Christmas Mass
Christmas Mass features readings from Isaiah (prophecy of the Messiah), the Psalms (praise and joy), and the Gospels (birth narratives from Matthew, Luke, or John, depending on the specific Mass), highlighting the fulfillment of prophecy and the arrival of Jesus, our Savior, as God's light and salvation for all people, with a focus on God's love and the gift of grace.
Common Christmas Mass Readings
There are usually four different sets of readings for Christmas, depending on the specific Mass (Vigil, Midnight, Dawn, Day).
First Readings (Old Testament)
Isaiah 9:1-7: Prophesies a great light, a child born for us, the Mighty God, and the Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 52:7-10: Focuses on the beauty of the messenger bringing good news, peace, and salvation.
Isaiah 52:11-12: (Often used in Dawn Mass) Focuses on the joy of the Lord's return and the light dawning.
Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 98: "All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God".
Psalm 97: "A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us" (Dawn Mass).
Psalm 96: "Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord" (Night Mass).
Second Readings
Titus 2:11-14: God's grace has appeared, teaching us to live righteously, waiting for Christ.
Hebrews 1:1-6: God has spoken to us through His Son, who created the world and reflects His glory.
Acts 10:34-38: (Often used in other Christmas Masses) God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit.
Gospel Readings
Matthew 1:1-25: The genealogy of Jesus and His birth to Mary, conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Luke 2:1-20: The journey to Bethlehem, the birth in the manger, the angels, and the shepherds.
John 1:1-18: The Prologue, proclaiming Jesus as the Word made flesh, full of grace and truth.
Key Themes
Fulfillment of Prophecy: The Old Testament readings point to the coming of a promised Messiah.
Incarnation: The Word of God becoming human in Jesus.
Light & Salvation: Jesus as the light overcoming darkness, bringing salvation and peace.
God's Love: God's indescribable gift of His Son, says 2 Corinthians 9:15.
Common Christmas Mass Readings
There are usually four different sets of readings for Christmas, depending on the specific Mass (Vigil, Midnight, Dawn, Day).
First Readings (Old Testament)
Isaiah 9:1-7: Prophesies a great light, a child born for us, the Mighty God, and the Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 52:7-10: Focuses on the beauty of the messenger bringing good news, peace, and salvation.
Isaiah 52:11-12: (Often used in Dawn Mass) Focuses on the joy of the Lord's return and the light dawning.
Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 98: "All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God".
Psalm 97: "A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us" (Dawn Mass).
Psalm 96: "Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord" (Night Mass).
Second Readings
Titus 2:11-14: God's grace has appeared, teaching us to live righteously, waiting for Christ.
Hebrews 1:1-6: God has spoken to us through His Son, who created the world and reflects His glory.
Acts 10:34-38: (Often used in other Christmas Masses) God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit.
Gospel Readings
Matthew 1:1-25: The genealogy of Jesus and His birth to Mary, conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Luke 2:1-20: The journey to Bethlehem, the birth in the manger, the angels, and the shepherds.
John 1:1-18: The Prologue, proclaiming Jesus as the Word made flesh, full of grace and truth.
Key Themes
Fulfillment of Prophecy: The Old Testament readings point to the coming of a promised Messiah.
Incarnation: The Word of God becoming human in Jesus.
Light & Salvation: Jesus as the light overcoming darkness, bringing salvation and peace.
God's Love: God's indescribable gift of His Son, says 2 Corinthians 9:15.
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