Vatican employees gathered in Paul VI hall for the pope's annual Christmas address. Pope Francis invited them to imitate the shepherds, by rediscovering, contemplating and proclaiming the event of Jesus' birth.
POPE FRANCIS
“Without Him, man falls into evil: into sin, vice, selfishness, violence, hatred. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. This is the event we must rediscover.”
Pope Francis then highlighted the importance of contemplating this event, saying Mary is the most beautiful example of this.
POPE FRANCIS
“In Baby Jesus, God shows Himself as loving, full of goodness, of meekness. Who isn't moved with tenderness in front of a little baby? A God like that we can love with our whole heart.”
The final invitation he extended was to continue to proclaim the Good News of Jesus, even after the excitement of the season passes.
POPE FRANCIS
“We must return to our daily lives. Christmas passes, but we must return to life in the family, at work, transformed. We must return to our daily lives glorifying and worshiping God for everything we've heard and seen.”
The pope concluded by thanking Vatican employees for carrying out their work with a spirit of service and with the joy that comes from the certainty that God is always among us.
CT
