WHOM did God receive but the forsaken, whom did he heal but the sick, whom did he make to see but the blind, whom did he resurrect but the dead, whom did he make holy but the sinful, whom did he instruct but the ignorant? He only comforts the miserable and gives grace to those who lack it. Thus no proud person can receive the holiness, wisdom or righteousness of God; nor can he receive the work of God, but he depends upon his own efforts, making an earthly, false, boastful saint out of himself—a hypocrite.
Hasten to help me, O God, for all others hasten to destroy! God’s help is not as human help. God is not the father of the rich but of the poor—widows and orphans. He has sent the rich away empty. “O Lord my salvation” suggests that I seek no salvation or succour in myself nor in any other man but in him alone.

TEACH us, dear Father, not to rely upon or trust in our own good deeds or means, but to venture out upon thine infinite mercy. Let us not despair because of our sinful life, but value thy mercy as higher, wider and stronger than all our life. Amen.

Silent night! Holy Night!
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heavenly hosts sing, Alleluia;
Christ, the Savior is born! Christ, the Savior is born!

Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord at thy birth.

18This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

7As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10This is the one about whom it is written:
” ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’[b] 11I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

11″I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”