Pope Benedict gives Thought For The Day

Pope recording broadcast on Wednesday -picture BBC

History was made this morning when Pope Benedict delivered Radio 4's Christmas Eve Thought for the Day, on the Today programme. During his talk the Holy Father spoke about how the birth of Christ shows how God keeps his promises but often surprises us by how he fulfils them. He recalled with "great fondness" his visit to Britain earlier this year.

Pope Benedict told listeners: "Our thoughts turn back to a moment in history when God's chosen people, the children of Israel, were waiting in intense expectation. They were waiting for the Messiah that God had promised to send."

"God is always faithful to his promises, but he often surprises us in the way he fulfils them."

For the Messiah did not bring a political liberation achieved through military means, the Pope said. "He did bring liberation, but not only for the people in that time and place."

Christ destroyed death forever "by means of his shameful death on the cross."

"I want you to know that I keep all of you very much in my prayers during this holy season."

To listen to the broadcast or read a transcript, click on: www.bbc.co.uk/religion/programmes/thought/