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 use the goodness and kindness of God to our advantage our punishment will be severer than that of the fallen angels.

At that time the shepherds said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem, and let us see this word that is come to pass, which the Lord hath showed to us. And they came with haste: and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child. And all that heard wondered: and at those things that were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

How could the shepherds know that the new-born child was the Saviour of the world?

The angels had given them a sign: " You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling-clothes, and laid in a manger," and seeing, they believed, fell on their knees, and adored the child. They then praised God for the graces they had received, and made known what they had heard and seen to others.

What do we learn from Mary in this gospel?

That we should ponder the divine truths in our hearts, and, by this heavenly nourishment, strengthen and preserve our souls in spiritual life.

The Introit of the third Mass reminds us of the spiritual birth of Christ in our hearts. " A child is born to us, and a son is given to us, and the government is upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called the Angel of great counsel" (Is. ix. 6). " Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle, for He hath done wonderful things" (Ps. xcvii. 1). Glory be to the Father, etc.

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the new birth of Thine only-begotten Son in the flesh may deliver us, who are held by the old bondage under the yoke of sin. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, etc. Amen.