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The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
(Midnight Mass) |
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Lesson - Isaiah 9:2-3, 6-7 |
The Righteous Reign of the Coming King
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who
dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. Thou hast multiplied the nation, thou hast increased its joy; they
rejoice before thee as with joy at the harvest, as men rejoice when they
divide the spoil.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will
be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called "Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon
the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
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Epistle - Titus 2:11-14 |
Christ's Sacrifice Once for All
For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men, training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live
sober, upright, and godly lives in this world, awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God
and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for
himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.
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Gospel - Luke 2:1-14(15-20) |
The Birth of Jesus
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world
should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirin'i-us was governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to
Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of
the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling
cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the
inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch
over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord
shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good
news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ
the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in
swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God and saying,"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he
is pleased!"
[When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to
one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has
happened, which the Lord has made known to us." And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying
in a manger. And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them
concerning this child; and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had
heard and seen, as it had been told them.]
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