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Christmas Season · Year C

Nativity of the Lord - Christmas Dawn

December 25, 2027

The Adoration of the Shepherds, Ercole de’ Roberti
The Adoration of the Shepherds, Ercole de’ Roberti, c. 1490The National Gallery, London
Under a rough timber shelter Mary kneels over the child in the manger while two shepherds come in, one kneeling and one standing.So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.Ercole de’ RobertiA painter of the court of Ferrara, known for small, finely worked panels painted for the Este family.The National Gallery, LondonThe National Gallery in London, home of the national collection of Western European painting.The National Gallery, London
Roman Lectionary
GospelLuke 2:15-20Lk 2:15-20
Second ReadingTitus 3:4-7Ti 3:4-7
First ReadingIsa. 62:11-12Is 62:11-12
Responsorial PsalmPs. 97:1, 6, 11-12Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12

Overview & Insights

“Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened.” (Luke 2:15)

With this scene, the fulfillment of the angel Gabriel’s announcements (1:11–20, 26–37) is complete. Both John and Jesus have been unexpectedly conceived, celebrated in prophetic songs, and born in remarkable circumstances. Each is already revealed as having a central role in God’s plan of salvation, but the angel’s words now emphasize that the good news is centered on the Messiah rather than on his forerunner.

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Take it further: Luke 2:15-20

Commentary

Commentary on Luke 2:[1-7] 8-20Commentary on Lk 2:[1-7] 8-20 Working Preacher

Luther Seminary commentary for the Christmas Dawn readings on the shepherds returning glorifying God.

Luke 2 CommentaryLk 2 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik

David Guzik's verse by verse exposition of the shepherds and Mary treasuring these things in her heart.

Luke 2:15 CommentariesLk 2:15 Commentaries BibleHub

Classic aggregated commentary on the shepherds' journey to Bethlehem.

Luke 2 CommentaryLk 2 Commentary Precept Austin

Deep verse by verse study notes gathering many conservative scholars on Luke 2.

Bishop Barron on the Nativity in Luke's GospelBishop Barron on the Nativity in Lk's Gospel Word on Fire · Bishop Barron

Bishop Robert Barron unfolds the subversive reading of Luke's nativity for preachers and hearers.

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Mass at Dawn Loyola Press · Sunday Connection

Loyola Press Sunday Connection background, reflection questions, and family prayer keyed to the Dawn Mass gospel.

Background & Word Study

Luke 2:15 InterlinearLk 2:15 Interlinear BibleHub

Greek text word by word with parsing for the shepherds' saying to one another and Mary pondering.

Luke 1-9 OverviewLk 1-9 Overview BibleProject

Animated literary overview placing the nativity within Luke's design for the first half of the gospel.

The Church Fathers

Luke 2 - Catena Bible & CommentariesLk 2 - Catena Bible & Commentaries Catena

Patristic and medieval comment chained verse by verse on the shepherds and Mary.

Worship & Prayers

Christmas Day II (RCL) The Lectionary Page

Collect and full appointed texts for the Dawn service in the Revised Common Lectionary.

Art & Music

Revised Common Lectionary Art Index Vanderbilt

Curated visual art, hymns, and music indexed to the appointed nativity texts.

Questions preachers ask

What do the shepherds do?

They hurry to find Mary, Joseph, and the child in the manger, then return glorifying and praising God; on the eighth day the child is named Jesus, as the angel had said.

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