February 2

Fourth Day after Christmas

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:5-7.

"He emptied Himself" (such is the full force of the amazing word for which we read, "He made Himself of no reputation"). Christmas is the especial festival of humility as of joy, a lowly joy, a joy of the lowly. Our Lord from the manger, where for our sakes He deigned to lie, preacheth to us humility. This is the beginning and end of His teaching. He taught it in action now by His Birth. Year by year He sets Himself before us, a little Child in great humility, and bids us become like Him, that when He appears again in His glorious Majesty, we may again be made like Him. Year by year, through His holy Nativity, He calleth us to behold Him, and crieth by His very speechless Infancy, "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls." "The Master," says a holy Father, "the Son of God, the Wisdom of God, through Whom all things were made, preacheth. He calleth the human race and saith, 'Learn of Me'! 'how I created heaven and earth? how all things were in Me before they were?' No; but, 'I am meek and lowly of heart.'" Cling, then, fast to humility, shrink from station, advancement, honour, praise, prosperity, if thou mayest, and whatever else may hinder it. If thou must have any of these, humble thyself yet more in private.

Ask only for a holy heart And a submissive will, To bear thy cross, to do thy part, To trust Me and be still.

C