Daily Readings

Reading 1 1 Jn 2:12-17 I am writing to you, children,because your sins have been forgiven for his name's sake.I am writing to you, fathers,because you know him who is from the beginning.I am writing to you, young men,because you have conquered the Evil One.I write to you, children,because you know the Father.I write to you, fathers,because you know him who is from the beginning.I write to you, young men,because you are strong and the word of God remains in you,and you have conquered the Evil One.Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world,sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life,is not from the Father but is from the world. Yet the world and its enticement are passing away. But whoever does the will of God remains forever. Responsorial Psalm Ps 96:7-8a, 8b-9, 10 R. (11a) Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!Give to the LORD, you families of nations,give to the LORD glory and praise;give to the LORD the glory due his name!R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!Bring gifts, and enter his courts;worship the LORD in holy attire.Tremble before him, all the earth.R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!Say among the nations: The LORD is king.He has made the world firm, not to be moved;he governs the peoples with equity. R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Alleluia R. Alleluia, alleluia.A holy day has dawned upon us.Come, you nations, and adore the Lord.Today a great light has come upon the earth.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Lk 2:36-40 There was a prophetess, Anna,the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years,having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple,but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time,she gave thanks to God and spoke about the childto all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.When they had fulfilled all the prescriptionsof the law of the Lord,they returned to Galilee,to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;and the favor of God was upon him. - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading I Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 God sets a father in honor over his children;     a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons. Whoever honors his father atones for sins,     and preserves himself from them. When he prays, he is heard;     he stores up riches who reveres his mother. Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children,     and, when he prays, is heard. Whoever reveres his father will live a long life;     he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother. My son, take care of your father when he is old;     grieve him not as long as he lives. Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him;     revile him not all the days of his life; kindness to a father will not be forgotten,     firmly planted against the debt of your sins     —a house raised in justice to you. OR: 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28 In those days Hannah conceived, and at the end of her term bore a son whom she called Samuel, since she had asked the LORD for him. The next time her husband Elkanah was going up with the rest of his household to offer the customary sacrifice to the LORD and to fulfill his vows, Hannah did not go, explaining to her husband, “Once the child is weaned, I will take him to appear before the LORD and to remain there forever; I will offer him as a perpetual nazirite.” Once Samuel was weaned, Hannah brought him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and presented him at the temple of the LORD in Shiloh. After the boy’s father had sacrificed the young bull, Hannah, his mother, approached Eli and said: “Pardon, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the LORD. I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request. Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD.” Hannah left Samuel there. Responsorial Psalm Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5. R. (cf. 1)  Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,    who walks in his ways! For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;    blessed shall you be, and favored. R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine    in the recesses of your home; your children like olive plants    around your table. R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. Behold, thus is the man blessed    who fears the LORD. The LORD bless you from Zion:    may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem    all the days of your life. R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. OR: Ps 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10. R. (cf. 5a)  Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord. How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!     My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the LORD. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. R. Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord. Happy they who dwell in your house!     Continually they praise you. Happy the men whose strength you are!     Their hearts are set upon the pilgrimage. R. Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord. O LORD of hosts, hear our prayer;     hearken, O God of Jacob! O God, behold our shield,     and look upon the face of your anointed. R. Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord. Reading II Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 Brothers and sisters: Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another,  if one has a grievance against another;  as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love,  that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,  the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,  as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,  singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs  with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed,  do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,  giving thanks to God the Father through him.   Wives, be subordinate to your husbands,  as is proper in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives,  and avoid any bitterness toward them. Children, obey your parents in everything,  for this is pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children,  so they may not become discouraged. OR: Brothers and sisters: Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another,  if one has a grievance against another;  as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love,  that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,  the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,  as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,  singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs  with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed,  do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,  giving thanks to God the Father through him.   OR: 1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24 Beloved: See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. And so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence in God and receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. And his commandment is this: we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he commanded us. Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them, and the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit he gave us. Alleluia Col 3:15a, 16a R. Alleluia, alleluia. Let the peace of Christ control your hearts; Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. R. Alleluia, alleluia. OR: Cf. Acts 16:14b R. Alleluia, alleluia. Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son. R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Lk 2:41-52 Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover,  and when he was twelve years old,  they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning,  the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem,  but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances,  but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple,  sitting in the midst of the teachers,  listening to them and asking them questions,  and all who heard him were astounded  at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished,  and his mother said to him,  “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them;  and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man. - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 1 Jn 1:5—2:2 Beloved:This is the message that we have heard from Jesus Christand proclaim to you:God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all.If we say, "We have fellowship with him," while we continue to walk in darkness,we lie and do not act in truth.But if we walk in the light as he is in the light,then we have fellowship with one another,and the Blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin.If we say, "We are without sin,"we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing.If we say, "We have not sinned," we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.My children, I am writing this to youso that you may not commit sin.But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one.He is expiation for our sins,and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world. Responsorial Psalm Ps 124:2-3, 4-5, 7cd-8 R. (7) Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler's snare.Had not the LORD been with us—When men rose up against us,then would they have swallowed us alive,When their fury was inflamed against us.R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler's snare.Then would the waters have overwhelmed us;The torrent would have swept over us;over us then would have swept the raging waters.R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler's snare.Broken was the snare,and we were freed.Our help is in the name of the LORD,who made heaven and earth.R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler's snare. Alleluia See R. Alleluia, alleluia.We praise you, O God,we acclaim you as Lord;the white robed army of martyrs praise you.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 2:13-18 When the magi had departed, behold,the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,"Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt,and stay there until I tell you.Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him."Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by nightand departed for Egypt.He stayed there until the death of Herod,that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled,Out of Egypt I called my son.When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi,he became furious.He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinitytwo years old and under,in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi.Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet:A voice was heard in Ramah,sobbing and loud lamentation;Rachel weeping for her children,and she would not be consoled,since they were no more. - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 1 Jn 1:1-4 Beloved:What was from the beginning,what we have heard,what we have seen with our eyes,what we looked uponand touched with our handsconcerns the Word of life —for the life was made visible;we have seen it and testify to itand proclaim to you the eternal lifethat was with the Father and was made visible to us— what we have seen and heardwe proclaim now to you,so that you too may have fellowship with us;for our fellowship is with the Fatherand with his Son, Jesus Christ.We are writing this so that our joy may be complete. Responsorial Psalm Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12 R. (12) Rejoice in the Lord, you just!The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;let the many isles be glad.Clouds and darkness are around him,justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne.R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,before the LORD of all the earth.The heavens proclaim his justice,and all peoples see his glory.R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!Light dawns for the just;and gladness, for the upright of heart.Be glad in the LORD, you just,and give thanks to his holy name.R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just! Alleluia See R. Alleluia, alleluia.We praise you, O God,we acclaim you as Lord;the glorious company of Apostles praise you.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Jn 20:1a and 2-8 On the first day of the week,Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peterand to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them,"They have taken the Lord from the tomb,and we do not know where they put him."So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peterand arrived at the tomb first;he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in.When Simon Peter arrived after him,he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there,and the cloth that had covered his head,not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.Then the other disciple also went in,the one who had arrived at the tomb first,and he saw and believed. - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59 Stephen, filled with grace and power,was working great wonders and signs among the people.Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen,Cyrenians, and Alexandrians,and people from Cilicia and Asia,came forward and debated with Stephen,but they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke.When they heard this, they were infuriated,and they ground their teeth at him.But he, filled with the Holy Spirit,looked up intently to heavenand saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,and he said,"Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Manstanding at the right hand of God."But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears,and rushed upon him together.They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him.The witnesses laid down their cloaksat the feet of a young man named Saul. As they were stoning Stephen, he called out"Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Responsorial Psalm Ps 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17 R. (6) Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.Be my rock of refuge,a stronghold to give me safety.You are my rock and my fortress;for your name's sake you will lead and guide me.R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.Into your hands I commend my spirit;you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God.I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy.R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.Rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors.Let your face shine upon your servant;save me in your kindness.R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. Alleluia Ps 118:26a, 27a R. Alleluia, alleluia.Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD:the LORD is God and has given us light.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 10:17-22 Jesus said to his disciples:"Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courtsand scourge you in their synagogues,and you will be led before governors and kings for my sakeas a witness before them and the pagans.When they hand you over,do not worry about how you are to speakor what you are to say.You will be given at that moment what you are to say.For it will not be you who speakbut the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.Brother will hand over brother to death,and the father his child;children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.You will be hated by all because of my name,but whoever endures to the end will be saved." - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Readings for the Mass during the NightReadings for the Mass at DawnReadings for the Mass during the DayReadings for the The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Reading I Is 62:1-5     For Zion’s sake I will not be silent,         for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet,     until her vindication shines forth like the dawn         and her victory like a burning torch.     Nations shall behold your vindication,         and all the kings your glory;     you shall be called by a new name         pronounced by the mouth of the LORD.     You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the LORD,         a royal diadem held by your God.     No more shall people call you “Forsaken,”         or your land “Desolate,”     but you shall be called “My Delight,”         and your land “Espoused.”     For the LORD delights in you         and makes your land his spouse.     As a young man marries a virgin,         your Builder shall marry you;     and as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride         so shall your God rejoice in you. Responsorial Psalm Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29. R. (2a)  For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. I have made a covenant with my chosen one,    I have sworn to David my servant: Forever will I confirm your posterity    and establish your throne for all generations. R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. Blessed the people who know the joyful shout;    in the light of your countenance, O LORD, they walk. At your name they rejoice all the day,    and through your justice they are exalted. R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. He shall say of me, “You are my father,    my God, the rock, my savior.” Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him,    and my covenant with him stands firm. R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. Reading II Acts 13:16-17, 22-25 When Paul reached Antioch in Pisidia and entered the synagogue, he stood up, motioned with his hand, and said,  “Fellow Israelites and you others who are God-fearing, listen. The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors  and exalted the people during their sojourn in the land of Egypt. With uplifted arm he led them out of it. Then he removed Saul and raised up David as king; of him he testified, ‘I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will carry out my every wish.’ From this man’s descendants God, according to his promise,  has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus. John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance  to all the people of Israel;  and as John was completing his course, he would say,  ‘What do you suppose that I am?  I am not he. Behold, one is coming after me;  I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.’” Alleluia R. Alleluia, alleluia. Tomorrow the wickedness of the earth will be destroyed: the Savior of the world will reign over us. R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 1:1-25 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ,  the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob,  Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram,  Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king. David became the father of Solomon,  whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz,  Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile. After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel,  Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud,  Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob,  Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations;  from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations;  from the Babylonian exile to the Christ, fourteen generations.  Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,  but before they lived together,  she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,  yet unwilling to expose her to shame,  decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,  “Joseph, son of David,  do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit  that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,  because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:     Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,         and they shall name him Emmanuel,  which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him  and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son,  and he named him Jesus. OR: Mt 1:18-25 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,  but before they lived together,  she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,  yet unwilling to expose her to shame,  decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,  “Joseph, son of David,  do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit  that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,  because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:     Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,         and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him  and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son,  and he named him Jesus. - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Readings for the Vigil MassReadings for the Mass at DawnReadings for the Mass during the DayReadings for the The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Reading I Is 9:1-6     The people who walked in darkness         have seen a great light;     upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom         a light has shone.     You have brought them abundant joy         and great rejoicing,     as they rejoice before you as at the harvest,         as people make merry when dividing spoils.     For the yoke that burdened them,         the pole on their shoulder,     and the rod of their taskmaster         you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.     For every boot that tramped in battle,         every cloak rolled in blood,         will be burned as fuel for flames.     For a child is born to us, a son is given us;         upon his shoulder dominion rests.     They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,         Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.     His dominion is vast         and forever peaceful,     from David’s throne, and over his kingdom,         which he confirms and sustains     by judgment and justice,         both now and forever.     The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this! Responsorial Psalm Ps 96: 1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13. R. (Lk 2:11)  Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord. Sing to the LORD a new song;    sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless his name. R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord. Announce his salvation, day after day.     Tell his glory among the nations;     among all peoples, his wondrous deeds. R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;    let the sea and what fills it resound;    let the plains be joyful and all that is in them! Then shall all the trees of the forest exult. R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord. They shall exult before the LORD, for he comes;    for he comes to rule the earth. He shall rule the world with justice    and the peoples with his constancy. R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord. Reading II Ti 2:11-14 Beloved: 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 this age,  as we await the blessed hope,  the appearance of the glory of our great God  and 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. Alleluia Lk 2:10-11 R. Alleluia, alleluia. I proclaim to you good news of great joy: today a Savior is born for us, Christ the Lord. R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Lk 2:1-14 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment,  when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth  to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem,  because he was of the house and family of David,  to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child,  and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger,  because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields  and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them  and the glory of the Lord shone around them,  and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy  that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David  a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you:  you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes  and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:     “Glory to God in the highest         and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.