First Mass of the Nativity of Our Lord: Missa “Dóminus dixit”
This first Mass at Midnight for the Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord, the Redeemer of mankind, has always been held at the Station of St. Mary Major where the relics of the Bethlehem crib are kept for it was at midnight that Our Lady brought forth her first-born Son into the world and laid Him in a cradle, or a manger. As we saw in Advent, the first Coming of Our Lord prepares us for the second Coming.
This Mass is often called the “Mass of the Angels” (Missa de Angelis) because of the heavenly multitude that appeared to the shepherds and announced the birth of the Saviour. Before the Mass the “Proclamation” is sung, announcing the impending Incarnation and setting it in the context of history. The Gloria is also sung for the first time since the beginning of Lent and after being intoned is celebrated with a fanfare and bells (like Maundy Thursday and the Easter Vigil) joyfully recalling the first singing of the Angelic anthem to the shepherds. Also, immediately after the Consecration, to commemorate the first appearing of the Incarnation, “Yea Lord we greet Thee” is sung from the hymn, Adeste Fidelis. Finally, at the end of the Mass, the Bambino is processed from the Altar to the Crib and the Last Gospel read there as a First Visit.
The Proclamation
The year from the creation of the world, when in the beginning God created heaven and earth, five thousand one hundred and ninety-nine;
from the deluge, the year two thousand nine hundred and fifty-seven;
from the birth of Abraham, the year two thousand five hundred and fifteen;
from Moses and the going forth of the people of Israel from Egypt, the year one thousand five hundred and ten;
from David’s being anointed King, the year one thousand and thirty-two;
in the sixty-fifth week, according to the prophecy of Daniel;
in the one hundred and ninety-fourth Olympiad;
from the building of the city of Rome, the year seven hundred and fifty-two;
in the forty-second year of the reign of Octavian Augustus,
the whole world being at peace;
in the sixth age of the world;
in the year of Our Lord Jesus Christ two thousand and twenty-five;
Jesus Christ, the eternal God and Son of the eternal Father,
wishing to consecrate the world by His most merciful coming,
being conceived of the Holy Ghost,
and nine months since His conception having passed,
was born in Bethlehem of Judaea of the Virgin Mary, being made Man.
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO THE FLESH.
INTROIT Psalm 2: 7
The Lord hath said to me: Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee. (Ps. 2: 1) Why have the gentiles raged, and the people devised vain things? v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Repeat The Lord hath said…
COLLECT
Grant us, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that we on whom the new light of Thy Incarnate Word is poured, may show forth in our works that brightness which now doth illuminate our minds by faith. Through the same our Lord Jesus Christ. Who with Thee livest and reignest, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end. R. Amen.
EPISTLE Titus 2: 11-15
Lesson from the Epistle of Blessed Paul the Apostle to Titus. Dearly beloved, The grace of God our Saviour hath appeared to all men, instructing us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly and justly and godly in this world, looking for the blessed hope and coming of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and might cleanse to Himself a people acceptable, a pursuer of good works. These things speak and exhort: in Christ Jesus our Lord.
GRADUAL/ALLELUIA Psalm 109: 39
With Thee is the principality in the day of Thy strength: in the brightness of the Saints, from the womb before the daystar I begot Thee. V. The Lord said to my Lord: Sit Thou at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool. Alleluia, alleluia. (Ps. 2: 7) The Lord hath said to me, Thou art My Son, this day I have begotten Thee. Alleluia.
GOSPEL Luke 2: 1-14
At that time there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled. This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his espoused wife, who was with child. And it came to pass that when they were there, her days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger: because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds watching and keeping the night watches over their flock. And behold an Angel of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone around about them, and they feared with a great fear. And the Angel said to them: Fear not; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people: for this day is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. And this shall be a sign unto you: you shall find the Infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. And suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God and Saying: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will.
OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Psalm 95: 11-13
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad before the face of the Lord: because He cometh.
1 O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come, and behold Him, born the King of angels!
Refrain:
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!
2 God of God, Light of Light,
lo, He abhors not the virgin’s womb;
very God, begotten not created; [Refrain]
3 Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation;
sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest![Refrain]
4 Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing! [Refrain]
SECRET
May our offering on this day’s feast be acceptable to Thee, O Lord, we beseech Thee: that by Thy bounteous grace, though this sacred interchange, we may be found like unto Him, in whom our nature is united to Thee. Who with Thee liveth… Amen.
PREFACE of the Nativity
It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God: for through the Mystery of the word made flesh, the new light of Thy glory hath shone upon the eyes of our mind, so that while we acknowledge God in visible form, we may be through Him be drawn to the love of things invisible. And therefore with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dóminations, and with all the hosts of the heavenly army, we sing the hymn of Thy glory, evermore saying:
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY…
ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
Oh my Jesus,
I believe that Thou art present in the Blessed Sacrament.
I love Thee above all things, and I desire Thee in my soul.
Since I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
As though Thou were already there,
I embrace Thee and unite myself wholly to Thee.
Permit not that I should ever be separated from Thee. Amen.
1 Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child!
Holy Infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
2 Silent night, holy night,
Darkness flies, all is light;
Shepherds hear the angels sing,
“Alleluia! hail the King!
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born.”
3 Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
4 Silent night, holy night,
Wondrous star, lend the light;
With the angels let us sing
Alleluia to our King;
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born.
COMMUNION ANTIPHON Psalm 109. 3
In the brightness of the saints, from the womb before the day star I begot thee.
POSTCOMMUNION
Grant to us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that we, who rejoice in celebrating by these Mysteries, the Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, may by worthy lives, deserve to attain unto fellowship with Him. Who with Thee liveth… R. Amen.
1 Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King:
peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
join the triumph of the skies;
with th’angelic hosts proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Refrain:
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King”
2 Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
late in time behold him come,
offspring of the Virgin’s womb:
veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
hail th’incarnate Deity,
pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel. [Refrain]
3 Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth. [Refrain]
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