Thus, O Jesus! didst Thou come down from heaven to teach us. The tender age of Childhood, which Thou didst take upon Thyself is no hindrance to the ardour of Thy desire that we should know the one only God, who made all things, and Thee, His Son, whom He sent to us. When laid in the Crib, Thou didst instruct the Shepherds by a mere look; when swathed in Thy humble swaddling-clothes, and subjected to the voluntary silence Thou hadst imposed on Thyself, Thou didst reveal to the Magi the light they sought in following the Star. When twelve years old, Thou explainest to the Doctors of Israel the Scriptures which bear testimony to Thee. Thou gradually dispellest the shadows of the Law by Thy presence and Thy words. In order to fulfil the commands of Thy heavenly Father, Thou dost not hesitate to occasion sorrow to the heart of Thy Mother, by thus going in quest of souls that need enlightening. Thy love of man will pierce that tender Heart of Mary with a still sharper sword, when She shall behold Thee hanging on the Cross, and expiring in the midst of cruelest pain. Blessed be Thou, sweet Jesus, in these first Mysteries of Thine Infancy, wherein Thou already showest Thyself devoted to us, and leaving the company of Thy Blessed Mother for that of sinful men, who will one day conspire Thy death.
Secret
We offer You, O Lord, the sacrifice of reconciliation, humbly entreating that, by the intercession of the Virgin-Mother of God and Saint Joseph, You may firmly establish our families in Your peace and grace. Through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God.
Postcommunion
O Lord Jesus, cause those whom You refresh, with the heavenly sacrament, to imitate continually the example of Your Holy Family, that being welcomed at the hour of death by the glorious Virgin-Mother with Saint Joseph, we may be found worthy to be received by You into Your everlasting dwellings.