Why is Christ called the first-born Son of Mary?
Because she had no child before Him; and, moreover, having no other after Him, He is also the only-begotten of His blessed Mother, as He was the first-born and only-begotten of His heavenly Father (Heb. i. 6).
Why was the Saviour of the world born in a stable?
To show, from His very birth, that He had not come to establish a splendid worldly kingdom, but a kingdom of grace, justice, and peace, and to lead us to imitate His example of poverty, humility, and contempt of the world.
Why was the birth of Christ first announced to the poor shepherds, and not to the high priests?
To show that God does not distribute His graces through respect for persons: He exalts the humble, and humbles those who exalt themselves.
The angels for joy praised God, and sang, " Glory to God in the highest, "that is, Praise and thanks to our heavenly Father for sending His only-begotten Son for the salvation of men, " and on earth peace" that is, prosperity, happiness, salvation, and blessing "to men of good will."
Learn from the angels to be thankful for all the benefits which God bestows upon thy neighbor, and then you also will partake of them. In particular, thank God to-day for the in expressible benefit of the incarnation of Jesus Christ.
OF THE SECOND MASS.
The Introit of this Mass reminds us of the temporal birth oi Our Saviour in Bethlehem. A light shall shine upon us to-day, for Our Lord is born to us, and He shall be called Wonderful, God, the Prince of peace, the Father of the world to come, of Whose reign there shall be no end" (Is. ix. 6). "The Lord hath reigned, He is clothed with beauty; the Lord is clothed with strength, and hath girded Himself" (Ps. xcii. 1). Glory be to the Father, etc.
Prayer.
Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we who are filled with the new light of Thy incarnate Word, may show forth in our works what faith displays in our mind. Through the same Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen
