Pope says secret to living full life lies in opening up to baby Jesus

Published: 2007-01-03

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The secret to living a life full of peace, joy and love lies in opening up one's heart to the baby Jesus, Pope Benedict XVI said. "Everyone discovers in the baby of Bethlehem (that he or she) is freely loved by God" and sees "God's infinite goodness," the pope said in his first general audience of 2007. With his birth, Jesus "abundantly spread among all people the gifts of goodness, mercy and love," the pope said. "Only the baby that lies in the crib holds the true secret of life," the pope said. The Christ Child wants everyone to welcome him and "make room for him in our homes, our cities and our society," the pope added. Wishing some 9,000 pilgrims packed into the Paul VI hall a "happy New Year," the pope dedicated his weekly catechesis to the First Letter of St. John the Apostle. God's love for humanity is so great, he said, that not only did God send his only Son to redeem the sins of mankind, he also has called people to be his own children.

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