Nativity of the Lord (Christmas Day)

Monday, Dec. 25, 2023

Location: Holy day of obligation

"The Lord has come; let earth receive her King; let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing!" Joining the angels, we proclaim "glad tidings of great joy" for our Savior has come. The Christmas season runs from Christmas Day, to the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

The word "Christmas" comes from the Middle English "Christemasse," which literally means Christ's Mass. This feast commemorates the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. In doing so, God became flesh, making the salvation of the world possible.

To learn more, read the Christmas story. To learn more, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 524-528 or visit the Christmas resources of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. These include a family Christmas calendar, blessings for the nativity scene, Christmas tree, the home on Epiphany and list of recommended Christmas movies.

The Lord sent his only Son in "kindness and generous love ... not because of any righteous deeds we have done but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us ... so that we might ... become heirs in hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:4-7)