The Nativity of the Lord
In Nativitate Domini
Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. A liturgical feast central to Christianity, Christmas preparation begins on the First Sunday of Advent. Advent is followed by Christmastide, which historically in the West lasts twelve days and culminates on Twelfth Night. Christmas Day is a public holiday in many countries and is observed by a majority of Christians; it is also celebrated culturally by many non-Christians and forms an integral part of the annual holiday season.
The traditional Christmas narrative recounted in the New Testament, known as the Nativity of Jesus, says that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in accordance with messianic prophecies. When Joseph and Mary arrived in the city, the inn had no room, and so they were offered a stable where the Christ Child was soon born, with angels proclaiming this news to shepherds, who then spread the word.
There are different hypotheses regarding the date of the birth of Jesus. In the early fourth century, the church fixed the date as December 25, the date of the winter solstice in the Roman Empire. It is nine months after Annunciation on March 25, also the Roman date of the spring equinox. Most Christians celebrate on December 25 in the Gregorian calendar, which has been adopted almost universally in the civil calendars used in countries throughout the world. However, part of the Eastern Christian Churches celebrate Christmas on December 25 of the older Julian calendar, which currently corresponds to January 7 in the Gregorian calendar. For Christians, celebrating that God came into the world in the form of man to atone for the sins of humanity is more important than knowing Jesus Christ's exact birth date.
Next
Readings at Mass
Every year
Vigil Mass
- First Reading
- Is 62:1-5
- Second Reading
- Acts 13:16-17, 22-25
- Gospel Acclamation
- Not available here
- Gospel
- Mt 1:1-25
Mass during the Night
- First Reading
- Is 9:1-6
- Responsorial Psalm
- Ps 96: 1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13
- Second Reading
- Ti 2:11-14
- Gospel Acclamation
- Lk 2:10-11
- Gospel
- Lk 2:1-14
Mass at Dawn
- First Reading
- Is 62:11-12
- Second Reading
- Ti 3:4-7
- Gospel Acclamation
- Lk 2:14
- Gospel
- Lk 2:15-20