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 we  might  be  rich  in  grace  here,  and  richer  still  some  day  in  heaven. Let us  thank  Him  as  we  kneel  before  His  crib,  and  renounce  all  pride, all avarice,  and  fleshly  desires!

Jesus, your  Saviour,  is  so  humble,  poor  and patient, and  yet  how  proud,  covetous  and  impatient  you  are!

HERE were  in  the  same  country,  i.  e.  in  the  neighbourhood of Bethlehem,  shepherds  watching,  and  keeping  the  nightwatches  over  their  flock. Suddenly an  angel  of  the  Lord  appeared before them,  and  the  brightness  of  God  shone  round  about  them, and they  were  seized  with  a great  fear. But the  angel  said: “Fear not,  for  behold,  I bring  you  good  tidings  of  great  joy, that shall  be  to  all  the  people;  for  this  day  is  born  to  you  a Saviour,  who  is  Christ the  Lord,  in  the  city  of  David. And this shall be  a sign  unto  you. You shall  find  the  Babe  wrapped  in swaddling  clothes,  and  laid  in  a manger.”

Then there  was  with  the  angel  a multitude  of  the  heavenly host, praising  God  and  singing:  “Glory  to  God  in  the  highest, and on  earth  peace  to  men  of  good  will!”