(December 22, 2010) 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 to them. The general audience of Dec. 22 was the
last before Christmas and was held in the Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall. A scripture
passage was read in several languages. An aide greeted the Pope on behalf of the
English-speaking pilgrims, and presented the various groups to him. Pope Benedict
then delivered a discourse 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 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. 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!
Pope Benedict also spoke in several other languages before concluding
Wednesday’s general audience with his blessing. Listen: