Day 2 - 16 December
God's Love Revealed In His Being Born An Infant
Thought:
When the Son of God became man for our sake, He could have come on earth as an adult man from the first moment of His human existence, as Adam did when he was created. But since the sight of little children draws us with an especial attraction to love them, Jesus chose to make His first appearance on earth as a little infant, and indeed as the poorest and most pitiful infant that was ever born. "God wished to be born as a little babe," wrote Saint Peter Chrysologus, "in order that He might teach us to love and not to fear Him." The prophet Isaiah had long before foretold that the Son of God was to be born as an infant and thus give Himself to us on account of the love He bore us: "A child is born to us, a son is given to us."
My Jesus, supreme and true God! What has drawn You from heaven to be born in a cold stable, if not the love which You give? What has allured You from the bosom of Your Father, to place You in a hard manger? What has brought You from Your throne above the stars, to lay You down on a little straw? What has led You from the midst of the nine choirs of angels, to set You between two animals? You, who inflames the seraphim with holy fire, are now shivering with cold in this stable! You, who sets the stars in the sky in motion, cannot now move unless others carry You in their arms! You, who gives humankind and beasts their food, has need now of a little milk to sustain Your life! You, who are the joy of heaven, now whimpers and cries in suffering! Tell me, who has reduced You to such misery? "Love has done it," says Saint Bernard. The love which You give us has brought all this on You.
Prayer:
O Dearest Infant! Tell me, what have You come on earth to do? Tell me, whom do You seek? Yes, I already know. You have come to die for me, in order to save me. You have come to seek me, the lost sheep, so that, instead of fleeing from You any more, I may rest in Thy loving arms.
Ah my Jesus, my treasure, my life, my love and my all! Whom will I love, if not You? Where can I find a father, a friend, a spouse more loving and lovable than You are?
I love You, my dear God; I love You, my only God. I regret the many years when I have not loved You, but rather spurned and offended You. Forgive me, O my beloved Redeemer; for I am sorry that I have thus treated You, and I regret it with all my heart. Pardon me, and give me the grace never more to withdraw from You, but constantly to love You in all the years that still lie before me in this life. My love, I give myself entirely to You; accept me, and do not reject me as I deserve.
O Mary, you art my advocate. By your prayers you obtain whatever you ask of your Son. Pray to Him then to forgive me, and to grant me holy perseverance until death. Amen.
For Day 3 - 17 December click here
