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Christmas Season · Year C

Nativity of the Lord - Christmas Midnight

December 25, 2027

The Nativity, Federico Barocci
The Nativity, Federico Barocci, 1597Museo del Prado, Madrid
Barocci divides the panel with a wall: Mary kneels over the child in warm light on one side, and Joseph opens the door to the shepherds on the other.They went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger. The painting is the instant the door opens.Federico BarocciA painter from Urbino who worked slowly in pastel-bright colour and claimed he had been poisoned by rivals, which left him able to paint only a few hours a day.Museo del Prado, MadridSpain's national collection, formed from what the Spanish crown had bought over three centuries, which is why its Titians and Rubenses are unmatched.Museo del Prado, Madrid
Roman Lectionary
GospelLuke 2:1-14Lk 2:1-14
Second ReadingTitus 2:11-14Ti 2:11-14
First ReadingIsa. 9:1-6Is 9:1-6
Responsorial PsalmPs. 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 11-12, 13 (Luke 2:11)Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 11-12, 13 (Lk 2:11)

Overview & Insights

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

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 2:1-14

Commentary

Commentary on Luke 2:1-14 [15-20]Commentary on Lk 2:1-14 [15-20] Working Preacher

Luther Seminary reading of the census, the manger, and the angels' good news to the shepherds.

Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) CommentaryLk 2:1-14 (15-20) Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching

Reformed preaching commentary on the social reversals woven through Luke's nativity.

Luke 2 Commentary: Jesus' Birth and BoyhoodLk 2 Commentary: Jesus' Birth and Boyhood Enduring Word · David Guzik

David Guzik's verse by verse notes on the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

Luke 2 CommentaryLk 2 Commentary Precept Austin

Verse by verse study library with word notes on the nativity account.

Luke 2:1 CommentariesLk 2:1 Commentaries BibleHub

Classic commentators compiled on the census and the birth of the Savior.

God's Continuing Gift, Christmas Eve Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church

Episcopal Christmas Eve sermon on the ongoing gift of the incarnation.

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

Catholic Sunday Connection with background and activities for the midnight Mass readings.

Bishop Barron on the Nativity of Luke's Gospel (Video)Bishop Barron on the Nativity of Lk's Gospel (Video) Word on Fire · Bishop Barron

Bishop Barron's video reflection on the subversive good news of Luke's nativity.

Background & Word Study

Luke 2:1 InterlinearLk 2:1 Interlinear BibleHub

Greek text of the nativity word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers.

Luke 1-9 OverviewLk 1-9 Overview BibleProject

Animated overview of the structure and message of the first half of Luke.

The Church Fathers

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

Patristic comments on the birth of Christ and the meaning of the manger.

Sermons & Reflections

Ox and Ass Before Him Bow Journey with Jesus

Lectionary essay reflecting on the animals, the manger, and the humility of the nativity.

Art & Music

Revised Common Lectionary Art Index Vanderbilt

Curated fine art and images indexed to the lectionary readings.

Questions preachers ask

What does Luke emphasize in the birth of Jesus?

The Savior of the world is laid in a manger and announced first to shepherds; the heavenly host sings glory to God in the highest and peace on earth.

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