Spiritual Christmas Crib

A quick post to share with you a favorite Advent tradition - building a spiritual Christmas crib.  We love the simplicity (yet challenging) daily practices. 

Here are the first 10 days. The complete .pdf file is available at St. Benedict Center (scroll down to no. 76)

Build a spiritual crib in your heart for Christ by reading the thought and ejaculation indicated for each day of December until Christmas. Practice it during the day and make your heart a worthy crib for Christ on Christmas Day.

DECEMBER 1 - THE STABLE
Frequently during the day offer your heart to the little Infant Jesus. Ask Him to make it His home.
Sweet Jesus, take my heart and make it meek and pure.
DECEMBER 2 - THE ROOF
See that the roof of the stable is in good condition, so that the Infant Jesus is protected from rain and snow. This you will do by carefully avoiding every uncharitable remark.
Jesus, teach me to love my neighbor as myself.
DECEMBER 3 - CREVICES
Carefully stop every crevice in the walls of the stable, so that the wind and cold may not enter there. Guard your senses against temptations. Guard especially your ears against sinful conversations.
Jesus, help me to keep temptations out of my heart.
DECEMBER 4 - COBWEBS
Clean the cobwebs from your spiritual crib. Diligently remove from your heart every inordinate desire of being praised. Renew this intention at least three times today.
My Jesus, I want to please You in all I do today.
DECEMBER 5 - FENCE
Build a fence about the crib of your heart by keeping a strict watch over your eyes, especially at prayer.
Sweet Jesus, I long to see You.
DECEMBER 6 - MANGER
Fix the best and warmest corner of your heart for the manger of Jesus. You will do so by abstaining from what you like most in the line of comfort and amusement.
Dear Mother Mary, use these sacrifices to prepare my heart for Jesus in Holy Communion.
DECEMBER 7 - HAY
Supply the manger of your heart with hay, by overcoming all feelings of pride, anger or envy.
Jesus, teach me to know and correct my greatest sins.
DECEMBER 8 - SOFT STRAW
Also provide your manger with soft straw by performing little acts of mortification; for instance, bear the cold without complaints; or sit and stand erect.
Dear Jesus, Who suffered so much for me, let me suffer for love of You.
DECEMBER 9 - SWADDLING CLOTHES
Prepare these for the Divine Infant by folding your hands when you pray, and praying slowly and thoughtfully.
Jesus, help me love you more and more.
DECEMBER 10 - BLANKETS
Provide the manger of your crib with soft warm blankets. Avoid harsh and angry words; be kind and gentle to all.
Jesus, help me to be meek and humble like You.