Inspired by the book Bethléem, ou l’École de l’Enfant-Jésus, (Bethlehem, or the School
of the Child Jesus) by Msgr. Jean-Joseph Gaume
Day Five – December 20
The Eternal Word was sublime and made Himself lowly.
O sweet Jesus, Eternal Word made flesh, I give You thanks for repairing the disobedi-
ence of man by the power of Your humility. Without availing Yourself of Your equality
with God, You went from the throne of Your glory to the lowliness of a poor manger.
You became an unknown for this world which You were going to redeem. What a les-
son You give our hearts so avid for -vainglory!
O divine Child! It is by Your humility that You want to be recognized. Your examples
make contempt and humiliation lovable and of infinite value. My duty and my treasure
is to love them, just as You loved them. Had I loved You, humiliation would have
seemed sweet and pleasant to me. But since You promise to forgive a contrite heart, I
am sorry for my life so contrary to Yours. I want to amend myself, and out of love for
the humiliations of Your manger, I promise You to suffer in peace all the contempt, hu-
miliations and rebuffs to which it shall please You to subject me. Amen.
Invocation
O divine Child Jesus, who for the salvation of the world wanted to be born in a stable,
lying on straw in the manger, have mercy on me.
Mary and Joseph, pray to the Child Jesus for me.
Glory be to the Father…