The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
- Readings for the Vigil Mass
- Readings for the Mass during the Night
- Readings for the Mass at Dawn
- Readings for the Mass during the Day
Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
December 25, 2025 // The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel for the Mass during the Day: John 1:1-18
Reflect on the Word //
Dim candlelight dances upon the stone of the sanctuary, illuminating its rough-hewn edges. Tucked below in its alcove, the golden tabernacle gleams invitingly, flanked on either side by a row of evergreens, soft with twinkling lights. A reverent, contented hush is soon broken by the opening chords of the organ, which builds as a swell of joyous voices join in:
“O come, let us adore Him—
Christ, the Lord!”
The stone of this sanctuary is a far cry from the humble, rough-hewn stone of the humble cave in Bethlehem; the twinkling trees a far cry from the twinkling star of Bethlehem; the chorus of voices, a far cry from the exultant choirs of angels on that blessed morn when Christ was born. Yet the joy—the joy is the same.
In my mind’s eye, the humble Nativity scene takes shape. Quietly, our Lady beckons; invites me to come and behold. To hold. Gently, she nestles Him in my arms. I inhale softly, cradling the Spinner of stars, the Maker of men.
The Word made flesh—He is truly here, among us.
The whole light of Heaven, contained in one tiny Person.
The Author of the eternal, now robed in the finite.
He takes on our limited flesh, that we might be clothed in His expansive divinity.
He submits to mortality, that we might gain eternal life.
He allows Himself to cry human tears, that we might experience heavenly joy.
He leaves the vastness of paradise for earthly exile, to lead us out of exile—and show us the way Himself.
He lights up every darkness, and even the darkest shadows quake.
He is both Giver and Gift. He gives everything—spending His entire self—that we might gain everything: above all, Himself. He waits in a rough-hewn cave: small and vulnerable, with love inexhaustible. Inviting you to know Him, to be known by Him. To behold and to hold Him. To let Him dwell intimately within you. To light your every darkness.
We but only need respond.
Come, O come—
and let us adore
the Infant God come to rescue us
Christ, the Lord.
Relate to the Lord // Read this reflection again prayerfully. What line or image stands out to you and why?
Megan Hjelmstad is a wife, enthusiastic hockey mom, and Army Veteran living in Denver, CO. In her “spare” time she serves as a Catholic Writer, Speaker, and Women’s Mentor, helping women to embrace their God-given dignity and deepen their prayer relationship with the Lord. She is the author Offer it Up: Discovering the Power and Purpose of Suffering, a writer for SpiritualDirection.com, and a longtime team member of Blessed is She. Megan adores books, sleep, sunshine, and Colorado’s great outdoors almost as much as she adores Jesus in the Eucharist. Learn more at MeganHjelmstad.com.
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