Christmas Eve Mass
Gospel: Luke 2:1-14
The Annunciation of the Angels: The Shepherds’ Response

Tonight, we gather with the universal Church in Bethlehem, in front of the manger where Jesus Christ is about to be born, quietly awaiting the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Gospel for tonight’s Mass is taken from the Gospel of St. Luke.

When the Virgin Mary returned to her hometown of Bethlehem with Joseph, they sought lodging for the night but found no place, so they had to settle in a manger. (cf. Luke 2:1-7) When the Virgin Mary’s labour pains came, she gave birth to the Savior of mankind, Jesus Christ, in the manger. We see that Jesus was so small and weak, resembling an infant. And after Jesus’ birth, an angel first brought the good news of the Savior’s birth to the shepherds: “Do not be afraid! I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Lord’s Messiah. And this shall be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloth, lying in a manger.”.

Today, when the shepherds learned from the angel’s mouth that the Savior they had been waiting for, Jesus Christ, had been born, they were afraid, because in their view, they might have seen God, and at that time, if one saw God, they would die. However, the angel did not kill those shepherds along with the heavenly host but instead conveyed a voice to them: “Do not be afraid! Behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: today in the city of David, a Savior has been born to you; He is the Lord’s Messiah.” (cf. Luke 2:10-11) And he gave them a sign: “You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” (cf. Luke 2:12)

Today, let us become the angels who proclaim to the world the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. In our lives, let us live out the spirit of the Holy Word and, through practical actions, proclaim the Christmas of our Lord Jesus Christ to those who live alongside us every day. Bring the Christmas of our Lord Jesus Christ to those who live on the fringes of society and invite them to come to the church to celebrate the Christmas of our Lord Jesus Christ with us.

Infant Jesus, bless us!

©Totus Tuus 2025
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025