The first reading, from Proverbs, is a beautiful doxology of the glory of Christ, who existed before all of creation. Christ is the Wisdom of God spoken of in the verse: "from of old I was poured forth, / at the first, before the earth" (Proverbs 8:23). Christ is described in terms of preexistence, of knowledge and wisdom of God, as the Child of God in whom the Creator delights, playing on the earth and delighting in the human race. Psalm 8 continues this hymn of praise to the Creator, enumerating all the wonders of creation, and marveling at the wonderful truth that God has put humanity at the forefront of it all, making us a little less than angels, "crowned with glory and honor" (Psalm 8:6).