The history of our faith tells us that as soon as Christ was born, His body shone like the rising sun, and the night became as midday, and so it was light. Think how many, who were not sleeping, and wondering about such a brightness, sought to see the source of the light and ran toward such a great spectacle of light. The Virgin sensing the excitement of the people placed the Child in the manger. Jews came to see the source of the light. Of this light the Prophet said, "The people that walked in darkness, have seen a great light: to them that dwelt in the region of the shadow of death," of the sin of ingratitude, "a light has risen for them, You have multiplied the nation," to see the light, "and have not increased the joy" (Isa. 9:2-3), because no one brought Him or the Virgin a gift. Of that light it is pointed out when it is said, "For a Child is born to us, and a Son is given to us".

Here the question is raised, why did the Blessed Virgin place her Son in the manger between the beasts? The response is, for three reasons:

First, to fulfil the scriptural truth. As for the first, it was prophesied that He would be placed between the animals and humbly be adored. And so was fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah saying, "Hear, O ye Heavens, and give ear, O Earth, for the Lord hath spoken. I have brought up children, and exalted them: but they have despised me. The ox knows his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel has not known me" (Isa. 1:2-3).

Second, to alleviate bodily needs. Think if the Virgin Mary was cold, because we do not read that they brought lined coats. For this reason she placed her Child in the manger so that the animals might warm Him with their breath, as it was revealed by Habakkuk the Prophet, who said this: "Lord I have heard your voice and I have feared. Lord I have considered your work, in the middle of two animals you shall be known" (Hab. 3:2).

Third, to teach us a moral lesson. The Virgin does this so that we might be instructed in good morals. An ox is a great animal having two big horns, which signify the temporal lords and rulers of the community. The donkey which carries burdens, signifies peasants and subjects. And the Virgin places her Son in the middle, pointing out that all can indeed be saved by the saving justice of the Lord, and that not by hatred nor by love or by fear nor by bribes they give unjustly. Vassals too by keeping faith, obedience and reverence for their lords.