Pope Benedict’s “Thought For Today”.

BBC Radio 4 Dec 24^th 2010.

“God is always faithful to his promises, but he often surprises us in the way he fulfils them. The child that was born in Bethlehem did indeed bring liberation, but not only for the people of that time & place – he was to be the Saviour of all people throughout the world and throughout history

And it was not a political liberation that he brought, achieved through military means: rather, Christ destroyed death for ever and restored life by means of his shameful death on the Cross. And while he was born in poverty & obscurity, far from the centres of earthly power, he was none other than the Son of God. Out of love for us he took upon himself our human condition, our fragility, our vulnerability & he opened up for us the path that leads to the fullness of life, to a share in the life of God himself.

As we ponder this great mystery this Christmas, let us give thanks to God for his goodness to us & let us joyfully proclaim to those around us the good news that God offers us freedom from whatever weighs us down: he gives us hope, he brings us life.

I want you to know that I keep all of you very much in my prayers during this Holy Season. I pray for your families, for your children, for those who are sick & for those who are going through any form of hardship at this time. I pray especially for the elderly and for those who are approaching the end of their days.

I ask Christ, the light of the nations, to dispel whatever darkness there may be in your lives & to grant to every one of you the grace of a peaceful joyful Christmas. May God bless you all.”