Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lord
Introit
Exodus 16:6,7
This day you shall know that the Lord will come, and save us: and in the morning you shall see His glory. Ps. 23. 1. The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof: the world and all they that dwell therein. V. Glory be to the Father.
Collect
O God, who makest us glad with the yearly expectation of our redemption, grant that we who now joyfully receive Thine only-begotten Son as our Redeemer, may also without fear behold Him coming as our Judge, the same our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son: Who with Thee.
Epistle
Romans 1:1-6
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an Apostle, separated unto the Gospel of God, which He had promised before by His prophets in the holy Scriptures concerning His Son, who was made to Him of the seed of David according to the flesh: who was predestinated the Son of God in power according to the spirit of sanctification by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead: by whom we have received grace, and apostleship for obedience to the faith in all nations for His name, among whom are you also the called of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Gradual
Exodus 16:6,7
This day you shall know that the Lord will come and save us: and in the morning you shall see His glory. V. Give ear, O Thou that rulest Israel: Thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep, Thou that sittest upon the Cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasses
Alleluia
Psalm 84:4
Alleluia, alleluia. V. Tomorrow shall the iniquity of the earth be abolished: and the Saviour of the world shall reign over us. Alleluia.
Gospel
Matthew 1:18-21
Then Mary the Mother of Jesus was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Whereupon Joseph her husband, being a just man and not willing publicly to expose her, was minded to put her away privately. But while he thought on these things behold the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins.
Offertory
Psalm 23:7
Lift up your gates, O ye princes: and: be ye lifted up, O eternal gates, and the King of glory shall enter in.
Secret
Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that even as we anticipate the adorable birthday of Thy Son, so too may we joyfully receive His eternal gifts: Who with Thee.
Communion
Isaiah 40:5
The glory of the Lord shall be revealed: and all flesh shall see the salvation of our God.
Postcommunion
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that the celebration of the birth of Thine onlybegotten Son may give us fresh life; whose heavenly mystery is our food and drink. Through the same our Lord.