From Mother Marie de Gonzague to Thérèse. January 7 (?) 1889
JMJT
My darling tristotin is well hidden in the heart of the child Jesus and I would prefer that this Divine Christmas Child bring joy to the soul of his Benjamin, but if his holy and Divine will is to leave my dear little soul in this mysterious sadness, I will still bless him for it, if however the Divine child of Bethlehem fills my child with spiritual sweetness, on the day of his engagement; we will have to enjoy the alliance contracted with a love of privilege without thinking of the past day, which was the desired... Alas! darling child, Jesus will not ask his privileged Wife: were you dressed in my Mother's livery on December 25 or January 10? But He will ask his soul, united to his love : have you understood my heart which chose you to become one with me?..... The month is indifferent, but the sacrifice, but the immolation of our dearest desires, but the donation of all ourselves.... ah! this is what will rejoice the Heart of the Beloved..... Spoiled child, think only of the great honor that Jesus gives us, and let us give Him all the blood of our hearts. I bless you from the bottom of this heart of yours!...
