A “Purified Experience” of Christmas

“I would like to invite everyone to ‘quicken their step’ toward Christmas - the real one, the birth of Jesus Christ. This year we are constrained by restrictions and discomfort. But let us consider the Christmas of the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph: it wasn’t all roses and flowers! They faced many difficulties! So many worries! Yet faith, hope, and love guided and sustained them. May it be so for us as well! These difficulties may even help us to purify somewhat our way of experiencing Christmas, of celebrating by getting away from consumerism. May it be more religious, authentic, and true” (Pope Francis - December 16).