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
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