A.D. 2004 December 25
The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Christmas Day)
unknown Indian artist, Nativity, c. 1720–c. 1725, National Museum of India, New Delhi.
Collects
O God, who makest us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of thy only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that as we joyfully receive him for our Redeemer, so we may with sure confidence behold him when he shall come to be our Judge; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
or
O God, who hast caused this holy night to shine with the illumination of the true Light: Grant us, we beseech thee, that as we have known the mystery of that Light upon earth, so may we also perfectly enjoy him in heaven; where with thee and the Holy Spirit he liveth and reigneth, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
or
Almighty God, who hast given us thy only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin: Grant that we, being regenerate and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.
Lessons
Revised Common Lectionary — Year A
I
II
III
Daily Office Lectionary — Year One
Morning Prayer
Evening Prayer
- Psalm 110; 132 or 110:1–5; 132
- Micah 4:1–5; 5:2–4 (optional)
- John 3:31–36
1979 Lectionary — Year A
I
II
III
Prefaces
Because thou didst give Jesus Christ, thine only Son, to be born for us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Ghost, was made very Man of the substance of the Virgin Mary his mother; that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin, and receive power to become thy children.
Liturgical Colours
White or Gold