# A Christmas blessing by Pope Francis
*2016-12-24*

> Host Bill Young leads a Christmas Day reflection featuring a reading from the Gospel of Luke and a special blessing written by Pope Francis.

## The Good News of the Nativity

Good morning. This is Bill Young, and welcome to the Prayer N Lunch podcast. Today is Christmas Day, December 25th. To begin our reflection, we look to the Gospel of Luke 2:10-12: 'And the angel said to them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will come to all people. For you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.'

## A Blessing from Pope Francis

On this day, illuminated by the gospel of hope which springs from the humble stable of Bethlehem, I evoke the Christmas gift of joy and peace upon all: upon the children and the elderly, upon young people and families, the poor, and the marginalized. May Jesus, who was born for us, bless all those affected by illness and sufferings. May he sustain those who devote themselves to serving other brothers and sisters who are most in need.

*May the joy and peace of the humble stable in Bethlehem bring hope to all people, especially the suffering and the marginalized.*