VATICAN CITY, DEC. 25, 2010 (Zenit.org).-
Here is a Vatican translation of Benedict XVI's Christmas message, which he
gave today at noon from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, and before he
imparted his traditional blessing "urbi et orbi" (to the city of Rome and the
world).
* * *
Verbum caro factum est" – "The Word became flesh" (Jn 1:14).
Dear brothers and sisters listening to me here in Rome and throughout the
world, I joyfully proclaim the message of Christmas: God became man; he came
to dwell among us. God is not distant: he is "Emmanuel", God-with-us. He is no
stranger: he has a face, the face of Jesus.
This message is ever new, ever surprising, for it surpasses even our most
daring hope. First of all, because it is not merely a proclamation: it is an
event, a happening, which credible witnesses saw, heard and touched in the
person of Jesus of Nazareth! Being in his presence, observing his works and
hearing his words, they recognized in Jesus the Messiah; and seeing him risen,
after his crucifixion, they were certain that he was true man and true God,
the only-begotten Son come from the Father, full of grace and truth (cf. Jn
1:14).
"The Word became flesh". Before this revelation we once more wonder: how can
this be? The Word and the flesh are mutually opposed realities; how can the
eternal and almighty Word become a frail and mortal man? There is only one
answer: Love. Those who love desire to share with the beloved, they want to be
one with the beloved, and Sacred Scripture shows us the great love story of
God for his people which culminated in Jesus Christ.
God in fact does not change: he is faithful to himself. He who created the
world is the same one who called Abraham and revealed his name to Moses: "I am
who I am … the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob … a God merciful and gracious,
abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness (cf. Ex 3:14-15; 34:6). God does
not change; he is Love, ever and always. In himself he is communion, unity in
Trinity, and all his words and works are directed to communion. The
Incarnation is the culmination of creation. When Jesus, the Son of God
incarnate, was formed in the womb of Mary by the will of the Father and the
working of the Holy Spirit, creation reached its high point. The ordering
principle of the universe, the Logos, began to exist in the world, in a
certain time and space.
"The Word became flesh". The light of this truth is revealed to those who
receive it in faith, for it is a mystery of love. Only those who are open to
love are enveloped in the light of Christmas. So it was on that night in
Bethlehem, and so it is today. The Incarnation of the Son of God is an event
which occurred within history, while at the same time transcending history. In
the night of the world a new light was kindled, one which lets itself be seen
by the simple eyes of faith, by the meek and humble hearts of those who await
the Saviour. If the truth were a mere mathematical formula, in some sense it
would impose itself by its own power. But if Truth is Love, it calls for
faith, for the "yes" of our hearts.
And what do our hearts, in effect, seek, if not a Truth which is also Love?
Children seek it with their questions, so disarming and stimulating; young
people seek it in their eagerness to discover the deepest meaning of their
life; adults seek it in order to guide and sustain their commitments in the
family and the workplace; the elderly seek it in order to grant completion to
their earthly existence.
"The Word became flesh". The proclamation of Christmas is also a light for all
peoples, for the collective journey of humanity. "Emmanuel", God-with-us, has
come as King of justice and peace. We know that his Kingdom is not of this
world, and yet it is more important than all the kingdoms of this world. It is
like the leaven of humanity: were it lacking, the energy to work for true
development would flag: the impulse to work together for the common good, in
the disinterested service of our neighbour, in the peaceful struggle for
justice. Belief in the God who desired to share in our history constantly
encourages us in our own commitment to that history, for all its
contradictions. It is a source of hope for everyone whose dignity is offended
and violated, since the one born in Bethlehem came to set every man and woman
free from the source of all enslavement.
May the light of Christmas shine forth anew in the Land where Jesus was born,
and inspire Israelis and Palestinians to strive for a just and peaceful
coexistence. May the comforting message of the coming of Emmanuel ease the
pain and bring consolation amid their trials to the beloved Christian
communities in Iraq and throughout the Middle East; may it bring them comfort
and hope for the future and bring the leaders of nations to show them
effective solidarity. May it also be so for those in Haiti who still suffer in
the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and the recent cholera epidemic.
May the same hold true not only for those in Colombia and Venezuela, but also
in Guatemala and Costa Rica, who recently suffered natural disasters.
May the birth of the Savior open horizons of lasting peace and authentic
progress for the peoples of Somalia, Darfur and Côte d’Ivoire; may it promote
political and social stability in Madagascar; may it bring security and
respect for human rights in Afghanistan and in Pakistan; may it encourage
dialogue between Nicaragua and Costa Rica; and may it advance reconciliation
on the Korean peninsula.
May the birth of the Savior strengthen the spirit of faith, patience and
courage of the faithful of the Church in mainland China, that they may not
lose heart through the limitations imposed on their freedom of religion and
conscience but, persevering in fidelity to Christ and his Church, may keep
alive the flame of hope. May the love of "God-with-us" grant perseverance to
all those Christian communities enduring discrimination and persecution, and
inspire political and religious leaders to be committed to full respect for
the religious freedom of all.
Dear brothers and sisters, "the Word became flesh"; he came to dwell among us;
he is Emmanuel, the God who became close to us. Together let us contemplate
this great mystery of love; let our hearts be filled with the light which
shines in the stable of Bethlehem! To everyone, a Merry Christmas!
© Copyright 2010 -- Libreria Editrice Vaticana