The Nativity of the Lord: Christmas (December 25)
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The Nativity of the Lord: Christmas
December 25, 2024
Gospel: Luke 2: 1-14 (Mass During the Night)
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.”
Source: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122524-Night.cfm
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Visual Arts
The Nativity, John Singleton Copley, 1777
John Singleton Copley's The Nativity offers a glimpse of the Holy Family through the lens of American colonial portrait painting. Copley was famous for capturing the idealized character of his subjects, often through attention to specific, textures, and props. In this image, Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus are surrounded by shepherds and some animals, all coming to pay homage to the newborn child.
Click on the video to learn more about the painting!
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Sacred Music
“Messiah Medley” from the album Joy to the World
Lyrics
And the glory of, the glory of the Lord,
Shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it. And the glory of, the glory of the Lord.
For unto us a child is born, unto us, a Son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be calleth, wonderful, counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting father, the prince of peace, the everlasting father, the prince of peace.Glory to God, glory to God in the highest, good will towards man. Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice greatly. The King from His home to thee, who is this king of glory? The Lord strong and mighty. He is the king of glory. And he shall reign forever and ever.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
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Poetry
"Christmas Day"
by Christina Rosetti
A baby is a harmless thing
And wins our hearts with one accord,
And Flower of Babies was their King,
Jesus Christ our Lord:
Lily of lilies He
Upon His Mother’s knee;
Rose of roses, soon to be
Crowned with thorns on leafless tree.
A lamb is innocent and mild
And merry on the soft green sod;
And Jesus Christ, the Undefiled,
Is the Lamb of God:
Only spotless He
Upon His Mother’s knee;
White and ruddy, soon to be
Sacrificed for you and me.
Nay, lamb is not so sweet a word,
Nor lily half so pure a name;
Another name our hearts hath stirred,
Kindling them to flame:
“Jesus” certainly
Is music and melody:
Heart with heart in harmony
Carol we and worship we.
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Reflection
Where in your life do you find Jesus dwelling with you? How could you become more aware of his promised presence?
- Who bears the good news of Jesus's presence to you? How do you bring this news to others?
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O God, grant that we may desire you, and desiring you, seek you, and seeking you, find you, and finding you, be satisfied forever.
Francis Xavier, 1506-1552
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