"In a special way my heart goes out to the pilgrims from war-torn Gaza: I ask you to bring back to your families and your communities my warm embrace, and my sorrow for the loss, the hardship and the suffering you have had to endure. Please be assured of my solidarity with you in the immense work of rebuilding which now lies ahead, and my prayers that the embargo will soon be lifted," he said.
The Holy Father then turned to the significance of being in Bethlehem, quoting from St. Luke, "Do not be afraid; for behold I proclaim to you good news of great joy … today in the city of David a Savior is born for you." "The message of Christ’s coming," the Pope said, "brought from heaven by the voice of angels, continues to echo in this town, just as it echoes in families, homes and communities throughout the world. It is 'good news,' the angels say 'for all the people'."
"It proclaims that the Messiah, the Son of God and the Son of David, has been born 'for you'-- for you and me, and for men and women in every time and place."
Noting that for people everywhere "Bethlehem is associated with this joyful message of rebirth, renewal, light and freedom," Benedict XVI pointed out that in today's reality that doesn't seem to be the case.
In the midst of this tumultuous situation, Christians are called to live virtuous lives filled with hope, the Pope said.
This involves "first, the constant conversion to Christ which is reflected not only in our actions but also in our reasoning: the courage to abandon fruitless and sterile ways of thinking, acting and reacting. Then, the cultivation of a mindset of peace based on justice, on respect for the rights and duties of all, and commitment to cooperation for the common good. And also perseverance, perseverance in good and in the rejection of evil."