Pope Benedict calls on the faithful to remember the original meaning of Christmas.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) POPE BENEDICT SAYING:
"In today's society, where regrettably the approaching holidays are progressively losing their religious value, it is important that the external factors do not distance us from the genuine meaning of the mystery that we celebrate."
Addressing a crowd at the Vatican, the Pope urged pilgrims to take to heart the inner beauty of the story of Christmas.
Pope Benedict will hold midnight mass on Christmas Eve and deliver his yearly 'Urbi et Orbi' speech above Saint Peter's Square on Christmas Day.
Katharine Jackson, Reuters.
