THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD (MIDNIGHT MASS) (25 DECEMBER 2019)

FIRST READING (A son is given us.)

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah (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 theharvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. Forthe 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! —The Word of the Lord.

R. Thanks be to God.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM (96:1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13)

R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord. (Lk 2:11)

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all youlands. Sing to the Lord; bless his name. (R)

Announce his salvation, day after day. Tell his gloryamong the nations; among all peoples, his wondrousdeeds. (R)

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the seaand what fills it resound; let the plains be joyful and allthat is in them! Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.(R)

They shall exult before the Lord, for he comes; for hecomes to rule the earth. He shall rule the world withjustice and the peoples with his constancy. (R)

SECOND READING (The grace of God has appeared to all.)

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to Titus (2:11-14)

Beloved: The grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldlydesires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly inthis age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance ofthe glory of our great God and savior Jesus Christ, whogave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness andto cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to dowhat is good. —The Word of the Lord.

R. Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Lk 2:10-11)

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

I proclaim to you good news of great joy: today a Savior

is born for us, Christ the Lord. (R)

GOSPEL (Today a Savior has been born for you.)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (2:1-14)

In those days a decree went out from CaesarAugustus that the whole world should be enrolled. Thiswas 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 calledBethlehem, because he was of the house and family ofDavid, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who waswith child. While they were there, the time came for herto have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son.She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in amanger, 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; forbehold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy thatwill 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 infantwrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly hostwith the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to Godin the highest and on earth peace to those on whom hisfavor rests.” —The Gospel of the Lord.

R. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

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