Sunday within the Octave of the Nativity

Note: The feasts of the Comites (i.e. St. Stephen, St. John the Apostle, and the Holy Innocents), in addition to St. Thomas Becket, would take precedence over the Sunday within the Octave of the Nativity until the 1960 reform of the Missal. In that case, if the Sunday after Christmas is December 26, 27, 28, or 29, the Sunday within the Mass and Office for Octave of Christmas is transferred to December 30th. In the 1962 Missal, the Sunday within the Octave of the Nativity displaces any of the saints feastdays and the Comites are reduced to a mere Commemoration, even though their feasts used to be in times past Holy Days of Obligation.

Traditional Propers:

INTROIT Wisdom 18:14-15 While all things were in quiet silence, and the night was in the midst of her course, Thine almighty Word, O Lord, leaped down from heaven from Thy royal throne. -- (Ps.92. 1). The Lord hath reigned, He is clothed with beauty: the Lord is clothed with strength, and hath girded Himself. V.: Glory be to the Father . . . -- While all things were in quiet silence . . .

COLLECT - O almighty and everlasting God, direct our actions according to Thy good pleasure; that in the Name of Thy beloved Son we may deserve to abound in good works: Who with Thee liveth and reigneth in the unity of the Holy Ghost...

EPISTLE 1 Galatians 4: 1-7 Brethren, as long as the heir is a child, he differeth nothing from a servant, though he be Lord of all: but 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 fulness of the time was come, God sent His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, that He might redeem them who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because you are sons, God hath 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 Psalms. 44: 3, 2 Thou art beautiful above the sons of men: grace is poured abroad in Thy lips. V.: My heart hath uttered a good word, I speak my words to the king: my tongue is the pen of a scrivener, that writeth swiftly.

Alleluia, alleluia. V.: The Lord hath reigned, He is clothed with beauty: the Lord is clothed with strength, and hath girded Himself. Alleluia

GOSPEL Luke 2:33-40

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: who 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 Nazareth. And the Child grew and waxed strong, full of wisdom: and the grace of God was in Him.

OFFERTORY Psalm 92:1,2 God hath establised the world, which shall not be moved: Thy throne, O God, is prepared from of old, Thou art from everlasting.

SECRET - Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the offering made in the sight of Thy Majesty may obtain for us the grace of loving devotion, and the reward of a blessed eternity. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost...

PREFACE (Preface of the Nativity) - It it 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 through Him be drawn to the love of things invisible. And therefore with Angels and Archangels, with Throne and Dominations, and with all the hosts of the heavenly army, we sing the hymn of Thy glory, evermore saying:

SPECIAL FORM OF COMMUNICANTES (Communicantes for Christmas) - Communicating, and keeping this most holy day, on which the spotless virginity of blessed Mary brought forth a Savior to this world; and also reverencing the memory first of the same glorious Mary, ever Virgin, Mother of the same our God and Lord Jesus Christ: as also...

COMMUNION Matthew 2:20 Take the Child and His Mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead who sought the life of the Child.

POST COMMUNION - By the working of this Mystery, O Lord, may our vices be cleansed, and our just desires fulfilled. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost.