"It is precisely to those that are in ordeal commented Benedict XVI , to the victims of life and the orphans of joy that the Word of the Lord is specially directed". The invitation to joy, therefore, "is not an alienating message or a sterile palliative, but quite the opposite, it is a prophecy of salvation, an appeal to a redemption that starts from inner renewal". In the greeting made by the archangel Gabriel to Mary, "Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you", according to the Pope, "lies the secret of true Christmas". "God highlighted Benedict XVI repeats it to the Church, to each of us: Rejoice, the Lord is nearby! With the help of Mary, let’s give up ourselves, humbly and bravely, for the world to welcome Christ, who is the source of true joy". After the Angelus prayer, the Pope sent "a special greeting to the children and the youth of Rome, who have come with their families and teachers for the blessing of the statuettes of the Holy Child, that they will place in the crèches at home, in the schools and parish youth clubs". "I thank he added the Roman Parish Youth Club Centre that organised this significant pilgrimage and I bless with all my heart all the ‘Holy Children’". Then he said to the boys and girls: "In front of the crèche, pray Jesus for the Pope’s intentions as well".
