December 25 - Midnight Mass

Published: Dec. 24, 2023, 2 a.m.

(Is.9:1-6;\xa0\xa0 Ps.96:1-3,11-13;\xa0\xa0 Ti.2:11-14;\xa0\xa0 Lk.2:1-14) \xa0 \u201cToday in the city of David\xa0 a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.\u201d \xa0 Here is the \u201cinfant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger\u201d; here is He who saves all from sin, born into our humble humanity. Yes, \u201ca child is born to us, a son is given us,\u201d and \u201cupon His shoulder dominion rests.\u201d\xa0 This little one wrapped in our own flesh is indeed named \u201cWonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.\xa0 His dominion is vast and forever peaceful,\u201d for He rules all the earth with His loving justice.\xa0 And so what should we do but \u201cannounce His salvation, day after day\u201d?\xa0 What can we who are overwhelmed with the joy of His presence in our midst do but \u201ctell His glory among the nations; among all peoples, His wondrous deeds.\u201d\xa0 For He has come for all nations and all people, to live in their hearts this day. \u201cLet the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice\u201d; and let all mankind join the angels in their song of praise: \u201cGlory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.\u201d\xa0 The Lord has come \u201cto deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a people as His own,\u201d to bring His surpassing peace to all souls set on His goodness and His glory.\xa0 So, let us be \u201ceager to do what is good,\u201d that we might be as He is, that we might share in His eternal peace. To Bethlehem the Virgin came at the time of the census.\xa0 There \u201cthe time came for her to have her child,\u201d He who is our Bread of Life.\xa0 For He is enrolled among our number now; God has been made man \u2013 and nothing could give life to waiting souls like this miracle of new birth in our midst.\xa0 And so, let us know the humble shepherd\u2019s awe; let us hear the word the angel brings, for he \u201cproclaim[s] to [us] good news of great joy that will be for all people.\u201d\xa0 Jesus our Savior is with us today. \xa0 Written & chanted by James Kurt; read by Sylvia Kurt; produced by Carie Fortney. \xa0 Music by Carie Fortney; used by permission. \xa0 ******* O LORD, your glory is revealed to us this day, and so let us offer you due praise.\xa0 YHWH, your Son is born in our midst and so reveals your glory to us.\xa0 His light now shines in this dark world, and so men are saved from their sins.\xa0 O let us worship Him who is the very imprint of your Being! who is one with you.\xa0 You are with us this day in your Son, and what should we do but rejoice. Glory to you, LORD and GOD, for now the feet of Jesus walk among us and peace is proclaimed to the ends of the earth; salvation is ours by the grace and truth He brings to this land.\xa0 Let all eyes behold the salvation He has wrought in our midst.\xa0 Let all souls break out in song in praise of His glory. It is our joy to worship you, O LORD, and the only Son whom you have sent.\xa0 For you are our life; in you we are born \u2013 by you all Creation comes to be.\xa0 And now you are with us in the flesh of your Son; now your dwelling is among us.\xa0 To us this day please bring your peace.