During Advent, the Pope said, "As we prepare for the coming of Christ, do not let busyness distract you."

Importance of nativity scenes

“Christmas is just a few days away, and I imagine that in your homes the Nativity Scene, an evocative representation of the Mystery of the Nativity of Christ, is being completed or has already been completed,” he reflected in his greeting to the Italian faithful.

On Monday, December 15, the Vatican unveiled its Nativity Scenes in St. Peter’s Square and the Paul VI Audience Hall.

“I hope that such an important element, not only of our faith but also of Christian culture and art, will continue to be part of Christmas to remember Jesus, who, by becoming man, came ‘to dwell among us’.”

Don’t get caught up in frenetic activity

As Christmas is only a week away, he encouraged the faithful to live this celebration deeply and not get distracted by other aspects, as he greeted French-speakers.

“Let us be careful not to get caught up in frenetic activity in preparing for the feast, which would lead us to experience it in a superficial way and leave room for disappointment,” he explained. “Instead, let us take the time to make our hearts attentive and vigilant as we await Jesus, so that His loving presence may become the treasure of our lives and hearts forever.”

In his greetings to German pilgrims, he underlined that Advent “invites us to prepare for Christmas by welcoming Jesus without reservation.”

“He is our hope. Therefore, let us joyfully await the feast of his birth and pray together with confidence: ‘Come, Lord Jesus’,” the Pope said.

A time for reflection and prayer

In his greetings to Polish speakers, he called for the last days of Advent to be a time of reflection and prayer and to prepare for the coming of Christ through the Sacrament of Confession or spiritual retreats.

In greeting the Portuguese-speaking faithful, he emphasized how we are now in the period of the Christmas Novena, which began on Tuesday and is “rich in traditions” in some of their communities.

He added that this devotion can become “for everyone a renewed opportunity to lighten the heart, preparing it for the imminent birth of the Son of God. May Our Lady of Hope accompany you in this spiritual commitment and always protect you and your families.”

“Christians are called to open their hearts to the love of God and neighbor, so that they may be filled with true peace and joy,” the Pope insisted in his greeting to the Arabic-speaking pilgrims.

Upcoming General Audiences

On Wednesday, December 24, there will be no General Audience, as it is Christmas Eve.

There will be a Jubilee Audience on Saturday, December 20, and the next General Audience will be held on December 31, the last day of the year.

The last time a General Audience took place on New Year's Eve was 50 years ago in 1975, which was held by Pope St. Paul VI.