The Nativity of the Lord

Liturgy of the Word

at Midnight Mass:

Is. 9:1-6;

Ps. 96:1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13;

Ti. 2:11-14;

Lk. 2: 1-14.

Some Notes on Christmas:

Christmas had various names: “Cristes Messe,” in old English (the Mass of Christ); “Dies Natalis” in Latin (Natal Day). Sometimes, we see the word “Xmas.” The letter “X” (Chi) is the first letter in “Christos,” Christ. Hence, Xmas is a sacred name, although it is sometimes used to secularize Christmas.

It was not among the earliest festivals of the Church. The day of Christmas is first mentioned about AD 200 by Clement of Alexandria, who said that certain Egyptian theologians assigned Christ’s birth on the 20th of May. Others placed it on the 28th of March. Clement also said that other Egyptians celebrated Christmas and Epiphany on the 10th or 6th of January. This double commemoration became popular.

The tradition of celebrating Jesus’ birth on 25 December emerged in the 4th century. On the instance of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Pope Julius (337-352) assigned 25 December for Christ’s birthday. By the 5th century, 25 December was firmly celebrated.

Noteworthy is the transformation of the 25 December birthday of the pagan idol “Sol Invictus” into the birthday of Christ, the true Unconquered Sun.

The Gelasian and Gregorian Sacramentaries give Three Masses to Christmas, at midnight, dawn, and day. St. Thomas Aquinas interpreted this triple Mass to refer to a triple birth of Christ: in Eternity, in Time, and in the Soul (ST III:83:2).

Since the early 20th century, Christmas has evolved from a religious festival to an almost totally cultural holiday, devoid of the Christ-Child, with Santa Claus as the pivotal figure. Nonetheless, the jolly figure of Santa Claus is inspired by Saint Nicholas, the 4th century bishop of Myra (in modern day Turkey). His acts of generosity inspired the legend of the secular Santa Claus.

1st Reading at Midnight Mass — Is. 9:1-6.

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone” (v. 1). “You have brought them abundant joy” (v. 2). “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us, upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-hero, Father-Forever, Prince of peace” (v. 5). The Lord sustains David’s throne and kingdom with justice forever. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful (v. 6). Isaiah prophetically alludes to Christ’s birth. lesus is of the house of David and will sustain David’s kingdom forever.

Resp. Ps. 96:1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13. Refrain — “Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.”

“Sing to the Lord a new song, sing to the Lord all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Tell his glory among the nations; among all peoples, his marvelous deeds” (vv. 1-3). “Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice.... before the Lord who comes to govern... the world with justice and the peoples with faithfulness” (vv. 11-13). The Psalm elaborates the themes of the 1st Reading.

2nd Reading, Ti. 2: 11-14.

“For the grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly and devoutly in the age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a people as His own, eager to do what is good” (vv. 11-14).

Titus exhorts us to live a holy life, because our Savior has come and has made us His people and now we await His coming again in glory.

Gospel, Lk. 2:1-14. The Birth of Jesus. Since Joseph is from the house of David, he and Mary go to Bethlehem from Nazareth to enroll themselves as decreed by the Roman emperor Caesar Augustus (vv. 1-5).

While they are there, Mary gives birth to her son. She wraps him in swaddling clothes and lays him in a manger, “because there was no room for them in the inn” (vv. 6-7). An awesome mystery. The son of David and the Son of God, our Lord and Savior, prophesied by Old Testament prophets, is born poor in his own hometown. But his birth is also a prophecy in action of his death of desolation on the Cross — the paradox of God’s glory appearing in utter poverty.

Christmas is the celebration of Jesus Christ — the Incarnation of God with us. It is a time to reflect on the significance of Jesus’ birth, emphasizing themes of love, peace and goodwill toward all.

Collect of Midnight Mass — O God, you have made this most sacred night radiant with the splendor of the true light. Grant, we pray, that we who have known the mysteries of His light on earth, may also delight in His gladness in heaven, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.