December 25, 2023 – Christmas of the Lord

+ From the Gospel according to Luke (2, 1 -14)

In those days a decree from Caesar Augustus ordered that a census be taken of the whole land. This first census was taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone went to be registered, each in their own city.
Joseph also, from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, went up to Judea to the city of David called Bethlehem: he in fact belonged to the house and family of David. He had to be registered together with Maria, his wife, who was pregnant.
While they were in that place, the days of her giving birth came to pass. She gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling clothes and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the lodging.
There were some shepherds in that region who, staying in the open air, kept watch all night guarding their flock. An angel of the Lord presented himself to them and the glory of the Lord surrounded them with light. They were filled with great fear, but the angel said to them: «Do not be afraid: behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which will be for all the people: today, in the city of David, a Savior is born for you, who is Christ. Gentleman. This is the sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
And immediately a multitude of the heavenly army appeared with the angel, praising God and saying:
«Glory to God in the highest heaven
and on earth peace to men whom he loves.”

Word of the Lord