Pope speaks about true light and joy of Christmas

(December 12. 2011) Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday exhorted Christians not to be distracted by the lights and commercial messages in the run up to Christmas, but instead “give things the right value in order to focus on Christ, the true light of the world.” Speaking before his weekly midday ‘Angelus’ prayer with a large crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square below his studio window, the Pope reflected on the Advent season which invites us to live waiting for the coming of Jesus. “The external environment offers us traditional commercial messages, though in a lower key because of the economic crisis,” he noted. However, “Christians are urged to live Advent without letting themselves be distracted by the lights, knowing that they must give things their right value in order to focus on Christ from within. If we persevere “watchful in prayer and exultant in praise,” our eyes will be able to recognise in Him the true light of the world, which comes to bring light to our darkness.” He said Sunday’s Mass readings “invite to joy, to a happy, not sad watchfulness,” which is not “is not the fruit of having fun,” away from life’s commitments and one’s own responsibilities. True joy, the Pope pointed out is tied to the relationship with God. Those who met Christ in their life experience in their heart serenity and joy that no one and no situation can take away.”
After the ‘Angelus’ and his blessing, Pope Benedict addressed a large number of children alsong with parents from Rome who had brought their little statues of baby Jesus of their Nativity scenes to be blessed by him. “Dear children, when you pray in front of your Nativity scene, remember me as well, as I remember you,” the Pope said. “Thank you and Merry Christmas!” the Holy Father wished them.
Pope Benedict also greeted the European representatives of the Movement for Life who are in Rome for the ‘Mother of Teresa of Kolkata Award’, which is given in memory of Chiara Lubich, founder of the ‘Focolari’ Movement. He reminded the movement about the Dec. 10th Human Rights Day observed on Saturday on the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, that the first right is the right to life. He wished them all the best in their activities.