From the responsorial psalm: “May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us. So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation. May God bless us in his mercy."

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Luke 2:16-21)

All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.

Luke describes what happens after the angel appears to the shepherds and says, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." In obedience to the angel's message, the shepherds travel in haste to Bethlehem to find Jesus. . . . (more)