from the power and slavery of the devil, by bestowing upon them every spiritual blessing, which leads to life everlasting. These spiritual blessings He is ready to bestow on you, whenever your conduct deserves them. Take advantage of them, and say with the prophet: "I will rejoice in the Lord, and I will joy in God my Jesus." (Habac. iii. 18.)
II. "And this shall be a sign unto you: ye shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling-clothes, and laid in a manger." (Luke ii. 12.) What are the signs by which this Messias, this Lord and Saviour of the world, is to be found? "Infancy, swaddling-clothes, and a manger." Who would not have expected to hear of a royal personage, of thrones and princely robes? Examine if you can find corresponding signs of poverty and humility in your heart. Hence you may discover whether or not Christ be spiritually born in your soul.
III. " And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly hosts praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest." (Luke ii. 13.) Listen to the celestial harmony; and let your actions agree with the sentiment that prompted it. Let the nativity of Christ be a cause of your glorifying God in all things. The angel sang also, " On earth peace to men of good will." Learn from this, that both interior and exterior peace, both with God, our neighbors, and ourselves, is one of the peculiar benefits of the incarnation of Christ. " In His days shall justice spring up, and abundance of peace, till the moon be taken away." (Ps. lxxi. 7.) Remember, however, that this peace can never exist, except with "men of good will; for there is no peace to the wicked, saith the Lord." (Is. xlviii. 22.)
