Christmas - Solemnity - * Holy Day of Obligation *

First Reading: Isaiah 9:2–7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96: 1–2a, 2b–3, 11–12, 13
Second Reading: Titus 2:11–14
Gospel: Luke 2:1–14

First Reading
Isaiah 9:2–7
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end,on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

The word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 96: 1–2a, 2b–3, 11–12, 13
R. Unto us is born this day a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.

O sing a new song to the Lord; sing to the Lord, all the earth. O sing to the Lord; bless his name.
R. Unto us is born this day a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.

Proclaim his salvation day by day. Tell among the nations his glory, and his wonders among all the peoples.
R. Unto us is born this day a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.

Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad; let the sea and all within it thunder praise. Let the land and all it bears rejoice.
R. Unto us is born this day a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.

Then will all the trees of the wood shout for joy at the presence of the Lord, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice; he will govern the peoples with his truth.
R. Unto us is born this day a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.
Beloved: The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

The word of the Lord.

Gospel
Luke 2:1–14
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee,from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths 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, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

The Gospel of the Lord.