VATICAN CITY, DEC. 16, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is encouraging those who will celebrate Christmas for the first time as a married couple to find the real meaning of the holiday: love.
In his customary greeting to youth, the sick and newlyweds at the end of today's general audience, the Pope spoke of Advent preparations for the celebration of Christmas.
"In this period of Advent, the Lord tells us in the words of the Prophet Isaiah, 'Turn to me and be saved,'" he noted.
The Holy Father then encouraged children to "leave space in your heart for Jesus who comes to give testimony of his joy and peace."
"Dear sick people," he continued, "welcome the Lord in your lives so as to find support and consolation in the encounter with him. And dear newlyweds, make the message of the love of Christmas the rule of life for your families."
