we wish you a humble christmas
"I will leave as a remnant in your midst a people humble." —Zephaniah 3:12
Christmas is for the humble. The Lord has promised: "Then will I remove from your midst the proud braggarts...I will leave as a remnant in your midst a people humble and lowly" (Zep 3:11, 12). Christmas is "hidden from the learned and the clever" and revealed to the smallest children (Lk 10:21). Christmas is the God-promised exaltation of those who have humbled themselves (Mt 23:12).
Therefore, learn from Jesus Who is gentle and humble of heart (Mt 11:29). Follow His example and humble yourself, obediently accepting even the cross of suffering (see Phil 2:8). Pray with Mary: "I am the slave of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word" (Lk 1:38, our transl). Proclaim with Paul: "I have been crucified with Christ, and the life I live now is not my own" (Gal 2:19-20). With the wise men and women of all times, humbly prostrate yourself before the Baby Jesus (Mt 2:11).
Christmas is for the humble. The proud don't fit in the manger scene. Humble yourself by repenting, apologizing, simplifying, serving, suffering, obeying, dying to self, and worshipping. This Christmas, clothe yourself with humility (1 Pt 5:5).
Prayer: Father, may my love for Jesus spark in me a strong desire to be humble as He is.
Promise: "They shall do no wrong and speak no lies; nor shall there be found in their mouths a deceitful tongue; they shall pasture and couch their flocks with none to disturb them." —Zep 3:13
Praise: Thomas expressed his love for Jesus by helping to distribute food and clothes to more than a hundred needy families.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, June 1, 1997
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 9, 1997