Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/95

 as He  afterwards  rose  from  the  monument  which  was closed upon  Him. As the  great  master  of  humility,  He Commences  His  lessons  of  humility  to  mankind. Contemplate the feelings  of  the  Virgin  at  that  moment. What sentiments of  reverence  towards  her  God  and  of  love towards her  Son  did  she  feel! Observe with  what  affection she  embraces  Him;  how  she  clothes  Him,  as  far  as her  poverty  and  the  circumstances  would  permit,  and lays Him  in  the  manger. See how  she  and  St.  Joseph adore Him,  and  give  Him  thanks,  for  coming  into  the world, and  for  choosing  her  for  His  mother  and  him  for His reputed  father. Join the  holy  company  in  their  affections and  adoration.

II. What joy  existed  in  heaven  upon  this  occasion! How pleased  was  the  heavenly  Father  at  this  new  sight; "When He  introduceth  the  first-begotten  into  the  world, He  saith:  And  let  all  the  angels  of  God  adore  Him." (Heb. i.  6.)  Imagine  you  see  the  angels  of  heaven  falling prostrate  in  adoration,  saying,  "Holy,  holy,  holy. Lord  God  of  sabaoth,  the  heavens  and  the  earth  are  full of  the  majesty  of  Thy  glory." Rejoice, and  adore  your new-born Saviour.

III. On this  occasion  was  verified  the  prediction  of Isaias:  "The  ox  knoweth  his  owner,  and  the  ass  his master's  crib;  but  Israel  hath  not  known  Me,  and  My people  hath  not  understood." (Is. i.  3.)  These  irrational animals, that  were  in  the  stable  when  Christ  was  born, seem to  have  been  more  sensible  than  were  the  Jews. Examine whether  or  not  you  be  one  of  those  Israelites who do  not  know  your  Lord  when  He  has  come  amongst you. "He who  saith  He  knoweth  Him,  and  keepeth not  His  commandments,  is  a  liar;  and  the  truth  is  not in  him." (1 John  ii.  4.)