Christmas Day Liturgy

Let the people’s praise you, O God,

Let all the peoples praise you.

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,

For you judge the peoples with equity and guide all the nations upon earth.

Let the peoples praise you, O God,

Let all the peoples praise you.

Psalm 67:3-5

The Birth of Jesus Christ

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among

those with whom he is pleased!”

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Jesus, Son of the Living God, splendor of the Father, eternal light.

Lord, we praise you!

Jesus, King of glory, sun of justice, son of the virgin Mary.

Lord, we praise you!

Jesus, Wonderful Counselor, everlasting Lord, Prince of Peace.

Lord, we praise you!

Jesus, gentle and humble of heart, our help and our refuge.

Lord, we praise you!

Jesus, God of peace, friend of all, source of life and of holiness.

Lord, we praise you!

Jesus, brother of the poor, goodness without measure, unending wisdom.

Lord, we praise you!

Jesus, good shepherd, true light, our way and our life.

Lord, we praise you! Amen.

 

 

Shout for joy to God, all the earth;
sing the glory of his name;
give to him glorious praise!
Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!
So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you.
All the earth worships you and sings praises to you;
they sing praises to your name.”

Selah

The joy of angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance of the Magi, the obedience of Jospeh and Mary, and the peace of the Christ child be yours this Christmas. And the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always.

Amen.