Pope: Defend Christmas Against Materialism
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audience before Christmas, Pope Benedict XVI encouraged the faithful
to emphasize spiritual preparation for the Nativity, resisting the
pull of materialism.
At his regular weekly public audience on December 20, the Holy Father
recalled that for centuries the people of Israel anxiously awaited the
Promised One. He asked whether today's world is waiting for the
Messiah. In the busy commercial preparation for Christmas, he said,
"It appears that many people consider God as foreign to their
interests."
The secular world promises happiness in many ways, the Pope observed.
Even believers "sometimes seek tempting but illusory shortcuts to
happiness." But lasting joy can come only through union with Christ.
The Pope went on to say that "the history of the last 50 years
provides an example of this search for a 'low cost' Savior and
highlights all the consequent disillusionment." Pope Benedict
encouraged the faithful to maintain their focus on the supernatural
joy of the Incarnation, and make the final days of Advent "full of
spiritual wonder." He reminded his audience not to be distracted by
the material aspects of Christmas.
The Pope concluded: "We Christians, through our witness against those
who offer a 'cheap salvation,' defend the truth of Christmas, which
Christ brings to every person of good will."
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