Pope Francis: Put Jesus, those in need, at heart of Christmas

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Francis has invited Christians to put Jesus and our brothers and sisters in need at the heart of their Christmas celebrations.

Addressing pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square for the Angelus on Sunday, the Holy Father reflected on the figure of Mary whom he described as a model of faith and charity. The Gospel reading of the day tells of Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth. The Pope said the Holy Spirit gave the Virgin the strength and energy "to go to the service of her older relative."

The Pope described the meeting between the two expectant mothers during which Elizabeth praised Mary's faith saying "Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."

He mentioned the contrast between Mary, who had faith, and Zechariah, Elizabeth's husband who did not believe the angel's promise and for this reason remained deaf, dumb and silent until John's birth. This episode, Pope Francis said, shines a "very special light the mystery of man's encounter with God" and shows us that our encounter with God is the fruit of faith.

He explained that it is an encounter that is not marked by astonishing wonders, but rather by faith and charity. Mary, in fact, is blessed, he added, because she believed, while Zechariah who doubted and did not believe, remained deaf and dumb, and then grew in faith during a long silence.

Without faith, he said, there is a lack of strength to speak to those who suffer. Faith, the Pope continued, "is nourished by charity" and he commented on the fact that the evan gelist says Mary went quickly to visit Elizabeth with a gesture that was full of care.

"She could have stayed at home to prepare for the birth of her son, instead she cared more about others than about herself, a fact that shows she was already a disciple of the Lord she carried in her womb" he said.

Thus, the event of Jesus' birth began with a simple gesture of charity, the Pope said, pointing out that charity is always the fruit of God's love. Not "I" at the center, but our brothers and sisters in need.

This Sunday's Gospel, Francis concluded, "prepares us to live Christmas well, communicating the dynamism of faith and charity".

"It is a dynamic and positive attitude that is full of joy, as can be seen in the encounter between the two mothers-to-be" Pope Francis said, inviting all Christians to put the needs of others at the heart of Christmas festivities and to make space for Love "which even today wants to become flesh and come and live amongst us."

Pope Francis also reflected on how Christmas is a time for families to be reunited.

"My thoughts go in particular to the families who are reunited in these days: may those who live far from their parents return home; may brothers and sisters strive to be together again... At Christmas it is beautiful and important to be together as a family" he said.

But, the Pope said, there are many people who do not have this possibility for a number of reasons. He said that his greetings and words go in particular "to all those who are far from their family and from their land."

"Dear brothers and sisters, our heavenly Father does not forget you and does not abandon you. If you are Christians, I wish that you may find in the Church a true family where you can experience the warmth of fraternal love."

He concluded: "the doors of the Christian community are open. Jesus is born for all and brings the love of God to all."

Pope Francis also issued an appeal to the international community to support victims of the devastating tsunami in Indonesia.

The tsunami which struck during the night is believed to have been triggered by a volcanic eruption and the death toll is climbing by the hour with hundreds of people injured and scores missing. It is feared the numbers of victims will continue to rise as not all affected areas have been reached.

Pope Francis said his thoughts were with the people of Indonesia "who have been struck by a series of violent natural disasters, which have caused many deaths, many missing people, much displacement and considerable material damage."

He invited everyone to join him in praying for the victims and for their loved ones and expressed his spiritual closeness to those who are affected by the tragedy saying that he implores God's consolation in their suffering.

"My appeal is that these brothers and sisters may not lack our solidarity and the support of the international community" he said.