John Paul II did not condemn, did not wag his finger, but he was explaining what is good and what is bad. “With emotion and joy, we await the birth of the Redeemer. On the streets and in the houses everything says about Christmas – he once said. – Lights, ornaments and gifts create a unique Christmas atmosphere. These external preparations, although indispensable, should not, however, distract us from the significant and extraordinary event we are celebrating, that is, the birth of Jesus, the priceless gift the Father has offered to mankind.” Because this is the most precious, priceless gift that each of us gets under the Christmas tree, for life. And, the symbol of this gift is the little Jesus lying in a manger in the Stable of Bethlehem.
There is a proof that John Paul II was returning his thoughts to the Christmas manger every day. Long before Advent and Christmas and long after them. On his desk, in the office there was a small brass manger. He couldn’t help but look at it, because whatever he wrote, he had it in sight. He couldn’t help but think about it. His words about the need for us to understand that “our entire life is Advent”, “vigilant expectation” take on a new meaning. And, that “in Christians’ hearts every day is Christmas.” In his heart he was for sure.
With the consent of Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki – “Place for everyone”
Znak Publishing House, Kraków 2013
