Pope John Paul II: The icon of Christmas

From the midnight Mass homily delivered by the Roman Catholic Pontiff in St Peter's Square, Rome

In cathedrals and great basilicas, as well as in the smallest and remotest churches throughout the world, Christians joyfully lift up their song: "Today is born our Saviour."

This is the icon of Christmas: a tiny newborn child, whom the hands of a woman wrap in poor cloths and lay in a manger.

Who could imagine that this little human being is the "Son of the Most High" (Luke 1:32)? Only she, his mother, knows the truth and guards its mystery.

We too can "join" in her gaze and so recognise in this child the human face of God. We too, men and women of the third millennium, are able to encounter Christ and to gaze upon him through the eyes of Mary.

The historical event that we are experiencing in mystery is the "way" given to us as a means of encountering the glorious Christ. By his incarnation, Jesus teaches us, as the Apostle observes, "to reject godless ways and worldly desires, and to live temperately, justly and devoutly in this age as we await our blessed hope" (Tit 2:12-13).

O Birth of the Lord, you have inspired Saints of every age! I think, among others, of Saint Bernard and his spiritual ecstasy before the touching scene of the crib. I think of Saint Francis of Assisi, the inspired creator of the first live depiction of the mystery of Christmas night. I think of Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus, who by her "little way" suggested anew to the proud modern mind the true spirit of Christmas.

The child laid in a lowly manger: this is God's sign. The centuries and the millennia pass, but the sign remains, and it remains valid for us too – the men and women of the third millennium. It is a sign of hope for the whole human family, a sign of peace for those suffering from conflicts of every kind, a sign of freedom for the poor and oppressed, and a sign of love and consolation for those who feel lonely and abandoned.

A small and fragile sign, a humble and quiet sign, but one filled with the power of God who, out of love, became man.

Lord Jesus, together with the shepherds we draw near to your crib. We contemplate you, wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in the manger.

O Babe of Bethlehem, we adore you in silence with Mary, your Virgin Mother. To you be glory and praise for ever, Divine Saviour of the World! Amen.