A.D. 2004 December 25

Nativity of the Lord (Christmas Day)

unknown Indian artist, *Nativity*, c. 1720–c. 1725, National Museum of India, New Delhi.

Lessons

Any of the following three propers may be used on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

The readings from propers II and III for Christmas may be used as alternatives for Christmas Day. If proper III is not used on Christmas Day, it should be used at some service during the Christmas cycle because of the significance of John’s prologue.

Revised Common Lectionary — Year A

I

A child is born for us — Isaiah 9:2–7
Let the earth be glad — Psalm 96
The grace of God has appeared — Titus 2:11–14
God with us — Luke 2:1–20 or 2:1–14

II

God comes to restore the people — Isaiah 62:6–12
Light springs up for the righteous — Psalm 97
Saved through water and the Spirit — Titus 3:4–7
The birth of the Messiah revealed to shepherds — Luke 2:1–20 or 2:8–20

III

Heralds announce God’s salvation — Isaiah 52:7–10
The victory of our God — Psalm 98
God has spoken by a Son — Hebrews 1:1–12 or 1:1–4
The Word became flesh — John 1:1–14

Liturgical Colors

White or Gold