The Nativity of the Lord Solemnity, Holy Day of Obligation – Midnight Mass Readings
Also Read: Mass Readings for 25 December 2023
First Reading: Isaiah 9: 1-6
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (6)
We commemorate Christ’s birth on this solemn night here on earth and we thank God for sending us His son. The child born for us, is God’s own son, God himself, one with the Father! Our faith teaches us this mystery and we know this truth in our hearts. We praise and thank God for his great mercy on us in saving us through his Son Jesus Christ. We worship and adore him the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, our God who was born a baby for us!
Alleluia, Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96: 1-3, 11-13
Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. (2)
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord; for he is coming, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth. (12-13)
Amen!
Second Reading: Titus 2: 11-14
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly. (12-13)
In St. Paul’s letter to Titus, he proclaims how Christ came not only to save us but also to show us the way to live our lives. So we are to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, while we await his final coming. At Christmas we not only commemorate his earthly birth, we also remember his glorious manifestation on the last day. Therefore we prepare our homes and our hearts like the wise bridesmaids. Let not our lamps and our hearts grow cold under the chilly weather or the worldly treasures.
Amen! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Gospel: Luke 2: 1-14
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth 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 heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” (10-14)
To this day stands the Shepherd’s Field Church near Bethlehem where the shepherds were visited with this Glorious Tiding. The humble shepherds were the first to know about Christ’s birth, we are also reminded of Mary Magdalene who was the first to be visited by our Lord after His resurrection. (Mark 16:9) At his birth it is not the three wise men who had been studying about his coming for years but the humble shepherds who receive the Good News first! At His resurrection, it was not his apostles but the “humble repentant woman” who was accorded the privilege of his first sight.
Do we possess the humility and faith of the shepherds or Mary Magdalene? In our hearts sometimes, do we look down upon those not following the usual practices of the faith like we do? Are we judgmental towards those not as wise in certain theological matters? This Christmas perhaps we are called to open our hearts to those not as privileged as us not only in material things but spiritual things too. If we look closely, we may find the Baby Lord Jesus among them! Then our Christmas will mean a new birth for us! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wishing Every One of you A Very Happy Christmas! May you find the Baby Lord Jesus sweetly nestled in the crib of your heart and home. May Mother Mary and St. Joseph help us all build a fitting crib in our hearts and our homes. As we sing together “Gloria in excelsis Deo!” Happy Christmas!
