Mystery of joy, Mystery of Peace.

“To us a child is born, to us a son is given.” Today the mystery of Christmas is renewed: this Child who brings salvation to the world is also born for the men and women of our own time, bringing joy and peace for all. We approach the crib with emotion; together with Mary we go to meet the long-awaited of the nations, the redeemer of humanity.

With Mary let us contemplate the face of Christ: in that Child, wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in the manger, it is God himself who comes to visit us, to guide our feet in the way of peace. Christmas is a mystery of joy! To the shepherds the angels described the event as “a great joy for all the people.” Joy, despite distance from home, the poverty of the manger, people’s indifference, the hostility of power.

Christmas is a mystery of peace! From the cave of Bethlehem there rises today an urgent appeal to the world not to yield to mistrust, suspicion and discouragement, even though the tragic reality of terrorism feeds uncertainties and fears. Believers of all religions, together with men and women of good will, by outlawing all forms of intolerance and discrimination, are called to build peace. May humanity accept the Christmas message of peace!

John Paul II

(From his Christmas message, 2002)