Starting today, here is a suggested novena to make in preparation for the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus. This suggestion comes from the discalced Carmelite Sisters and is based on a traditional custom of theirs.
December 16, The Stable: Frequently offer your heart to the Infant Jesus during this day. Ask Him to receive it as His cherished home. Pray thus, “Sweet Jesus, take my heart and make it meek and pure.”
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December 17, The Ox: Like the ox, keep the little Infant warm with your breath by making many acts of love, and by carefully avoiding all uncharitable thoughts and words, praying, “Jesus, teach me to love my neighbor as myself out of love for Thee.”
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December 18, The Donkey: Offer the Divine Infant your bodily strength throughout the day. Try to relieve others of their work. “My Jesus, accept my service of love. Help me to serve others in simplicity and humility.”
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December 19, The Manger: Deprive yourself of your favorite foods as an act of loving sacrifice. “Dear Jesus, laid to rest in a feeding trough for love of me, help me to deny myself for love of Thee.”
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December 20, The Straw: Today perform small acts of generosity, for example smile at others when you don’t feel like it, do your work with extra care, etc. “My Jesus, how can I return Thy love? Teach me ways to show my gratitude to Thee.”
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December 21, Swaddling Clothes: Bind up your pride, anger, and envy. Give up your own will and cheerfully come to the help of others today. “Jesus, help me to know and correct my faults.”
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December 22, The Blanket: Prepare the warmest corner of your heart for Jesus alone. Abstain from what you like most in food, comfort, and amusement. “May I prefer nothing to Thee, my Jesus, who preferred nothing else to me and my salvation.”
December 23, St. Joseph: Accompany St. Joseph from door to door. Bear difficulties and delays without complaining today. “Lord Jesus, help me to imitate Thy foster father’s patience and silence.”
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December 24, The Blessed Virgin: Lead your Mother to the Crib you have prepared in your heart, that she may lay the Divine Infant in it through a worthy Christmas Communion. “Come, my Jesus, come; my heart is longing for Thee!”
