The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, has asked Catholics to prepare for Christmas amid a consumerist society by listening to the voice of John the Baptist, who teaches us to celebrate Christmas as more than a party.
�Our aim today is listening to that voice to give space and welcome to the heart of Jesus, the word that saves us,� said Pope, from his apartment window to pilgrims gathered below in the St. Peter�s Square.
The Pope asked Catholics to �prepare to see with the eyes of faith the humble stable of Bethlehem, God�s salvation, in this time of Advent.�
�in the consumer society, in which we seek joy in things, John the Baptist teaches us to live in an essential way, so Christmas is experienced not only as an outward party outside, but as the feast of the Son of God who came to bring peace, life and true joy to people.�
�John plays a great role, but always in relation to Christ,� said the Pope, following the Feast of Mary�s Immaculate Conception.
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