Lead the ox to the crib. Obey cheerfully without making excuses and without asking "why." -- I will obey for love of You, Jesus.
Dec.17~ The Donkey
Bring the donkey to the crib. Offer to the Divine Infant your bodily strength; use it in the service of others. -- Jesus, accept my service of love; I offer it for those who do not love You.
Dec.18~ Gifts
Gather some presents for the Divine Infant and His Blessed Mother. Give alms for the poor and say an extra decade of the Rosary. -- Come, Jesus, to accept my gifts and to take possession of my heart.
Dec.19~ Lambs
Strive to bring some little lambs, meek and patient. Do not mumur or complain. -- Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like Yours.
Dec.20~ Shepherds
Invite the shepherds to pay homage to our newborn King. Imidate their watchfulness; stress in your speech and thoughts the idea that Christmas is important because Jesus will be born again in you. --Jesus, teach me to love You above all things.
Dec.21~ The Key
Provide the stable with a key to keep out thieves. Exclude from your heart every sinful thoughtful, every rash judgement. -- Dear Jesus, close my heart to all that hurts you.
Dec.22~ Angels
Invite the angels to adore God with you. Cheerfully obey the inspriations of your guardian angel and of your conscience. -- Holy Guardian Angel, never let me forget that you are with me always.
Dec.23~ St. Joseph
Accompany St. Joseph from door to door. Learn from him silently and patiently to bear refusals and dissapointments. Open wide your heart and beg him to enter with the Blessed Virgin Mary. -- St. Joseph, help me to prepare for a worthy Christmas Communion.
Dec.24~ The Blessed Virgin
Go meet your Blessed Mother. Lead her to the manger of your heart and beg her to lay the Divine Infant in it. Shorten your chats and telephone conversations and spend more time today thinking of Jesus and Mary and Joseph. -- Come, dear Jesus, Come; my heart belongs to You.
* By Rev. Frederic Nelson
