Frequently during the day offer your heart to the little Infant Jesus. Ask Him to make it His home. -- Sweet Jesus, take my heart and make it meek and pure.
Dec.2~ The Roof
See that the roof of the stable is in good condition, so that the Infant Jesus is protected from rain and snow. This you will do carefully avoiding every uncharitable remark. -- Jesus, teach me to love my neighbor as myself.
Dec.3~ Crevices
Carefully stop every crevice in the walls of the stable, so that the wind and cold may not enter there. Guard your senses against temptations. Guard especially your ears against sinful conversations. --Jesus, help me to keep temptations out of my heart.
Dec.4~ Cobwebs
Clean the cobwebs from your spiritual crib. Diligently remove from your heart every inordinate desire of being prasied. Renew this intention at least 3 times today. -- My Jesus, I want to please You in all I do today.
Dec.5~ Fence
Build a fence about the crib of your heart by keeping a strict watch over your eyes, especially at prayer. -- My Jesus, I want to please You in all I do today.
Dec.6~ Manger
Fix the best and warmest corner of your heart for the manger of Jesus. You will do this by abstaining from what you like most in the line of comfort and amusement. -- Mary, use these sacrifices to prepare my heart for Jesus in Holy Communion.
Dec.7~ Hay
Supply the manger of your heart with hay, by overcoming all feelings of pride, anger or envy. -- Jesus, teach me to know and correct my greatest sins.
Dec.8~ Soft Straw
Also provide your manger with soft straw by preforming little acts of mortification; for instance, bear the cold with no complaints; or sit and stand erect. -- Dear Jesus, Who suffered so much for me, let me suffer for love of You.
Dec.9~ Swaddling Clothes
Prepare these for the Divine Infant by folding your hands when you pray, and praying slowly and thoughtfully. -- Jesus, let me love You more and more.
Dec.10~ Blankets
Provide the manger of your heart with soft warm blankets. Avoid harsh and angry words; be kind and gentel to all. -- Jesus, help me to be meek and humble like You.
Dec.11~ Fuel
Bring fuel to the crib of Jesus. Give up your own will; obey your superiors cheefully and promptly. -- Jesus, let me do Your will in all things.
Dec.12~ Water
Bring fresh, clean water to the crib. Avoid every untruthful word and every deceitful act. --Dearest Mary, obtain for me true contrition for my sins.
Dec.13~ Provisions
Bring a supply of food to the crib. Deprive yourself of some food at mealtime or candy as a treat. -- Jesus, be my strength and nourishment.
Dec.14~ Light
See that the crib has sufficient light. Be neat and orderly about your person; keep everything in its place in your room. -- Jesus, be the life and light of my soul.
Dec.15~ Fire
Take care to have the crib of your heart warmed by a cozy fire. Be grateful to God for the love He has shown us in becoming man; behave with grateful respect towards your parents and relatives. -- Jesus, how can I return Your love; how can I show my gratitude to You?
