to run the way" (Ps. xviii. 6), although that way were painful and difficult.
"When does this happen?" In the depth of winter and at midnight, a season and an hour of all others the most inconvenient; and yet " the Father hath put the times and moments in His own power. (Acts i. 7.) Be astonished at what you see; give thanks; return love for love, and let this love show itself in imitation.
FEAST OF HOLY INNOCENTS— DECEMBER 28.
The Birth of Christ— II.
I. God displayed His perfections in the mystery of His nativity. He displayed in a wonderful manner His infinite goodness. In the creation of the world His omnipotence was manifest: and His providence is displayed in its government. But in this mystery, as St. Paul observes, He displays His "goodness and kindness." (Titus iii. 4.) He was made man, in order that He might the better be known by man; He was born in poverty and want, in order that He might the more endear Himself to us; He made His first appearance in an open stable, that He might the more easily be found; He lies in a manger, to encourage the poor; He conceals His power, to relieve your mind from the fear of approaching Him; He assumes all the characters of the most perfect meekness, in order to win your heart.
II. Consider the extreme poverty and love of that virtue, which Christ displayed in this mystery. He made choice of a poor, humble maid for His mother, and of an artisan for His reputed father. He was born far from His home, in an abandoned stable. Reflect who it is that gave these exalted lessons of poverty. It is the God of all things, who "being rich, He became poor for your
