The Nativity of Our Lord - Midnight Mass
Introit
Psalm 2:7,1
The Lord hath said to me: Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee. Ps. Why have the Gentiles raged, and the people devised vain things? Glory be to the Father.
Collect
O God, who hast made this most holy night to shine forth with the brightness of the true Light: grant, we beseech Thee, that we who have known the mystery of His light on earth, may attain the enjoyment of His happiness in heaven. Who with Thee liveth and reigneth.
Epistle
Titus 2:11-15
Dearly beloved: The grace of God our Saviour hath appeared to all men, instructing us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly and justly and godly in this world, looking for the blessed hope and coming of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and might cleanse to Himself a people acceptable, a pursuer of good works. These things speak and exhort: in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Gradual
Psalm 109:3,1
With Thee is the principality in the day of Thy strength: in the brightness of the saints, from the womb before the day star I begot Thee. The Lord said to my Lord: Sit Thou at My right hand, until I make Thy enemies Thy footstool.
Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia. The Lord hath said to Me: Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee. Alleluia.
Gospel
Luke 2:1-14
At that time there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled. This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child. And it came to pass, that when they were there, her days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first-born Son, and wrapped Him up in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger: because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds watching and keeping the night watches over their flock. And behold an Angel of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone round about them, and they feared with a great fear. And the Angel said to them: Fear not; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people: for this day is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. And this shall be a sign unto you: you shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. And suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God, and saying: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will.
Offertory
Psalm 95:11,13
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad before the face of the Lord: because He cometh.
Secret
May the oblation of this day’s festival be pleasing to Thee, we beseech Thee, O Lord: that of Thy bountiful grace we may, through this sacred intercourse, be found conformed to Him, in whom our substance is united to Thee: Who with Thee liveth and reigneth.
Communion
Psalm 109:3
In the brightness of the Saints, from the womb before the day star I begot Thee.
Postcommunion
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord our God, that we who rejoice in celebrating these mysteries of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, may, by worthy lives, deserve to attain unto fellowship with Him: Who with Thee liveth and reigneth.