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Christmas · The Nativity of Our Lord (Christmas Midnight)

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 (15-20)Lk 2:1-14 (15-20)
EpistleTitus 2:11-14Ti 2:11-14
Old TestamentIsa. 9:2-7Is 9:2-7
PsalterPs. 96Ps 96

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

Luther Seminary commentary for the Nativity of Our Lord.

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

Reformed reflection on the birth of Christ for Christmas Eve.

Enduring Word: Luke Chapter 2Enduring Word: Lk Chapter 2 Enduring Word · David Guzik

Evangelical verse-by-verse commentary on the birth and the shepherds.

Luke 2 CommentaryLk 2 Commentary Precept Austin

Detailed study notes with maps and word helps.

Luke 2:1 CommentariesLk 2:1 Commentaries BibleHub

Classic commentators on the census and the manger.

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

Catholic Sunday Connection reflection on Luke 2.

Background & Word Study

Enter the Bible: LukeEnter the Bible: Lk Enter the Bible

Luther Seminary background on Luke's purpose and audience.

BibleProject: Gospel of Luke OverviewBibleProject: Gospel of Lk Overview BibleProject

Animated overview of the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 2:1 InterlinearLk 2:1 Interlinear BibleHub

Greek text with parsing of the nativity account.

Did Luke get his nativity history wrong?Did Lk get his nativity history wrong? Psephizo · Ian Paul

Anglican scholar Ian Paul on the census and the historicity of Luke 2.

The Church Fathers

Catena: Luke 2Catena: Lk 2 Catena

Patristic comments on the birth of Christ and the angels' song.

Sermons & Reflections

Ox and Ass Before Him Bow Journey with Jesus

Dan Clendenin's essay on authentic worship at the manger.

Art & Music

Nativity of the Lord, Proper I, Year A (Art Index) Vanderbilt

Curated fine-art images for the Christmas readings.

Study Hub

Luke 2:1-20 (Textweek)Lk 2:1-20 (Textweek) Textweek

Aggregated lectionary study links, sermons, and art for the nativity.

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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