honor both sexes, man in His own person, and woman by taking flesh and blood of her; secondly, that in her we also might have a mother to plead in our behalf with her son, who will be our Judge; thirdly, that becoming Himself a helpless infant, and subject to His mother, He might give us a striking example of humility and subjection. Reflect how in all these things, which were subject to His own will, He always chooses the worst and most repugnant to sense. Reflect and imitate.
II. The divine Word did not make choice of this individual mother for any merits of her own, which were none, but in order that she might have merit. He therefore bestowed upon her the fulness of grace and the perfection of virtue, in order that she might become worthy of the dignity which was designed for her. Congratulate her for this choice, and her predestination from all eternity. " I was set up from all eternity and of old before the earth was made." (Prov. viii. 23.) Offer yourself to be her eternal client, and earnestly implore her assistance and protection.
III. The Word incarnate did not choose for His mother a rich personage or princess, but one that was poor and from the lower walks of life. Thus he confounds our pride and vanity, which prompt us to seek after those things which appear great in the eyes of the world. " O, ye sons of men, how long will ye be dull of heart? Why do ye love vanity and seek after lying?" (Ps. iv. 3.) Learn to contemn the judgments of the world, and to consider those things only great which are so in the sight of God; and be convinced that much worth and virtue often lie concealed under a poor and humble appearance.
