Liturgical Information
Christmas - Mass at Dawn (ABC)

Themes & Motives: light, humility, quiet joy, awe, wonder

Introit:
A light will shine on us this day, the Lord is born for us: he shall be called Wonderful God, Prince of peace, Father of the world to come; and his kingship will never end. (See Isaiah 9:2,6; Luke 1:33)

Opening Prayer:
Father,
we are filled with the new light
by the coming of your Word among us.
May the light of faith
shine in our words and actions.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son,
who he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

• Isaiah 62:11-12 [Lo, your salvation comes. /v.11]
• Psalm 97:1 / 6 / 11-12 [R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.]
• Titus 3:4-7 [When the kindness of God our Savior appeared. /v.4]
• Gospel Verse: Luke 2:14 [Glory to God in heaven, peace and grace to his people on earth.]
    See CNP's Gospel Verses for the Christmas Cycle CNP Catalog #3050
• Luke 2:15-20 [The shepherds found the baby as He lay in the manger. /v.16]
    See CNP's Book of Sung Gospels - Third Edition CNP Catalog #3012-3

Prayer over the Gifts:
Father,
may we follow the example of your Son
who became man and lived among us.
May we receive the gift of divine life
through these offerings here on earth.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.

Preface for Christmas I: [Christ the Light]
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

In the wonder of the Incarnation
your eternal Word has brought to the eyes of faith
a new and radiant vision of your glory.
In him we see our God made visible
and so are caught up in love of the God we cannot see.

And so with all the choirs of angels in heaven
we proclaim your glory
and join in their unending hymn of praise:

  Holy, holy, holy Lord...

Communion Antiphon:
Daughter of Zion, exult; shout aloud, daughter of Jerusalem! Your King is coming, the Holy One, the Savior of the world. (See Zech 9:9)

Prayer after Communion:
Lord,
with faith and joy
we celebrate the birth of your Son.
Increase our understanding and our love
of the riches you have revealed in him,
who is Lord for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer over the People:
Lord,
grant your people your protection and grace.
Give them health of mind and body,
perfect love for one another
and make them always faithful to you.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

** An official, approved English translation of the Offertory Antiphon has never been published. The offertory antiphon used here is cited in Latin in the Graduale Romanum. The English is from the New American Bible, a Scripture translation approved for liturgical use in the United States.

The English translation of the Introit, Opening Prayer, Psalm Refrain, Gospel Verse, Prayer over the Gifts, Preface, Communion Antiphon, Prayer after Communion, and Solemn Blessing from The Roman Missal, © Copyright 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.

Excerpts from the First Reading, Second Reading and Gospel are taken from the New American Standard Bible ® © Copyright 1973 The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.