Liturgical Information
Christmas - Vigil Mass (ABC)

Themes & Motives: expectation, fulfillment, hope, joy, salvation history, ancestors

Introit:
Today you will know that the Lord is coming to save us, and in the morning you will see his glory. (See Exodus 16:6-7)

Opening Prayer:
God our Father,
every year we rejoice
as we look forward to the feast of our salvation.
May we welcome Christ as our Redeemer,
and meet him with confidence when he comes to be our judge,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

• Isaiah 62:1-5 [For the Lord delights in you. /v.4]
• Psalm 89:4-5 / 16-17 / 27 / 29 [R. For ever will I sing the goodness of the Lord. /v.2]
• Acts 13:16-17,22-25 [God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus. /v.23]
• Gospel Verse: [Tomorrow the wickedness of the earth will be destroyed.]
    See CNP's Gospel Verses for the Christmas Cycle CNP Catalog #3050
• Matthew 1:1-25 [The genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David. /v.1]
    See CNP's Book of Sung Gospels - Third Edition CNP Catalog #3012-3

Prayer over the Gifts:
Lord,
as we keep tonight the vigil of Christmas,
may we celebrate this eucharist
with greater joy than ever
since it marks the beginning of our redemption.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.

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

Today you fill our hearts with joy
as we recognize in Christ the revelation of your love.
No eye can see his glory as our God,
yet now he is seen as one like us.

Christ is your Son before all ages,
yet now he is born in time.
He has come to lift up all things to himself,
to restore unity to creation,
and to lead mankind from exile into your heavenly kingdom.

With all the angels of heaven
we sing our joyful hymn of praise:

  Holy, holy, holy Lord...

Communion Antiphon:
The glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind will see the saving power of God. (See Isaiah 40:5)

Prayer after Communion:
Father,
we ask you to give us a new birth
as we celebrate the beginning
of your Son's life on earth.
Strengthen us in spirit
as we take your food and drink.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer over the People:
Lord,
bless and strengthen your people.
May they remain faithful to you
and always rejoice in your mercy.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the 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.