Christmas is a beautiful time of the year to share the good news of the Christian faith.

Christmas is not just a historical event. It is “the event” that changed the history of the world. As Christians, we are called to announce to everyone the great news: “In the fullness of time God sent his Son into the world” (Gal 4:4). “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us” ( John 1:14). It is a moment of joy, of reflecting on the great love God has for humanity, for the little ones, for those who have nothing.

The Virgin Mary gave birth to the Child Jesus in a grotto in Bethlehem. We reflect upon the simplicity in which Jesus was born. We see the difficulties faced by the Holy Family; today many families face similar difficulties: poverty, forced migration, and danger. May the Christmas season lead us to new life in Christ. May we rid ourselves of prejudices; may He purify our hearts, and cleanse all resistance from within us. Then let us clothe ourselves with the joy of Jesus, who is and always will be the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is the true joy for all peoples and for all generations. His joy can motivate us to share the Good News with our family and friends. With Him, we can preach with our words and with our actions. Merry Christmas!

• Angelica Silvestre
  Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Brazil)