It is a proof of profound wisdom on the part of the Church not to introduce us at once to the crib of Bethlehem, but to point it out to us as it were with her finger a month in advance, that she may say to us: "Be prepared to meet thy God."   Amos 4:12.

Prepare for Him in your hearts by meditation to have a more lively faith in His greatness; a more profound devotion for the abasement of His majesty; a grateful love for His charity, which has descended so low from so great a height; a true humility, in order to honor Him in His low estate; a gentleness in character and in speech in harmony with His incomparable benignity; a spirit of penitence and recollection which will not form a contrast to the austerity of the crib and the holy occupation of the divine Child.

Hamon-Meditations