Catholic TV Mass Online December 25, 2025: Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

Presider: Archbishop Jeffrey Grob Choir: St. Charles Text from the Homily The shepherds said to one another let us go then to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place. Let's be honest. Bethlehem has always been a great paradox. Although we sing beautiful hymns about like silent night o little town of Bethlehem, we ponder what there might have been that night. The truth of the matter though is that it was hardly silent. It was anything but calm. There was no silence that night in a crowded chaotic Bethlehem. It was a tiny hamlet bursting at the seams with visitors and travelers who had come to the great census. There was in fact no calm in all of Israel. Only tensions and conflict between the Jewish people and their roman occupiers. Ancient Palestine was hardly a place of heavenly peace. It was a land torn apart by oppression, persecution, terror. And yet, as in God's time on that noisy, chaotic, anxious night, Christ was born. Amid the pain and the anguish of a devastated people Christ came with a new hope and a transforming joy. How often over the years the news on Christmas eve has reported peace on earth seemed a distant dream for this Christmas. Police guarded churches in Bethlehem where metal detectors were set up for most services due to the threat of terror and other such reports. I guess it probably is comforting that in some ways it's reassuring how little humankind is changed, over 2000 years. If the human creature is anything he and she is consistent. And upon further reflection we realize that the need for a redeemer is as great at this moment, now as it was ever. But another reality remains constant as well. Whether veiled in a dark cave, in Bethlehem 2000 years ago or hidden from view by the human frailty of our own times, the light of Christ continues to dawn. Nothing can stop it. No one can stop God's love. In the middle of our own dark nights of struggle and discouragement, God comes and transforms them into holy nights of peace. Amid the noise and the clamor that consume us at times in the overwhelming busyness of our daily lives, it's that consistent voice of God that speaks his words of peace. The overshadowing reality of Bethlehem is that regardless of the circumstances of the world and its condition, Jesus is born again. And continues to be born again into the hearts and into the lives of those who are willing to receive him. The question is then, are we? Entrance: Joy To The World Text: CM with repeats; based on Psalm 98; Isaac Watts, 1674–1748, alt. Music: T. Hawkes’ Collection of Tunes, 1833; George Frideric Handel, 1685–1759. Psalm 97: A Light Will Shine On Us This Day The English translation of the Psalm Response from the Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Music Copyright © 2013 by GIA Publications, Inc. • All Rights Reserved Christmas Gospel Acclamation Arrangement copyright © 2014, World Library Publications. All rights reserved. Preparation: Of The Father’s Love Begotten Text: 87 87 87 7; verses 1–4, Corde natus ex parentis; Marcus Aurelius Clemens Prudentius, 348–413; tr. by John M. Neale, 1818–1866, and Henry W. Baker, 1827–1877, alt.; verse 5, Horatius Bonar, 1808–1889. Music: Sanctus trope, 11th cent.; Chant, Mode V; adapt. fr. Piae Cantiones, 1582. Communion: Silent Night Text: Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht; Joseph Mohr, 1792-1849; tr. John F. Young, 1820-1885 Tune: STILLE NACHT, 66 89 66; Franz X. Gruber, 1787-1863 Sending Forth: Hark The Herald Angels Sing Text: 77 77 D with refrain; Charles Wesley, 1707–1788, alt. Music: Felix Mendelssohn, 1809–1847; arr. by William H. Cummings, 1831–1915. Mass Setting: Mass of Creation The English translation of the Gloria from The Roman Missal © 2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Published with the approval of the Committee on Divine Worship, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Music Copyright © 1984, 1985, 2010, 2015 by GIA Publications, Inc. • All rights reserved Permission to podcast/stream the music in this liturgy obtained from ONE LICENSE, License No. A-718591. www.HeartoftheNation.org