(VIDEO ONLY) In his catechesis, the pope reflected about the Incarnation. He said that we see 'God's love for each of us revealed in the small town of Bethlehem.â? He reminded that the Incarnation is intrinsically linked to the Christan concept of hope, because with Jesus Christ 'God established his Kingdom on this earth and directed our hope to eternal life.â?
EXCERPTS FROM THE POPE'S CATECHESIS
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
Our catechesis on Christian hope leads us in these last days of Advent to contemplate the mystery of Christmas as the coming of hope into our world. By fulfilling his promises and sending his Son, born of the Virgin Mary, God established his Kingdom on this earth and directed our hope to eternal life. This hope is realistic and reliable; it is a hope that redeems and saves, for Christ, by coming in the flesh, has opened the way for us to ascend to the Father.
In these days, as we prepare the Christmas crib in our homes and churches, let us be attentive to the message of hope it embodies. In the little town of Bethlehem we see revealed Godâ??s love for each of us, however small or lowly. In Mary, who trusted in Godâ??s word, we see the Mother of Hope. Joseph, too, is the man of hope, who gave Jesus his name, which means 'God savesâ?. The peace proclaimed by the angels was heard with joy by the shepherds. May we too open our hearts to the Good News of the Saviourâ??s birth and renew our hope in the Kingdom of justice, peace and holiness that he came to bring.
I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in todayâ??s Audience, particularly those from Australia, Japan and the United States of America. I pray that each of you, and your families, may experience a blessed Advent, in preparation for the coming of the newborn Saviour at Christmas. God bless you!
