Christmas, a quiet joy that fills hearts

The Vatican Nativity Scene is still tightly under wraps with only two days to go to Christmas, but on Wednesday Pope Benedict XVI told thousands of pilgrims and visitors at his general audience, that he was “delighted” that the tradition of building cribs in homes and workplaces, is still alive and moreover, growing.

Looking ahead to the twelve days of the festive season, the Pope pointed out that the Christmas crib, traditionally built during Advent is a “visible sign of our awaiting the coming of the Lord” and still capable of “evoking wonderment” in the hearts of adults and children alike. He urged Christians worldwide to prepare themselves in the coming days, not only by decorating their homes, but more importantly by “purifying their hearts and souls”

Speaking in the Paul VI audience hall he said: “In these last days before Christmas, the Church invites us to contemplate the mystery of Christ’s Birth and to receive the gift of his presence, which is the fulfilment of humanity’s deepest hopes and expectations. We share in the quiet joy which filled the hearts of Mary and Joseph, and all those who first welcomed the promised Saviour, who is Emmanuel, God-with-us. By taking our flesh, the Lord saved us from the sin of our first parents; now he bids us to become like him, to see the world through his eyes and to let our hearts be transformed by his infinite goodness and mercy”.

While the festive season usually signals a time of rest for most, in the coming days Pope Benedict XVI will be presiding over the traditional liturgical celebrations here in St Peter’s. Mgr. Marini, master of papal ceremonies, issued the list of appointments Wednesday. Among them: the Christmas Vigil, Friday Dec. 24 at beginning at 10 pm local time; the Pope’s Christmas Message, Urbi et orbi, to the city and the world, Saturday Dec. 25, at 12 pm local time; on Friday, Dec. 31, the Pope will preside at Vespers for the feast of Mary Queen of Peace, followed by exposure of the Blessed Sacrament, and the singing the traditional hymn
''Te Deum''; on New Year's Day, the Pope will preside at Mass at 10 am local time in St. Peter's Basilica.

On Wednesday, Pope Benedict wished all those present a very special Christmas: “This Christmas, may the Christ Child find all of us spiritually prepared for his coming. The traditional Christmas crib, which families prepare in these days, is an eloquent sign of our expectation of the Lord who comes. May the wonderment that the crib evokes in children and adults alike bring us closer to the mystery of God’s love revealed in the incarnation of his beloved Son. Let us ask the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph to help us contemplate this great mystery with renewed joy and gratitude. I offer a warm welcome to the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors present at today’s Audience. To all of you, and especially the children, I offer my heartfelt good wishes for a serene and joy-filled Christmas!”