Pope Francis: this Christmas, let us open our hearts to Christ
December 14, 2016
Reflecting on a passage from the Old Testament (Is. 52:7-10), Pope Francis said during his Wednesday’s general audience that Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled in Christ.
“The prophet calls God’s people to rejoice, for the Lord is near, bringing freedom from exile and the promise of renewal and redemption for the faithful ‘remnant’ who continued to hope in his word,” the Pope said to those gathered in Paul VI Audience Hall on December 14. “‘How beautiful on the mountains,’ he says, ‘are the feet of the messenger’ who brings glad tidings of peace and salvation, proclaiming: ‘Your God reigns’” (Is. 52:7).
“This great prophecy was fulfilled in the kingdom brought by Jesus, that kingdom whose dawning we celebrate at Christmas,” the Pope continued. “Strengthened by this promise, we can face difficulties in the confident knowledge that God’s reign has begun, and that we ourselves are called to be its joyful heralds in a world that yearns for justice, truth and peace.”
“This Christmas, may we open our hearts to the message of salvation brought by the Christ Child, the Son of God who shows his great power by embracing smallness, weakness and poverty, in order to draw near to each of us,” he added.
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Further information:
- L’Udienza Generale, 14.12.2016 (Holy See Press Office)
- 2016.12.14 General Audience (YouTube Vatican)
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