Pope: Christmas is time of humility, silence, wonder, joy
Vatican City (AsiaNews) At Suday's Angelus, John Paul II suggested that all faithful and non-faithful alike rediscover the true meaning of Christmas, without getting lost in all the confusion and racket found in the world. The pope proposed Mary as our model and guide: "It is she to whom we must look, whom we must call upon."
Below is the pope's complete orginal text addressed to the faithful attending the Angelus:
"Most dear brothers and sisters!
Christmas is drawing near. As we put the finishing touches on our Christmas trees and nativity sets, which you find here, too, in St. Peter's Square, we need to prepare our hearts to live out intensely this great mystery of faith.
In the last days of Advent, the liturgy gives particular attention to the figure of Mary. In her heart, right from her word's "here I am" made in full faith in response to her divine call, the Redeemer became incarnate. If we want to understand the real meaning of Christmas, it is she to whom we must look, whom we must call upon.
Mary, most perfect Mother, helps us understand the key word's of the mystery of the divine Son's birth: humility, silence, wonder and joy.
She lead us, above all, to humility, so that God can find room in our hearts, to have hearts not obscured by pride and arrogance. She shows us the value of silence, the silence that hears the singing of Angels and cry of the Christ Child, and not be drown out by noise and confusion. Together with her we will before the manger with heart-felt wonder, savoring the simple and pure joy the Christ-Child brings to mankind.
On the Holy Night, the rising Star, "the splendor of eternal light, sun of justice" (cf. Antiphony to Magnificat, Dec. 21), will come to illuminate those who wallow in darkness and the shadow of death. Led by the daily liturgy, we will share in the Virgin's own sentiments as we anxiously await the birth of Christ".
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