LIVE THE CHRISTMAS EVENT OF SALVATION WITH INTENSITY

VATICAN CITY, DEC 22, 1999 (VIS) - In today's general audience, which was held in the Paul VI Hall, John Paul II spoke about Christmas, recalling that Holy Night marks the start of the Great Jubilee of the year 2000, "for which the Church has been preparing itself over a considerable time."

The Pope said, "from this moment, let us ready ourselves to live the Christmas event of salvation with profound involvement, starting the Holy Year with deep joy. In the poverty of the manger, let us recognize the great 'event' of the Incarnation: God made himself man in order to meet each of us. Let us allow this great mystery to transform our lives during the hold period of grace of the Jubilee."

"May the Virgin Mary," he continued, "who was the first to prepare a worthy home for the promised Messiah, and who still today presents Him to the world, teach us to open, indeed to throw wide open, the doors of our heart to the Christmas message of light and peace."

The Holy Father wished a happy Christmas to everyone and recalled those who are suffering, those "who must support the burdensome consequences of war and those who are facing special difficulties."

At the end of the audience, John Paul II addressed some special remarks to his fellow Poles who, every year, exchange greetings with the Pope on the eve of Christmas.

"For my native land," he said, speaking Polish, "I hope that the spirit of the Great Jubilee may pervade all hearts with the sacred fire of love. May mercy, goodness and human solidarity reign in our homes."

"I embrace in prayer the Church in Poland, together with all her pastors led by the Cardinal primate, and our entire society, without exception. I would like to be close to each of you, to each Polish family, to each Polish home, especially where there is suffering and pain, where the loneliness and embitterment of abandonment are felt."

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