Papal Nuncio Reflects on Christmas in Bethlehem


Bethlehem, Dec. 23 (AsiaNews) - "For 36 years I traveled the world representing the Holy See, but nowhere have I felt the presence of God so close than inside the Nativity grotto." Those were the words of Archbishop Pietro Sambi-- the former apostolic nuncio in the Holy Land, newly appointed to be the Pope's representative in the US-- in a Christmas meditation released through the AsiaNews service.

"From a human point of view, being surrounded by an 8-meter (27-foot) wall, and the great hardship it imposes, are certainly no way to celebrate Christmas for it literally closes off one’s horizons," the Vatican diplomat said, in a reference to the Israeli "security wall" that surrounds Bethlehem and has severely curbed tourism and pilgrimages. But he continued: "However even here, when we kneel before God made man we must pull down the wall of selfishness and open up to others…. In this sense I wish everyone could humbly kneel before the Child of Bethlehem and find the source of life, in the fullness of life and joy. Merry Christmas!"

[For the full text of Archbishop Sambi's meditation, see the AsiaNews web site.
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