(Vatican Radio) This year as last, we here at Vatican Radio have asked Church leaders
and leaders of Christian charitable organisations to help us and our listeners to
get into the spirit of the Christmas season by contributing a message in which they
share their best wishes and reflect on how the mystery of the Nativity informs our
action throughout the year. Here, please find the text and audio of the message from
Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services of the United
States. Listen: ************************************************** The
Lord of the Universe and Saviour of the World chose to accept the Father’s will and
spend nine months in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary and be born in a stable.
For two thousand years the tenderness of a new-born infant warmed by the straw and
the heat generated by animals has inspired generations of believers. Regardless of
its designation, the birth of the Christ Child has marked the history of humanity,
which is forever determined by what happened before His birth and what happened afterwards.
Christmas invites us to pause before the manger and place our aspirations and needs
before the Prince of Peace. Christmastime calls us to consider the Word which became
flesh, dwelt among us, and freed us from sin. There never has been, is not now, and
never will be anyone not saved through the merits of Jesus Christ. As we celebrate
the birth of Jesus, let us first of all give thanks once more for this perfect sign
of the Father’s love for us. Then, let us pray for lasting peace in our strife-torn
world. On behalf of my Auxiliary Bishops and the staff of the Archdiocese, I wish
all of you and your loved ones near and far serenity and lasting joy and I invoke
abundant blessings upon you. Merry Christmas and a blessed 2013!