Pope Francis: let us adore the Child Jesus and take him into our arms

December 30, 2015

Pope Francis devoted his December 30 general audience to the Child Jesus.

“During this holy season it is customary in many places for each home to set up a Christmas crib, following a tradition begun by Saint Francis of Assisi,” he said to the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square, according to the official synthesis of his remarks.

“The crib scene invites us to adore the Child Jesus and to contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation as a revelation of God’s saving love,” he continued. “Devotion to the Child Jesus can teach us much about our faith.”

The Pope added:

Although the Gospels tell us little about our Lord’s childhood, we know from experience the message which all newborn babies bring.

By contemplating the Infant Jesus, we come to understand more fully the meaning of his coming among us.

Like every baby, the Infant Jesus cries out for our attention; he asks us to care for and protect him. Like every baby, he wants us to smile at him, as a sign of our delight in him and our sharing in the mystery of his love. Finally, he wants us to play with him, to enter into his world and to become like a child ourselves, in order to please him.

In these days of Christmas, let us not only gaze upon the Child Jesus, but also take him into our arms and allow him to give us the joy and freedom born of the Father’s merciful love.

 

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Further information:

• General Audience 2015.12.30 (YouTube Vatican)
• L’Udienza Generale, 30.12.2015 (Holy See Press Office)