December
22

“Bring Back Word to Me”

But having heard, Herod the king was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. Then Herod, privately calling the Magi, precisely inquired of them at what time the star appeared. And sending them to Bethlehem, he said, Go and search earnestly for the little Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, that I also may come and worship Him. (Matthew 2:3,7‒8)

The Lord flows with power into those who are humble; but not into those who are puffed up, because they reject it. (Arcana Coelestia 9039:3)

That which stands in the way of the reception of these is principally the love of self, in which there is contempt for others in comparison with one’s self; hatred and revenge if self is not treated with honor; and also unmercifulness and cruelty; thus the worst evils of all; and into these good and truth can in no wise be introduced, for they are opposites. (Arcana Coelestia 2327.3)

He who is of elated mind is in the love of self, and not only sets himself above others, but also cares nothing for the Divine. (Arcana Coelestia 4347.2)

The Divine of the Lord cannot flow into a proud heart, that is, into a heart full of the love of self, for such a heart is hard; and is called in the Word a “heart of stone.” (Arcana Coelestia 9377.1)

He who loves himself cannot possibly humble himself from the heart. (Arcana Coelestia 5929.2)

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