without taking further notice. 2. Others heard and admired what the shepherds related; but, being occupied with what they conceived to be of greater importance, thought no more of the subject. 3. The shepherds came and adored with lively faith and spiritual joy; but afterwards returned to their usual occupation, and no more is heard of them. 4. Only the blessed Virgin and St. Joseph remained and pondered each particular of the mystery. Examine to which of these classes you belong, or would wish to belong.
FEAST OF THE CIRCUMCISION— JAN. 1.
Christ as Jesus, or Saviour.
"Behold thy Saviour cometh; save me, O God, by Thy name." (Is. lxii. 11; Ps. liii. 3.)
I. " His name was called Jesus" (Luke ii. 21), that is. Saviour. With good reason did He receive this name; for on this day He first shed His blood, which was to be completely drained from His sacred body on Calvary. On that occasion was fulfilled the prophecy of the Psalmist: "With Him there is plentiful redemption. " (Ps. cxxix. 7.) If the patriarch Joseph, and some others, be styled saviors in Holy Writ, because they delivered the people from famine or temporal death, with how muck more reason does this appellation belong to Christ, who has done all that was necessary, on His part, to deliver the whole world from everlasting death! " He shall save His people from their sins." (Matt. i. 21.)
II. This Saviour will visit you to-day in the holy Eucharist, "to save your soul out of distresses" (Ps. xxx. 8); to deliver you from your spiritual enemies; and to give you strength and courage to surmount every obstacle to salvation. He will purify you with His sacred blood,
