My Jesus, supreme and true God!
What has drawn Thee from heaven to be born in a cold stable, if not the love which Thou bearest us men?
What has allured thee from the bosom of Thy Father, to place Thee in a hard manger?
What has brought Thee from Thy throne above the stars to lay Thee down on a little straw?
What has led Thee from the midst of the choirs of angels, to set thee between the animals?
Thou, who inflamest the seraphim with holy fire, art now shivering with cold in this stable!
Thou, who settest the stars in the sky in motion, canst not now move unless others carry Thee in their arms!
Thou, who givest men and beasts their food, hast need now of a little milk to sustain Thy life!
Thou, who art the joy of heaven, dost now whimper and cry in suffering! Tell me who has reduced Thee to such misery?
