For those who do not know him, Blessed Charles De Foucauld is one the most enigmatic and remarkable figures of the twentieth century. Born to a French aristocratic family and living the high life, Foucauld became a French soldier and had a conversion after seeing the profound poverty of North Africa. He gave up his wealthy life to become a servant of the poor, a priest and a hermit.
This hermit spirit allowed him to meditate beautifully on the birth of Our Lord, humbly and tenderly acknowledging the wonder and love of His having been born in a cave, as the lowest of the low. It is a powerful way to begin reflecting upon the Christmas period.
'I was born, born for you, born in a cave, in December, in the cold, on a wintry night, in poverty and in solitude, unknown even to the poorest. Why was I born in this way? So that you may believe in my love, since my love for you knows no limit. As I have loved you so much, put all your hope in me. I teach you to love me. Loving you with such tender love it was not enough for me to give myself to the world in the Incarnation. Ever since my birth I have shown myself to you and have put myself entirely into your hands. Ever since then you have been able to see me, hold me, hear me, serve me, console me. Love me, love me, for I am close to you. I give myself to you completely. In my great goodness I did not give myself to you just at my birth for a few days or years, but I gave myself into your hands for ever, till the end of time..
'I became this little child, so gentle and vulnerable, for you. Do not be afraid of me, come, take me in your arms and adore me, caress me as a child loves to be caressed. See, I hold out my arms to you. Be not afraid to caress me, a little tender babe. I am your God, but I am gentle and smiling. Be not afraid, but full of tenderness and love and confidence.'