Sunday within the Octave of the Nativity
Introit: Wisdom xviii: 14-15
[Latin Text]
While all things were in quiet silence, and the night was in the midst of its
course, Thine almighty Word, O Lord, came down from heaven from Thy royal
throne. [Ps.] The Lord has reigned, He is clothed with beauty. The Lord is
clothed with strength, and has girded Himself. Glory be.... While all things....
Collect:
Almighty and everlasting God, direct our actions according to Thy good
pleasure: that we may deserve to abound in good works in the name of Thy beloved
Son: Who with Thee liveth....
Collect of the Octave:
Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the new birth in the flesh of
Thine only begotten Son may set us free, whom the old bondage doth hold under
the yoke of sin.
Epistle: Galatians iv: 1-7
A reading from the Epistle of blessed Paul the Apostle to the Galatians:
Brethren, as long as the heir is a child, he differs not from a servant, even
though he be lord of all; but he is under tutors and governors until the time
appointed by the father. So we also, when we were children, were serving under
the elements of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His
Son, made of a woman, made under the law, that He might redeem them that were
under the law; that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because you are
sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, "Abba,
Father!" Therefore now, he is not a servant but a son; and if a son, an
heir also through God.
Gradual: Psalm xliv: 3, 2
Thou art beautiful above the sons of men; grace is poured out upon thy lips.
My heart has uttered a good word, I speak of my works to the king. My tongue is
as the pen of a skilful scribe, swiftly writing.
Alleluia, alleluia. The Lord has reigned, He is clothed with beauty. The Lord
is clothed with strength, and He has girded Himself with might. Alleluia.
Gospel: Luke ii: 33-40
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The continuation of the Holy Gospel
according to Luke:
At that time, Joseph and Mary the Mother of Jesus were wondering at those
things which were spoken concerning Him. And Simeon blessed them, and said to
Mary His Mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall, and for the
resurrection of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be contradicted.
And thine own soul, a sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may
be revealed." And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel,
of the tribe of Aser. She was far advanced in years, and had lived with her
husband seven years from her virginity. And she was a widow until fourscore and
four years. She departed not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving
night and day. Now she, at the same hour, coming in confessed to the Lord, and
spoke of Him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel. And after they had
performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into
Galilee to their city of Nazareth. And the Child grew and waxed strong, full of
wisdom; and the grace of God was in Him.
Credo.
Offertory: Psalm xcii: 1-2
God has established the world, which shall not be moved. Thy throne, O God,
is prepared from of old. Thou art from eternity.
Secret:
Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the gifts now offered in the sight
of Thy majesty may obtain for us both the grace of tender devotion, and the
reward of a blessed eternity.
Secret of the Octave:
The gifts we offer, do Thou, O Lord, sanctify by the new birth of Thine
only-begotten Son: and cleanse us from the stains of our sins. Through the same
Lord....
Preface of the Nativity
Proper Preface and Communicantes
Communion: Matthew ii: 20
Take the Child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel; for they are
dead who sought the life of the Child.
Postcommunion:
By the virtue of this mystery, O Lord, may our vices be purged away and our
just desires fulfilled.
Postcommunion of the Octave:
Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that as the Savior of the world born on
this day is the author of our divine generation, so He may Himself also be to us
the giver of immortality.
