Posted: 12/24/2015 6:33:31 AM EDT
(Adoration of the Shepherds, Matthias Stom, 1640) There are four different sets of readings for Mass on the Solemnity of Christmas, the Vigil Mass, Mass at Midnight, Mass at Dawn, and the Mass During Christmas Day. So depending on which Mass you attend, you will hear the Gospel according to either Matthew, Luke or John. Luke's Gospels are featured at two of the Masses, but the Gospel that is considered by many to be the classic rendition of the Christmas story and the setting for many children's pageants, Luke 2: 1-14, will be proclaimed at Midnight Mass, which is the one presented here. USCCB The Nativity Of Our Lord Jesus Christ From The Roman Martyrology The Twenty-fifth Day of December, when ages beyond number had run their course from the creation of the world, when God in the beginning created heaven and earth, and formed man in his own likeness; when century upon century had passed since the Almighty set his bow in the clouds after the Great Flood, as a sign of covenant and peace; in the twenty-first century since Abraham, our father in faith, came out of Ur of the Chaldees; in the thirteenth century since the People of Israel were led by Moses in the Exodus from Egypt; around the thousandth year since David was anointed King; in the sixty-fifth week of the prophecy of Daniel; in the one hundred and ninety-fourth Olympiad; in the year seven hundred and fifty-two since the foundation of the City of Rome; in the forty-second year of the reign of Caesar Octavian Augustus, the whole world being at peace, JESUS CHRIST, eternal God and Son of the eternal Father, desiring to consecrate the world by his most loving presence, was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and when nine months had passed since his conception, was born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem of Judah, and was made man: The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh. *** 
(Adoration of the Infant, Gerrit van Honthorst, 1620) Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) 25 DEC 2015 A.D. Lectionary: 14 First Reading IS 9:1-6 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames. For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, from David’s throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains by judgment and justice, both now and forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this! 
Responsorial Psalm PS 96: 1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13 R. (Lk 2:11) Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord. Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless his name. R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord. Announce his salvation, day after day. Tell his glory among the nations; among all peoples, his wondrous deeds. R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and what fills it resound; let the plains be joyful and all that is in them! Then shall all the trees of the forest exult. R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord. They shall exult before the LORD, for he comes; for he comes to rule the earth. He shall rule the world with justice and the peoples with his constancy. R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord. 
(Nativity with the Torch, Le Nain Brothers, 17th century) Second Reading TI 2:11-14 Beloved: The grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of our great God and savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good. 
Gospel LK 2:1-14 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Scripture Study--Nativity of Our Lord--Cycle C (courtesy: Sunday Scripture Study for Catholics) 
"As by the Word of God, Jesus our Savior was Flesh, and had both Flesh and blood for our salvation, so also the food which has been blessed by the word of prayer instituted by Him is both the Flesh and Blood of Jesus Incarnate." -St. Justin Martyr (c.100—165 A.D.) |
| BeNotAfraid, thank you for all your post throughout the year. I enjoy them every week and want to wish you, your family, and all who share our Faith a Merry Christmas, a Happy New year, and a remembrance of the wonderful birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. |
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Quoted:
BeNotAfraid, thank you for all your post throughout the year. I enjoy them every week and want to wish you, your family, and all who share our Faith a Merry Christmas, a Happy New year, and a remembrance of the wonderful birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen, amen! |
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Believe it or not, I have had the TWO BEST Christmas gifts today:
1. Both of your kind words and appreciation (really...for once, I'm speechless), THANK YOU, Brothers, artman54 and icehauler! and 2. A dear friend of mine, an Army serving full-bird Colonel, who has always been lukewarm to God over the years, emailed me today and said he's seen the light" and signed off his email with "Yours in Christ." Wow! That also blew me away. He's one real hard-boiled dude, but now he's really "on board!" He said he's been through some really "rough times" this year, and his strength and stamina only came from Jesus! Peace and the blessings of our Savior, which passes all human understanding, be with you both this Christmas and all of 2016! 
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Here's something pretty nifty for the 2015 Christmas Season.
An inter-active Christmas Season Calendar put out by the USCCB. Just point and click your cusor on a date, and VOILA! The Christmas Season 2015 
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