Self-Conquest

The conquest of self is the grandest triumph that man can achieve.
_{Once a day, at least, recall very earnestly that} “You are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you.”

I Cor. iii. 15

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Ꚛ Twenty-fifth Day of December

Christmas Day

Introit of the Mass
A light shall shine upon us this day: for Our Lord is born to us; and He shall be called wonderful, God, the Prince of peace, the father of the world to come; of whose reign there shall be no end.

Prayer
O God, Who didst make this most sacred night to shine forth with the glory of Him Who is the true light of the world; grant that He Who, thus revealed to us has made resplendent our path on earth, may be forever our joy and our light in heaven. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.

Epistle. Titus Hi. 4-7
Dearly beloved, the goodness and kindness of God our Saviour hath appeared: not by the works of justice, which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us by the laver of regeneration, and renovation of the Holy Ghost, whom He hath poured forth upon us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour: that, being justified by His grace, we may be heirs according to hope of life everlasting: in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Gospel. Luke ii. 1-14
At that time, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled. This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea to the City of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child. And it came to pass, that when they were there, her days were accomplished, that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first-born Son, and wrapped Him up in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds watching, and keeping the night watches ever their flock. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone round about them, and they feared with a great fear. And the angel said to them: Fear not; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people; for this day is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the City of David. And this shall be a sign unto you: You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God, and saying: Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good will.

Prayer
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord our God, that we who, in joy of heart, keep with threefold celebration of the holy Mysteries, the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, may, by worthiness of life, deserve to rejoice with Him for evermore. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.

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 emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and in habit found as a man.

He humbled Himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross.

For which cause, God also hath exalted Him and hath given Him a name which is above all names:

That in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under th