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Pope Benedict XVI leads his weekly general audience in Paul VI audience hall at the Vatican Dec. 17. (CNS photo/Tony Gentile, Reuters)

The current economic strife could lead Christians to a fuller understanding of the birth of Christ, Pope Benedict XVI said.

“The Word became flesh to offer humanity the salvation which can only be received as a gracious gift from God,” he said during his Dec. 17 General Audience. “In the Christ Child, God humbly knocks on the doors of our hearts and asks us freely to accept His love, His truth, His life.”

Below is the complete text from the audience.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today we commence the Christmas Novena of Advent by contemplating the fulfillment of the ancient prophecies in the coming of the Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary in the stable of Bethlehem. Christmas speaks to everyone; it celebrates the gift of life — often fragile or endangered — and the fulfillment of our deepest hopes for a world renewed. The present economic crisis, causing so much suffering, can however help us to focus on the spiritual meaning of Christmas, and to welcome into our hearts the hope brought by God’s coming among us as man. The Word became flesh to offer humanity the salvation which can only be received as a gracious gift from God. The same Word by whom the universe was made, the Word which gives all creation its ultimate meaning, has come to dwell among us: He now speaks to us, He reveals the deepest meaning of our life on earth, and He guides us to the Love which is our fulfillment. In the Christ Child, God humbly knocks on the doors of our hearts and asks us freely to accept His love, His truth, His life. As Christmas approaches, let us rekindle our hope in God’s promises and, in humility and simplicity, welcome the light, joy and peace which the Savior brings to us and to our world.

— General Audience, Dec. 17, 2008

Also see the story by Catholic News Service.