Joseph with the expectant Mary on the back of a donkey had travelled for days - 94 miles - from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register for the census as ordered by Emperor Augustus. The rich and noble who had gone to Bethlehem had filled all the inns of the city when Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem. The holy couple went from inn to inn in search of accommodation; however, each time they were rejected.

Consider the patience and humility with which the Blessed Virgin and Joseph endured the unkind receptions they received from the innkeepers. She and Joseph sought everywhere for a place in which to pass the night, sheltered from the inclemency of the cold, winter. They knocked at every door, but they were rejected everywhere because they were poor. It was getting late. Mary knew that her parturition was due that night. They prayed to God to find a place for the night. Through divine inspiration and guidance, they were led to a stable. It was a deserted stable inside a cave. The cave was also exposed to the wind and cold. However, Mary and Joseph did not complain, rather they adored with humble submission the plan of divine providence for them. They abandoned themselves with perfect resignation to the will of God. God permitted that the humble Virgin who was to bring his Beloved Son into the world, should find no other place than a poor stable into which she and Joseph could retire for the night.

She had brought with her from Nazareth the swaddling clothes with which she would wrap her divine Jesus when she had given birth to him. She arranged some straw on the manger, which would serve as the crib of Jesus. Who can express with what affections of love and veneration she would carry her divine and beloved Child on her arms when he was born? She knew that her heart cannot contain the ardor of her love for him and that she would contemplate him with loving affection. Her soul is already overwhelmed with wonder and gratitude. How rich she is in her simplicity and tender loving care! Jesus would be her treasure, what more could one desire? To possess Jesus is to possess all things; and to lose him is to lose all things. How much better it is to be with Jesus than to be without him!

Consider the condition which Jesus Christ chose on coming into this world, and the immense difference between the glory of heaven and the miseries of earth, between the bosom of God the Father and the stable, between what he is as God and what he was as a child. As God he was existed from all eternity; as a child, he was born in poverty. As God, he is surrounded by eternal glory; as a child, he was enveloped in swaddling clothes. O Mary and Joseph, share some of your joy with us; let us share in your joy. O Mary, bless us with your Holy Child, Jesus. O Joseph, obtain favors for us from your Divine Son.

Let us pray. Miraculous Infant Jesus, look upon us, as we turn to you, imploring your assistance in our needs and anxieties. Let your compassionate heart be moved to pity by our supplications and grant us the favor that we ardently implore you. Free us from all affliction and despair, all trials and misfortunes, and give us your support and consolation so that we may praise you and the Father and the Holy Spirit now and forever. Amen