Midnight Mass
and suitable for other services
after midday on 24 December (Year B)
First Reading - Isaiah 9.2,6-7a
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light.
On those who dwell
in the land of deep darkness -
on them, the light will shine.
For a child is born to us,
a son to rule over us,
and he will be called
Wonderful Counsellor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
and Prince of Peace.
From the throne of David,
he will extend for ever
his kingdom of righteousness,
justice, and peace.
This is the word of the Lord.
Second Reading - Philippians 4.4-8,9b
A reading from the letter of Paul to the Philippians.
Rejoice in the Lord - always!
I say again, rejoice!
And let your
gracious gentleness
be known to everyone.
The Lord is near,
so do not worry
about anything.
But in everything, with prayer,
and thanksgiving,
let your requests
be made known to God.
And the peace of God,
which surpasses
all understanding,
will protect
your hearts
and your minds
in Christ Jesus.
Finally,
my brothers and sisters,
set your minds
on all that is
true, and pure,
just, and honourable.
Set your minds
on all that is
pleasing, and admirable,
excellent, and worthy of praise.
And the God of peace
will be with you.
This is the word of the Lord.
Gospel - Luke 2.1,3-20
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ
according to Luke.
An order went out, from the emperor,
that all the world
should be registered,
each in their own town.
Joseph, a descendant of David,
was engaged to Mary, who was expecting a child,
so they travelled together
to the city of David,
Bethlehem, in Judea.
While they were there,
the time came
for the child
to be born,
and Mary gave birth
to her firstborn, a son.
She wrapped the child in bands of cloth,
and laid him in a manger,
because there was no room for them
at the inn.
Out in the fields, there were shepherds,
keeping watch
through the night.
An angel of the Lord appeared to them,
and the glory of the Lord
shone around them,
and they were afraid.
The angel said, ‘Do not be afraid.
I bring good news
of great joy
for all people.
Today, in the city of David,
there is born a Saviour,
the Messiah,
the Lord.
This will be the sign for you:
you will find the child
wrapped in bands of cloth,
and lying in a manger.’
A vast choir of angels appeared, proclaiming,
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven!
Peace on earth,
and God’s blessings
on all people!’
The shepherds made their way quickly
to Bethlehem,
where they found Mary and Joseph,
and the child, lying in the manger.
When the shepherds made known
the message of the angels,
all who heard it
were amazed.
And Mary treasured all these words,
and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God
for all
that they had
seen and heard.
This is the Gospel of the Lord.