Solemnity December 25Solemnity · Holy Day of Obligation

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

The Son of God is born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem: "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us."

Giotto, The Nativity, c. 1305 · Scrovegni Chapel, Padua (public domain)

Who was The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)?

At Christmas the Church celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, laid in a manger because there was no room at the inn. Angels announced the good news to shepherds, and later the Magi came from the East to worship Him. The feast on December 25 is recorded in Rome from the 4th century.

Feast day and traditions

Christmas is always a holy day of obligation. Saint Francis of Assisi made the Nativity scene popular at Greccio in 1223. Christmas is celebrated for eight days, the Octave, and the Christmas season lasts until the Baptism of the Lord in January. In the Office of Readings the Church reads Saint Leo the Great's sermon: "Christian, remember your dignity."

Prayer

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. Jesus, born for us, we adore you. Amen.

Novena

To pray a novena that ends on the eve of the feast, begin on December 16 and finish on December 24.

Mass readings

Read the Mass readings for December 25 from the US bishops (USCCB).

Open readings →

Free · By email