Pope Benedict has made an historic broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today Programme, delivering the shows Thought for the Day.
During his broadcast the pontiff said the birth of Christ shows how God keeps his promises but often surprises us by how he fulfils them.
In the Christmas Eve Thought for the Day, the pontiff also recalled with "great fondness" his visit to Britain earlier this year.
It is the first time the Pope has presented material which has been specifically written for a broadcast audience. He recorded his message in Rome on Wednesday.
He 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."
He went on: "God is always faithful to his promises, but he often surprises us in the way he fulfils them."
