Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor spoke of the hope that Christ brought into the world and to each person in a radio appearance this morning.

The Cardinal gave his Christmas Pause for Thought on Radio 2's Chris Evans breakfast show this morning.

In it, he encouraged people to take comfort from knowing that God comes to those who are in difficulty.

"Most people have some kind of burden in their lives. It might be a sickness or some sorrow one finds painful to bear," he said.

"Christians believe that the feast we celebrate at Christmas helps us remember that God came into our world to bring reconciliation, light and hope.

"He came to turn blows into kisses and burdens into blessings."

He encouraged people not to turn a blind eye to the people who may be suffering in their community.

"The coming of Christ brings new hope to our world and to each one of us. He turns burdens into blessings," he said.

"You know, you can kill people in crowds but you can only kiss them one by one. My wish for you this Christmastide is that you will find the opportunity to reach out to a neighbour or friend who is worried, concerned or in pain, and in doing so find inner peace and reconciliation.

"May this Christmas be a happy time for you and your burdens be turned to blessings."