Course 4, Chapter 28: Christianity visible. — Christmas

1. What does the festival of Christmas celebrate?

The festival of Christmas celebrates the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. We must believe that the Son of God, incarnated in the worn!) of the Virgin Mary, was born in a stable at Bethlehem, for our salvation.

2. Give the history of his birth?

For four thousand years the world had expected n Redeemer, promised by the prophets. The moment had now come. By order of the emperor Augustus, Joseph and Mary repaired to Bethlehem, to be enrolled on the public registers. Finding no place in the city, they retired to a stable in the vicinity, and there tho Blessed Virgin gave to the world the Messiah so long expected.

3. By whom was his birth announced?

It was announced by angels to some shepherds, who were keeping watch over their flocks in the neighborhood.

4. Describe the stable at Bethlehem?

The stable where the Saviour was born, was thirty-seven and a half feet long, by eleven feet t^iroe inches broad, and nine feet high. It was cut in a rock; and tradition informs us that at the time o tli3 Saviour's birth it was occupied by an ox and an ass.*

5. Why did God make known the birth of his Son *o the shepherds first?

To show us the esteem in which he holds poverty and simplicity of heart.

6. In what disposition must we be to celebiate worthily the festival of Christmas?

We must have a great horror for sin, and be detached from creatures; this is the teaching of the infant Jesus, born poor, humble, and suffering. We must tenderly love the Saviour, who, to make us Icve him, put on the form of an infant and became our brother; finally, we must ask of him and imitate the virtues of his infancy.

7. Why do priests say three masses on Christmas day?

To honor the three births of the Son of God; 1st, his eternal generation in the bosom of his Father; 2d, his temporal birth in the stable of Bethlehem; 3d, his spiritual birth in the hearts of the just by charity.

380 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.

8. Are we obliged to hear three masses on Christ* mas day?

We are not obliged to hear three masses, but it is well to do it when we can; gratitude should make it a duty for us.