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Christmas · The Nativity of Our Lord (Christmas Dawn)

Luke 2:(1-14) 15-20

The Birth of Jesus

December 25, 2025

The Nativity (Holy Night / La Notte), Antonio da Correggio
The Nativity (Holy Night / La Notte), Antonio da Correggio, c. 1528–1530Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, Dresden
The first painting to make the Christ child the only source of light, so that the shepherd woman raises a hand against the brightness coming off him.Luke's shepherds come in from the dark, and Correggio worked out what that would actually look like.Antonio da CorreggioA painter from Parma who dissolved ceilings into open sky and invented effects of light that the Baroque spent a century catching up with.Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, DresdenThe Saxon electors' collection, built around the Sistine Madonna, and reopened after wartime evacuation and Soviet return.Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, Dresden
Historic One-Year Lectionary
GospelLuke 2:(1-14) 15-20Lk 2:(1-14) 15-20
EpistleTitus 3:4-7Ti 3:4-7
Old TestamentMic. 5:2-5aMi 5:2-5a
PsalterPs. 80:1-7Ps 80:1-7

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) 15-20

Commentary

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

Lutheran commentary for the Nativity Dawn service on the shepherds' journey to the manger.

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

Reformed preaching commentary on how the lowly shepherds are the first drawn to Christ.

Luke 2 - The Birth of JesusLk 2 - The Birth of Jesus Enduring Word · David Guzik

David Guzik's verse-by-verse evangelical commentary on the whole nativity chapter.

Luke 2 CommentaryLk 2 Commentary Precept Austin

Verse-by-verse study gathering many evangelical commentators on Luke 2.

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

Catholic Sunday Connection reflection and questions on the Dawn Mass Gospel of the shepherds.

Luke 2:15 CommentariesLk 2:15 Commentaries BibleHub

Classic cross-tradition commentary collection on the shepherds going to Bethlehem.

Background & Word Study

Book of Luke OverviewBook of Lk Overview BibleProject

Animated overview mapping the literary design of Luke's Gospel.

Luke 2:15 InterlinearLk 2:15 Interlinear BibleHub

Greek-English interlinear for word study of the shepherds' response to the sign.

The Church Fathers

Catena: Luke 2Catena: Lk 2 Catena

Chain of patristic comments from the church fathers on Luke 2.

Sermons & Reflections

Let Jesus Show! A Christmas Sermon on Luke 2:1-20Let Jesus Show! A Christmas Sermon on Lk 2:1-20 Day1

An ecumenical Christmas sermon on the shepherds and the manger.

Podcast

Looking Forward to Sunday Morning (One Year Lectionary): Christmas Dawn - Dr. John Bombaro, 12/25/25 (3591)Looking Forward to Sunday Morning (One Year Lectionary): Christmas Dawn - Dr. Jn Bombaro, 12/25/25 (3591) Issues, Etc.

Issues, Etc. talks a pastor through the historic one-year propers for this Sunday, including Luke 2:(1-14) 15-20.

Art & Music

Nativity of the Lord, Proper II - Prayers Vanderbilt

Lectionary collects and prayers for the Christmas Dawn readings.

Study Hub

Luke 2:1-20 - The Text This WeekLk 2:1-20 - The Text This Week Textweek

Aggregated commentary, sermon, and art links for the nativity Gospel.

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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