Nativity of the Lord
Stored in Cargo: Nativity of the Lord
| Liturgical Feast | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | December 25 |
| Rank | Solemnity |
| Type | Fixed |
| Season | Christmas Time |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of the Nativity |
| Countries | Universal |
| Dioceses | |
The Nativity of the Lord, commonly known as Christmas, is the principal solemnity in the Roman Rite celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, as recorded in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. Observed annually on December 25 according to the General Roman Calendar, it inaugurates the Christmas season, which extends through the Octave of Christmas to the Baptism of the Lord on the Sunday after Epiphany. As a Holy Day of Obligation in most dioceses, the faithful participate in Mass to honor the Incarnation.
According to the *General Roman Calendar* (2002 edition), the Nativity ranks as a solemnity of the highest degree, with four proper Mass formularies: Vigil, Midnight, Dawn, and Day. The liturgical color is white, and the Gloria is sung at all Masses. The Prologue of John (John 1:1–18) is proclaimed at the Mass during the Day, underscoring the Word made flesh.
The feast's date of December 25 emerged in the 4th century in Rome, possibly aligning with pagan solstice celebrations to evangelize the culture, while its theological core draws from Scripture and early Christian witness.
Liturgical observance
The Mass uses white or gold vestments. The Lectionary varies by formulary: for the Vigil, Isaiah 62:1–5, Acts 13:16–17, 22–25, Matthew 1:1–25 (or 18–25); for Midnight, Isaiah 9:1–6, Titus 2:11–14, Luke 2:1–14; for Dawn, Isaiah 62:11–12, Titus 3:4–7, Luke 2:15–20; for Day, Isaiah 52:7–10, Hebrews 1:1–6, John 1:1–18 (or 1–5, 9–14). Missale Romanum (editio typica tertia ed.). Libreria Editrice Vaticana. 2002. Lectionary for Mass. I. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. 2002.
The Preface of the Nativity is proper, and the Te Deum may conclude the Office. The creche (nativity scene) is a devotional element, though not a mandated rite; midnight Mass often features solemn processions with candles. This reflects universal Roman Rite observance; local dioceses may adapt for pastoral needs.
History
Evidence suggests early Christians celebrated Christ's birth on various dates, including January 6 (Epiphany) in the East, before December 25 gained prominence in Rome by 336, as noted in the Chronograph of 354. The Catholic Encyclopedia. 3. Robert Appleton Company. 1908. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03724b.htm. The choice may Christianize the feast of *Sol Invictus* (December 25), though no direct papal decree confirms this.
By the 5th century, the date was universal in the West, with Pope Julius I (337–352) formalizing observances. The 1969 reform of the *General Roman Calendar* preserved December 25 as a solemnity, introducing the Vigil Mass."Mysterii Paschalis". Vatican. 1969-02-14. https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/motu_proprio/documents/hf_p-vi_motu-proprio_19690214_mysterii-paschalis.html. Eastern Catholic churches often integrate the Nativity with Epiphany on January 6 or 7.
Theological significance
The Nativity proclaims the mystery of the Incarnation: God becoming man for salvation. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: “The Word became flesh to make us ‘partakers of the divine nature’” (CCC 460). Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). Libreria Editrice Vaticana. 1997.
Luke 2:11 announces “a Savior, who is Christ the Lord,” while John's Prologue reveals the eternal Logos entering time. Isaiah 9:5 foretells the child born as “Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero.” Pope St. Leo the Great emphasized in his Christmas homilies (5th century) that the feast manifests divine humility."Christmas Homily of St. Leo the Great". Vatican. https://www.vatican.va/spirit/documents/spirit_20001225_cristmas-leone_en.html.
Veneration and traditions
Liturgical tradition holds that Christmas is venerated through attendance at the four Masses and the Liturgy of the Hours with proper hymns like Veni Redemptor Gentium. According to popular devotion, the creche—introduced by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223 at Greccio—is a universal symbol of the Nativity, though its erection is optional.
The Christmas tree, originating in 16th-century Germany as a Paradise tree, and gift-giving (recalling the Magi) are widespread but local customs, not prescribed in the *Missale Romanum*. Midnight Mass with carols such as Silent Night (1818) is common in German-speaking regions. Foods like panettone in Italy or tamales in Mexico cannot be confirmed as universal.
Significant locations
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Parishes
Media
Shrines
Dynamic shrines
List of shrines
Basilica of the Nativity
- 4th-century church over the grotto of Jesus' birth, commissioned by Constantine (Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem).
- UNESCO World Heritage site; plenary indulgence on December 25 under usual conditions."Decree on Holy Land Indulgences". Apostolic Penitentiary. 1967. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/tribunals/apost_penit/index.htm.
St. Peter's Basilica
- Vatican basilica housing relics of the Holy Manger since the 7th century (Vatican City State).
- Major basilica; indulgence granted on the solemnity.
Basilica of Saint Mary Major
- 5th-century Roman basilica with relics from the Holy Crib (Archdiocese of Rome).
- Major basilica; midnight Mass traditionally celebrated here.
References
External links
- General Roman Calendar – Vatican
- Christmas – USCCB
- Basilica of the Nativity – Custody of the Holy Land