Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/97

 to run  the  way"  (Ps.  xviii.  6),  although  that  way  were painful  and  difficult.

"When does  this  happen?" In the  depth  of  winter and at  midnight,  a  season  and  an  hour  of  all  others the most  inconvenient;  and  yet  "  the  Father  hath  put  the times  and  moments  in  His  own  power.  (Acts  i.  7.) Be  astonished  at  what  you  see;  give  thanks;  return love  for  love,  and  let  this  love  show  itself  in  imitation.

I. God  displayed  His  perfections  in  the  mystery  of  His nativity. He displayed  in  a  wonderful  manner  His  infinite goodness. In the  creation  of  the  world  His  omnipotence was  manifest:  and  His  providence  is  displayed in its  government. But in  this  mystery,  as  St. Paul observes, He  displays  His  "goodness  and  kindness." (Titus iii. 4.)  He  was  made  man,  in  order  that  He  might  the  better be  known  by  man;  He  was  born  in  poverty  and  want, in order  that  He  might  the  more  endear  Himself  to  us; He made  His  first  appearance  in  an  open  stable,  that  He might  the  more  easily  be  found;  He  lies  in  a  manger,  to encourage  the  poor;  He  conceals  His  power,  to  relieve your mind  from  the  fear  of  approaching  Him;  He  assumes all  the  characters  of  the  most  perfect  meekness, in order  to  win  your  heart.

II. Consider the  extreme  poverty  and  love  of  that virtue, which  Christ  displayed  in  this  mystery. He made choice of  a  poor,  humble  maid  for  His  mother,  and  of an  artisan  for  His  reputed  father. He was  born  far  from His home,  in  an  abandoned  stable. Reflect who  it  is that  gave  these  exalted  lessons  of  poverty. It is  the  God of all  things,  who  "being  rich,  He  became  poor  for  your