First Reading
The people that walked in darkness has seen a great light; on those who live in a
land of deep shadow a light has shone. You have made their gladness greater,
you have made their joy increase; they rejoice in your presence as men rejoice at
harvest time, as men are happy when they are dividing the spoils. For the yoke
that was weighing on him, the bar across his shoulders, the rod of his oppressor,
these you break as on the day of Midian. For all the footgear of battle, every cloak
rolled in blood, is burnt, and consumed by fire. For there is a child born for us, a
son given to us and dominion is laid on his shoulders; and this is the name they
give him: Wonder-Counsellor, Mighty-God, Eternal-Father, Prince-of-Peace. Wide is
his dominion in a peace that has no end, for the throne of David and for his royal
power, which he establishes and makes secure in justice and integrity. From this
time onwards and for ever, the jealous love of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Second Reading
God's grace has been revealed, and it has made salvation possible for the whole
human race and taught us that what we have to do is to give up everything that
does not lead to God, and all our worldly ambitions; we must be self-restrained
and live good and religious lives here in this present world, while we are waiting
in hope for the blessing which will come with the Appearing of the glory of our
great God and saviour Christ Jesus. He sacrificed himself for us in order to set us
free from all wickedness and to purify a people so that it could be his very own
and would have no ambition except to do good.
Gospel
Now at this time Caesar Augustus issued a decree for a census of the whole world to be
taken. This census – the first – took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria, and
everyone went to his own town to be registered. So Joseph set out from the town of
Nazareth in Galilee and travelled up to Judaea, to the town of David called Bethlehem,
since he was of David's House and line, in order to be registered together 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 a son, her first-born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes,
and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn. In the
countryside close by there were shepherds who lived in the fields and took it in turns to
watch their flocks during the night. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the
glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, but the angel said, "Do not be
afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people.
Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And
here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a
manger." And suddenly with the angel there was a great throng of the heavenly host,
praising God and singing: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to men who
enjoy his favour".
Meditation
The eyes of faith see human history as salvation history. God's actions are discerned in the mundane and dramatic events that we live. Israelites saw God's call in the migration of their ancestor Abraham. Their later escape from Egypt was not just a natural phenomenon of low tide in the Reed Sea. It was the hand of God acting through Moses. David, son of Jesse, was the brave leader and king, exercising power from God in new ways for new historical and sociological circumstances. Israel's later exile was still another meeting of God's power, a judgement on their infidelity. Even in such dark times, indeed especially in darkness, the light of God shines in history. The people were able to say: "You shall be called 'My Delight' and your land 'Espoused'. For the Lord delights in you." Those who walked in darkness were able to see a great light. This is the heart of the Christmas mystery. God always takes the initiative. We are ever in awe before the hope enfleshed in history. The Christmas Midnight gospel is by far the most popular passage for this day. The other selections are rich in history, theology, and poetry, but we keep returning to Luke 2. The details are simple: Caesar Augustus ordering a census, Joseph and Mary travelling to David's town of Bethlehem, a first-born son wrapped in swaddling clothes. Yet the mystery and power they evoke are beyond telling. We might remember school plays and blankets used as costumes. We might thrill at brilliant musical tributes to this babe. And then we might feel a tug at the conscience. Jesus did appear first to the poor shepherds. His presence calls us to live "temperately, justly, and devoutly." Through all these emotions and nostalgia the simple truth is opened for our assent: God has visited us. NAVIDAD 25 de diciembre
CHRISMAS: DAY (A)
A READING FROM THE PROPHET ISAIAH 52:7-10 How beautiful on the mountains, are the feet of one who brings good news, who heralds peace, brings happiness, proclaims salvation, and tells Zion, "Your God is king!" Listen! Your watchmen raise their voices, they shout for joy together, for they see the Lord face to face, as he returns to Zion. Break into shouts of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the Lord is consoling his people, redeeming Jerusalem. The Lord bares his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm
Sing a new song to the Lord
for he has worked wonders.
His right hand and his holy arm
have brought salvation.
The Lord has made known his salvation;
has shown his justice to the nations.
He has remembered his truth and love
for the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation of our God.
Shout to the Lord all the earth,
ring out your joy.
Sing psalms to the Lord with the harp,
with the sound of music.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
acclaim the King, the Lord.
Gospel
Now at this time Caesar Augustus issued a decree for a census of the whole world to be
taken. This census – the first – took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria, and
everyone went to his own town to be registered. So Joseph set out from the town of
Nazareth in Galilee and travelled up to Judaea, to the town of David called Bethlehem,
since he was of David's House and line, in order to be registered together 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 a son, her first-born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes,
and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn. In the
countryside close by there were shepherds who lived in the fields and took it in turns to
watch their flocks during the night. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the
glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, but the angel said, "Do not be
afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people.
Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And
here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a
manger." And suddenly with the angel there was a great throng of the heavenly host,
praising God and singing: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to men who
enjoy his favour".
Meditation
The eyes of faith see human history as salvation history. God's actions are discerned in the mundane and dramatic events that we live. Israelites saw God's call in the migration of their ancestor Abraham. Their later escape from Egypt was not just a natural phenomenon of low tide in the Reed Sea. It was the hand of God acting through Moses. David, son of Jesse, was the brave leader and king, exercising power from God in new ways for new historical and sociological circumstances. Israel's later exile was still another meeting of God's power, a judgement on their infidelity. Even in such dark times, indeed especially in darkness, the light of God shines in history. The people were able to say: "You shall be called 'My Delight' and your land 'Espoused'. For the Lord delights in you." Those who walked in darkness were able to see a great light. This is the heart of the Christmas mystery. God always takes the initiative. We are ever in awe before the hope enfleshed in history. The Christmas Midnight gospel is by far the most popular passage for this day. The other selections are rich in history, theology, and poetry, but we keep returning to Luke 2. The details are simple: Caesar Augustus ordering a census, Joseph and Mary travelling to David's town of Bethlehem, a first-born son wrapped in swaddling clothes. Yet the mystery and power they evoke are beyond telling. We might remember school plays and blankets used as costumes. We might thrill at brilliant musical tributes to this babe. And then we might feel a tug at the conscience. Jesus did appear first to the poor shepherds. His presence calls us to live "temperately, justly, and devoutly." Through all these emotions and nostalgia the simple truth is opened for our assent: God has visited us. NAVIDAD 25 de diciembre
A READING FROM THE LETTER TO THE HEBREWS 1:1-6 At various times in the past and in various different ways, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; but in our own time, the last days, he has spoken to us through his Son, the Son that he has appointed to inherit everything and through whom he made everything there is. He is the radiant light of God's glory and the perfect copy of his nature, sustaining the universe by his powerful command; and now that he has destroyed the defilement of sin, he has gone to take his place in heaven at the right hand of divine Majesty. So he is now as far above the angels as the title which he has inherited is higher than their own name. God has never said to any angel: You are my Son, today I have become your father; or, I will be a father to him and he a son to me. Again, when he brings the First-born into the world, he says: Let all the angels of God worship him. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
THE BEGINNING OF THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN 1:1-18 Glory to you, Lord. In the beginning was the Word: the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things came to be, not one thing had its being but through him. All that came to be had life in him and that life was the light of men, a light that shines in the dark, a light that darkness could not overpower. A man came, sent by God. His name was John. He came as a witness, as a witness to speak for the light, so that everyone might believe through him. He was not the light, only a witness to speak for the light. The Word was the true light that enlightens all men; and he was coming into the world. He was in the world that had its being through him, and the world did not know him. He came to his own domain and his own people did not accept him. But to all who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to all who believe in the name of him who was born not out of human stock or urge of the flesh, or will of man but of God himself. The Word was made flesh, he lived among us, and we saw his glory, the glory that is his as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
