St. Antony of Egypt reminds us of one of the lessons we can learn as we meditate on Our Lord in the manager at Bethlehem.
“Let none of us, therefore, desire to acquire things for himself, for what profit is there in acquiring these things that we cannot take with us? Why do we not acquire those things we can take with us: namely, clear thinking, prudence, righteousness, courage, understanding, godly love, love for the poor, faith in Christ, freedom from anger, hospitality? If we posses these things, we will find them going before us, preparing lodging for us there in the land of the gentle.”
Athanasius, Life of St. Anthony. 17. (Trans. Tim Vivian and Apostolos N. Athanassakis, 2003)
