(December 23, 2009) Every week on Wednesday, the Pope holds a public meeting, called
the general audience, during which pilgrims and tourists who come to Rome have a chance
of seeing and hearing him speak. The Holy Father delivers a spiritual reflection
and greets various groups in their languages, including in English. The General
Audience of December 23rd, two days before Christmas, was held in the Vatican’s
Paul VI Audience Hall. It began with aides taking turns reading a scripture passage
in various languages. One of the aides greeted the Pope on behalf of the English-speaking
pilgrims, and presented the various groups to him. Pope Benedict then delivered
a reflection in English. Listen: Dear
Brothers and Sisters, In these last days before Christmas, the Church invites
us to contemplate the mystery of Christ’s Birth and to experience the joy and hope
which the newborn Saviour brings into our world. Gazing on the Christ Child lying
in the manger, we contemplate the love of a God who humbly asks us to welcome him
into our hearts and into our world. By coming among us as a helpless Child, God conquers
our hearts not by force, but by love, and thus teaches us the way to authentic freedom,
peace and fulfilment. This Christmas, may the Lord grant us simplicity of heart,
so that we may recognize his presence and love in the lowly Babe of Bethlehem, and,
like the shepherds, return to our homes filled with ineffable joy and gladness. I
offer a warm welcome to the English-speaking visitors present at today’s Audience,
especially the groups from the Philippines and the United States. In these holy days,
may you and your families draw ever closer to the Lord and experience his heavenly
gifts of love, joy and peace. Merry Christmas!