Pope Benedict XVI worried the commercialization of Christmas

Christmas Eve, Pope Benedict XVI delivered his Christmas message at a midnight mass in St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. The 84-year-old Pope is celebrating the seventh Christmas season of his pontificate.



Addressing thousands of worshippers, “Today Christmas has become a commercial celebration, whose bright lights hide the mystery of God’s humility, which in turn calls us to humility and simplicity.” Pope Benedict XVI said.



However, as if the Valentine’s day, Christmas has become too commercial; most people seem to see this holiday only as a good time for partying.



He also urged worshippers, “see through the superficial glitter of this season and to discover behind it the child in the stable in Bethlehem”.



In Bethelem, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas joined Christians in celebrating at the Church of the Nativity. It is one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world. The structure is built over the cave that tradition marks as the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth, and thus it is considered sacred by Christians. The site is also revered by followers of Islam.



The Pope also worried the enduring presence of violence in the world.



About 120,000 visitors were in the Palestinian West Bank town, 30% up on last year, officials said.

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang