The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

The people that walked in darkness, have seen a great light: to them that dwelt in the region of the shadow of death, light is risen. ²Thou hast multiplied the nation, and hast not increased the joy. They shall rejoice before thee, as they that rejoice in the harvest, as conquerors rejoice after taking a prey, when they divide the spoils. ³For the yoke of their burden, and the rod of their shoulder, and the sceptre of their oppressor thou best overcome, as in the day of Median. ⁵For a CHILD IS BORN to us, and a son is given to us, and the government is upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor, God the Mighty, the Father of the world to come, the Prince of Peace. ⁶His empire shall be multiplied, and there shall be no end of peace: he shall sit upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom; to establish it and strengthen it with judgment and with justice, from henceforth and for ever: the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

¹A canticle for David himself, when the house was built after the captivity. Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: sing to the Lord, all the earth. ²Sing ye to the Lord and bless his name: shew forth his salvation from day to day. ³Declare his glory among the Gentiles: his wonders among all people. ¹¹Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad, let the sea be moved, and the fulness thereof: ¹²The fields and all things that are in them shall be joyful. Then shall all the trees of the woods rejoice ¹³Before the face of the Lord, because he cometh: because he cometh to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with justice, and the people with his truth.

℟ This day is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.

For the grace of God our Saviour hath appeared to all men; ¹²Instructing us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly, and justly, and godly in this world, ¹³Looking for the blessed hope and coming of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, ¹⁴Who 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.

And it came to pass, that in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled. ²This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria. ³And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city. ⁴And 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, ⁵To be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child. ⁶And it came to pass, that when they were there, her days were accomplished, that she should be delivered. ⁷And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. ⁸And there were in the same country shepherds watching, and keeping the night watches over their flock. ⁹And 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. ¹⁰And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people: ¹¹For, this day, is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. ¹²And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. ¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God, and saying: ¹⁴Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good will.