dom-infra-oct-nativitatis

When a profound stillness encompassed all things, and the night was in the midst of her course, Thy almighty Word, O Lord, came down from heaven, from Thy royal throne. The Lord hath reigned, He is clothed with beauty: the Lord is clothed with strength, and hath girded Himself.

Almighty and everlasting God, direct our actions according to Thy good pleasure: that in the name of Thy beloved Son, we may be made worthy to abound in good works. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.

Brethren: As long as the heir is a child, he differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all, but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed by the father. So we also, when we were children, were serving under the elements of the world. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent His Son, made of a woman, made under the law: that He might redeem them who were under the law: that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because you are sons, God hath sent the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying: Abba, Father. Therefore, now he is not a servant, but a son. And if a son, an heir also through God.

Thou art beautiful above the sons of men: grace is poured abroad in Thy lips. My heart hath uttered a good word: I speak my works to the King: my tongue is the pen of a scrivener that writeth swiftly. Alleluia, alleluia. The Lord hath reigned, He is clothed with beauty: the Lord is clothed with strength, and hath girded Himself with power. Alleluia.

At that time: Joseph and Mary, the Mother of Jesus, were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning Him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His Mother: Behold this Child is set for the fall and for the resurrection of many in Israel and for a sign which shall be contradicted. And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser. She was far advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity. And she was a widow until fourscore and four years: who departed not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving night and day. Now she at the same hour coming in, confessed to the Lord: and spoke of Him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel. And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth. And the Child grew and waxed strong, full of wisdom: and the grace of God was in Him.

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the new birth of Thine only-begotten Son in the flesh may set us free, whom the old bondage doth hold under the yoke of sin. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.