burdened by sin and excessive worldly concerns. It is in fact by keeping watch and praying that we will recognise and welcome the light of the Nativity of Christ”. The Pope said, on Christmas Eve enraptured in front of the Nativity Scene we will contemplate the “Word made flesh”... “The Creator of the universe who comes out of love to make his dwelling place among us”.
The fundamental characteristic of the Christian in the season of Advent is “the spiritual attitude of prayerful waiting”, the attitude of Zachariah and Elisabeth, the shepherds, the Wise Men as well as ordinary humble people. Above all the attitude of Mary and Joseph! The Pope then quoted Saint Massimo, Bishop of Torino: “As we wait to welcome the Nativity of the Lord, let us put on spotless garments of purity. Clothes of the soul not the body. Rather than garments of silk, let us put on good works! Rich clothes cover the body but they cannot adorn the conscience”. Pope Benedict XVI said to those present: “When He is born in our midst may the Infant Jesus find us not distracted, concerned only about decorating our homes. Let us prepare in our hearts and in our families a worthy place where He feels welcomed with faith and love. May the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph help us to live the Mystery of Christmas with new wonder and peace inspiring serenity”.
The Pope greeted young people, the sick, the newly wedded couples present and concluded: “In a few days it will be Christmas, and I imagine that, in your homes, you are putting the final touches to your nativity scenes, which are such an evocative depiction of Christmas. I hope that this important element, not only of our spirituality but also of our culture and art, may endure as a simple and eloquent way to remember the One Who came 'to dwell among us'.".” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 21/12/2006, righe 39, parole 559)
