Jesus’ birth makes visible the mystery of the Incarnation already realized in the Virgin’s womb at the time of the Annunciation. In fact, she gives birth to the child that, as the docile and responsible instrument of the divine plan, she had conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. Through the humanity assumed in Mary’s womb, the eternal Son of God begins to live as a child, and grows “in wisdom and in stature, and in favour with God and man” (Lk 2:52). Thus he manifests himself as true man.
This truth is stressed by John in the Prologue of his Gospel, when he says: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (1:14). By saying “became flesh”, the Evangelist is alluding to his human nature not only in its mortal condition, but also in its entirety. The Son of God assumed all that is human, except sin. The Incarnation is the fruit of an immense love, which spurred God willingly to share our human condition to the full.
John Paul II, General Audience, December 10, 1997
Based on: « Les grands textes du pontificat » ; éditions du Jubilé 2005
