During his Homily at Christmas Mass, Pope Francis sought to bring hope by sharing a positive message to Catholics and other Christians around the world.
The Holy Father spoke of the birth of the Messiah as a beaming light that was given to the world to battle darkness. He encouraged his flock to not despair because God is a "Father" whose faithfulness triumphs over evil.
"Through the course of history, the light that shatters the darkness reveals to us that God is Father and that his patient fidelity is stronger than darkness and corruption. This is the message of Christmas night," he said.
Pope Francis mentioned Isaiah's prophecy, the prophecy surrounding the birth of Jesus. He described the prophesy as a "rising of a great light which breaks through the night."
Similar to the ecumenical Christmas greeting of Archbishop Justin Welby of the Church of England, Pope Francis spoke of the problems facing the world while encouraging Christians with a tone of hope, not despair.
"Through the course of history, the light that shatters the darkness reveals to us that God is Father and that his patient fidelity is stronger than darkness and corruption. This is the message of Christmas night."
Pope Francis gave Catholics a challenge in facing the difficulties of life. He said, "Do we have the courage to welcome with tenderness the difficulties and problems of those who are near to us, or do we prefer impersonal solutions, perhaps effective but devoid of the warmth of the Gospel? How much the world needs tenderness today!"
The Holy Father ended his homily by asking Catholics to request for the intercession of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Pope Francis requested the faithful to say, "show us Jesus!"