Third Joyful Mystery:
The Nativity


Nine months after the Annunciation a degree was promulgated by the Roman emperor, commanding all the people of the empire to be enrolled. Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem, the city of David, to give in their names, because they were of the family of David. But in Bethlehem they could not find lodging in any of the inns, and were forced to seek shelter in a stable outside the city. In this stable then the Baby Jesus was born. Mary wrapped Him up in swadding clothes, and laid Him in a manger. Into the sky on high Angels came down from Heaven singing hymns of praise, and shepherds left their flocks to come and adore the New-Born King.

FRUIT OF THE MYSTERY: DETACHMENT FROM THE WORLD

Consider the extreme poverty to which Our Lord reduced Himself when He came into the world. Shut out from the dwellings of man, He was driven to find refuge among the beasts. He knows what evil is effected in the souls of men by greed for earthly goods; how it is the cause of most grievous sins for many. Therefore He, the Divine Son of God, Master of all riches, utterly renounces them in order to teach us to detach our hearts from them.

Resolve, out of love for our Savior, to withdraw your heart entirely from the goods of this world which He so completely renounced out of love for you. Ask Him to teach you to mortify your senses and to submit cheerfully to whatever is irksome and repugnant in the fulfilment of your daily duties.





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