In Nativitate Beatæ Mariæ VirginisNativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

℣ O Lord, ✠ open my lips.

℟ And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

℣ O God, ✠ come to my assistance.

℟ Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Alleluia.

Ant. Let us celebrate the Nativity of the Virgin Mary: * Let us adore Christ her Son, the Lord.

Ant. Let us celebrate the Nativity of the Virgin Mary: * Let us adore Christ her Son, the Lord.

Come, let us exult in the Lord. Let us shout joyfully to God, our Savior. Let us anticipate his presence with confession, and let us sing joyfully to him with psalms.

Ant. Let us celebrate the Nativity of the Virgin Mary: * Let us adore Christ her Son, the Lord.

For the Lord is a great God and a great King over all gods. For the Lord will not drive away his people. For in his hand are all the limits of the earth, and he beholds the heights of the mountains.

Ant. Let us adore Christ her Son, the Lord.

For the sea is his, and he made it, and his hands established the dry land. (kneel) Come, let us adore and fall prostrate before God, and let us weep before the Lord who made us. For he is the Lord our God, and we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.

Ant. Let us celebrate the Nativity of the Virgin Mary: * Let us adore Christ her Son, the Lord.

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts: as in the provocation, according to the day of temptation in the wilderness, where your fathers tempted me; they tested and saw my works.

Ant. Let us adore Christ her Son, the Lord.

For forty years, I was near to that generation, and I said: These have always strayed in heart. But they have not known my ways. To them I swore in my wrath: They shall not enter into my rest.

Ant. Let us celebrate the Nativity of the Virgin Mary: * Let us adore Christ her Son, the Lord.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. Let us adore Christ her Son, the Lord.

Ant. Let us celebrate the Nativity of the Virgin Mary: * Let us adore Christ her Son, the Lord.

He whom earth, sea, and stars

worship, adore, and proclaim,

who governs the threefold frame of the world,

the womb of Mary bears.

He whom moon, sun, and all things

serve through the ages,

poured through with the grace of heaven,

the maiden's womb carries.

Blessed is the Mother in her office,

whose heavenly Maker,

holding the world in his fist,

was enclosed under the ark of her womb.

Blessed at the announcement of heaven,

fruitful by the Holy Spirit,

he who was desired by the nations

was born from her womb.

To you, O Jesus, be glory,

who were born of a Virgin,

with the Father and the gracious Spirit

unto ages of ages.

Amen.

Nocturn I

Ant. Blessed are you * among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

Psalm 8 [1]

8:2a O Lord, our Lord, * how admirable is your name throughout all the earth!

8:2b For your magnificence is elevated * above the heavens.

8:3 Out of the mouths of babes and infants, you have perfected praise, because of your enemies, * so that you may destroy the enemy and the revenger.

8:4 For I will behold your heavens, the works of your fingers: * the moon and the stars, which you have founded.

8:5 What is man, that you are mindful of him, * or the son of man, that you visit him?

8:6 You reduced him to a little less than the Angels; † you have crowned him with glory and honor, * (7) and you have set him over the works of your hands.

8:8 You have subjected all things under his feet, * all sheep and oxen, and in addition: the beasts of the field,

8:9 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, * which pass through the paths of the sea.

8:10 O Lord, our Lord, * how admirable is your name throughout all the earth!

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

Ant. Like choice myrrh, * you have given forth a fragrance of sweetness, O holy Mother of God.

Psalm 18 [2]

18:2 The heavens describe the glory of God, * and the firmament announces the work of his hands.

18:3 Day proclaims the word to day, * and night to night imparts knowledge.

18:4 There are no speeches or conversations, * where their voices are not being heard.

18:5 Their sound has gone forth through all the earth, * and their words to the ends of the world.

18:6a He has placed his tabernacle in the sun, * and he is like a bridegroom coming out of his bedroom.

18:6b He has exulted like a giant running along the way; * (7a) his departure is from the summit of heaven.

18:7b And his course reaches all the way to its summit. * Neither is there anyone who can hide himself from his heat.

18:8 The law of the Lord is immaculate, converting souls. * The testimony of the Lord is faithful, providing wisdom to little ones.

18:9 The justice of the Lord is right, rejoicing hearts. * The precepts of the Lord are brilliant, enlightening the eyes.

18:10 The fear of the Lord is holy, enduring for all generations. * The judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves:

18:11 desirable beyond gold and many precious stones, * and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.

18:12 For, indeed, your servant keeps them, * and in keeping them, there are many rewards.

18:13 Who can understand transgression? † From my hidden faults, cleanse me, * (14a) and from those of others, spare your servant.

18:14b If they will have no dominion over me, then I will be immaculate, * and I will be cleansed from the greatest transgression.

18:15a And the words of my mouth will be so as to please, * along with the meditation of my heart, in your sight, forever,

18:15b O Lord, my helper * and my redeemer.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. Like choice myrrh, you have given forth a fragrance of sweetness, O holy Mother of God.

Ant. Before the couch * of this Virgin, strike up sweet songs of praise for us.

Psalm 23 [3]

23:1 The earth and all its fullness belong to the Lord: * the whole world and all that dwells in it.

23:2 For he has founded it upon the seas, * and he has prepared it upon the rivers.

23:3 Who will ascend to the mountain of the Lord? * And who will stand in his holy place?

23:4 The innocent of hands and the clean of heart, * who has not received his soul in vain, nor sworn deceitfully to his neighbor.

23:5 He will receive a blessing from the Lord, * and mercy from God, his Savior.

23:6 This is the generation that seeks him, * that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.

23:7 Lift up your gates, you princes, and be lifted up, eternal gates. * And the King of Glory shall enter.

23:8 Who is this King of Glory? * The Lord who is strong and powerful; the Lord powerful in battle.

23:9 Lift up your gates, you princes, and be lifted up, eternal gates. * And the King of Glory shall enter.

23:10 Who is this King of Glory? * The Lord of hosts. He himself is the King of Glory.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. Before the couch of this Virgin, strike up sweet songs of praise for us.

℣ In your beauty and your comeliness

℟ Press forward, prosper, and reign.

The Our Father is said silently as far as And lead us not into temptation:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name: thy kingdom come: thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our trespasses, as we also forgive those who trespass against us:

℣ And lead us not into temptation:

℟ But deliver us from evil.

Absolution. Hear the prayers of your servants, Lord Jesus Christ, and have mercy on us: You who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.

℟ Amen.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May the eternal Father bless us with his everlasting blessing.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 1

Here begins the Song of Songs

Song of Songs 1:1-4

1 May he kiss me with the kiss of his mouth. So much better than wine are your breasts,

2 Fragranced with the finest perfumes. Your name is oil that has been poured out; therefore, the maidens have loved you.

3 Draw me forward. We will run after you in the odor of your perfumes. The king has led me into his storerooms. We will exult and rejoice in you, remembering your breasts above wine. The righteous love you.

4 O daughters of Jerusalem: I am black, but shapely, like the tabernacles of Kedar, like the tents of Solomon.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ Today the blessed Virgin Mary, of the lineage of David, was born;

* Through whom the salvation of the world appeared to those who believe, whose glorious life gave light to the age.

℣ Let us celebrate with joy the Nativity of the blessed Virgin Mary.

℟ Through whom the salvation of the world appeared to those who believe, whose glorious life gave light to the age.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May the Only Begotten Son of God be pleased to bless and assist us.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 2

Song 1:5-9

5 Do not be concerned that I am dark, for the sun has changed my color. The sons of my mother have fought against me. They have made me the keeper of the vineyards. My own vineyard I have not kept.

6 Reveal to me, you whom my soul loves, where you pasture, where you recline at midday, lest I begin to wander after the flocks of your companions.

7 If you yourself do not know, O most beautiful among women, then go out and follow after the steps of the flocks, and pasture your young goats beside the tabernacles of the shepherds.

8 O my love, I have compared you to my company of horsemen in the chariots of Pharaoh.

9 Your cheeks are beautiful, like those of a turtledove. Your neck is like a bejeweled collar.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ Let us most devoutly celebrate the Nativity of the most Blessed Virgin Mary,

* That she may intercede for us to the Lord Jesus Christ.

℣ With joy let us most devoutly celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

℟ That she may intercede for us to the Lord Jesus Christ.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May the grace of the Holy Spirit enlighten our minds and hearts.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 3

Song 1:10-16

10 We will fashion for you chains of gold, inlaid with silver.

11 While the king was taking his rest, my nard sent forth its odor.

12 My beloved is a bundle of myrrh to me. He shall abide between my breasts.

13 My beloved is a cluster of henna blossoms to me, in the vineyards of Engaddi.

14 Behold, you are beautiful, O my love. Behold, you are beautiful. Your eyes are those of a dove.

15 Behold, you are handsome, O my beloved, and graceful. Our bed is flourishing.

16 The timbers of our houses are of cedar; our ceilings are of cypress.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ Let us devoutly recall the most worthy birth of the glorious Virgin Mary,

* Whose lowliness the Lord regarded, who, at the angel's announcement, conceived the Savior of the world.

℣ Let us most devoutly celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

℟ Whose lowliness the Lord regarded, who, at the angel's announcement, conceived the Savior of the world.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ Whose lowliness the Lord regarded, who, at the angel's announcement, conceived the Savior of the world.

Nocturn II

Ant. In your beauty * and your comeliness, press forward, advance prosperously, and reign.

Psalm 44 [4]

44:2a My heart has uttered a good word. * I speak of my works to the king.

44:2b My tongue is like the pen of a scribe * who writes quickly.

44:3 You are more beautiful in form than the sons of men. † Grace has been poured freely into your lips. * Because of this, God has blessed you in eternity.

44:4 Fasten your sword to your thigh, * O most powerful one.

44:5a With your splendor and your excellence * extended, proceed prosperously, and reign

44:5b for the sake of truth and meekness and justice, * and so will your right hand lead you wondrously.

44:6 Your arrows are sharp; the people will fall under you, * into the hearts of the enemies of the king.

44:7 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. * The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of true aim.

44:8 You have loved justice and hated iniquity. * Because of this, God, your God, has anointed you, before your co-heirs, with the oil of gladness.

44:9 Myrrh and balsam and cinnamon perfume your garments, from the houses of ivory. * From these, they have delighted you: (10a) the daughters of kings in your honor.

44:10b The queen stood at your right hand, in clothing of gold, * encircled with diversity.

44:11 Listen, daughter, and see, and incline your ear. * And forget your people and your father’s house.

44:12 And the king will desire your beauty. * For he is the Lord your God, and they will adore him.

44:13 And the daughters of Tyre * will entreat your countenance with gifts: all the rich men of the people.

44:14 All the glory of the daughter of its king is inside, * in golden fringes, (15a) clothed all around with diversities.

44:15b After her, virgins will be led to the king. * Her neighbors will be brought to you.

44:16 They will be brought with gladness and exultation. * They will be led into the temple of the king.

44:17 For your fathers, sons have been born to you. * You will establish them as leaders over all the earth.

44:18a They will remember your name always, * for generation after generation.

44:18b Because of this, people will confess to you in eternity, * even forever and ever.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. In your beauty and your comeliness, press forward, advance prosperously, and reign.

Ant. God will help her * with his countenance: God is in her midst, she shall not be moved.

Psalm 45 [5]

45:2 Our God is our refuge and strength, * a helper in the tribulations that have greatly overwhelmed us.

45:3 Because of this, we will not be afraid when the earth will be turbulent * and the mountains will be transferred into the heart of the sea.

45:4 They thundered, and the waters were stirred up among them; * the mountains have been disturbed by his strength.

45:5 The rushing of the river rejoices the city of God. * The Most High has sanctified his tabernacle.

45:6 God is in its midst; it will not be shaken. * God will assist it in the early morning.

45:7 The peoples have been disturbed, and the kingdoms have been bowed down. * He uttered his voice: the earth has been moved.

45:8 The Lord of hosts is with us. * The God of Jacob is our supporter.

45:9 Draw near and behold the works of the Lord: what portents he has set upon the earth, * carrying away wars even to the end of the earth.

45:10 He will crush the bow and break the weapons, * and he will burn the shield with fire.

45:11 Be still, and see that I am God. * I will be exalted among the peoples, and I will be exalted upon the earth.

45:12 The Lord of hosts is with us. * The God of Jacob is our supporter.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. God will help her with his countenance: God is in her midst, she shall not be moved.

Ant. For so the dwelling place * of all of us rejoicing is within you, O holy Mother of God.

Psalm 86 [6]

86:1 Its foundations are in the holy mountains: * the Lord loves the gates of Zion above all the tabernacles of Jacob.

86:3 Glorious things are being said of you, * O City of God.

86:4 I will be mindful of Rahab and of Babylon * knowing me.

86:4 Behold, the foreigners, and Tyre, and the people of the Ethiopians: * these have been there.

86:5 Will not Zion say that this man and that man were born in her? * And the Most High himself has founded her.

86:6 The Lord will explain, in the writings of peoples and of leaders, * about those who have been in her.

86:7 The dwelling of all who rejoice * is in you.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. For so the dwelling place of all of us rejoicing is within you, O holy Mother of God.

℣ God will assist it with his countenance.

℟ God is in its midst; it will not be shaken.

The Our Father is said silently as far as And lead us not into temptation:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name: thy kingdom come: thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our trespasses, as we also forgive those who trespass against us:

℣ And lead us not into temptation:

℟ But deliver us from evil.

Absolution. May his loving kindness and mercy assist us, he who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.

℟ Amen.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May God the almighty Father be gracious and merciful to us.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 4

Sermon of Saint Augustine, Bishop

Sermon 18 on the Saints, also numbered 2 on the Annunciation of the Lord

The longed-for day of the blessed and venerable ever-Virgin Mary is with us, most beloved, and therefore let our land rejoice with the greatest exultation, illumined by the nativity of so great a Virgin. For she is the flower of the field from whom was born the precious lily of the valleys, through whose childbearing the nature of our first parents is changed and their fault is blotted out. In her that sentence of Eve's unhappiness is cut away, whereby it is said: In pain you shall bring forth your children; for she brought forth the Lord in joy.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ The birth of the glorious Virgin Mary, of the seed of Abraham, sprung from the tribe of Judah, of the illustrious line of David;

* Whose renowned life illumines all the churches.

℣ Today the blessed Virgin Mary was born of the lineage of David.

℟ Whose renowned life illumines all the churches.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May Christ grant us the joys of eternal life.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 5

For Eve mourned, but she rejoiced; Eve carried tears in her womb, Mary carried joy; because the one brought forth a sinner, the other brought forth the Innocent. The mother of our race brought punishment upon the world, the Mother of our Lord brought salvation upon the world. Eve was the author of sin, Mary the author of merit. Eve by killing did harm, Mary by giving life did good. The one struck, the other healed. For disobedience is exchanged for obedience, faithlessness is recompensed by faith.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ Let us celebrate with joy the Nativity of blessed Mary,

* That she may intercede for us to the Lord Jesus Christ.

℣ With heart and soul let us sing glory to Christ on this sacred solemnity of the most exalted Mother of God, Mary.

℟ That she may intercede for us to the Lord Jesus Christ.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May God kindle the fire of his love in our hearts.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 6

Let Mary now rejoice with instruments, and let the tambourines of the mother newly delivered sound among swift-moving fingers. Let rejoicing choirs sing together, and let sweet-sounding songs be mingled with alternating melodies. Hear, therefore, how our timbrel-player has sung; for she says: "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, because he has looked upon the humility of his handmaid: for behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Because he who is mighty has done great things for me." The miracle of a new birth, therefore, overcame the cause of the prevailing error; and the song of Mary drove out the lamentation of Eve.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ Your birth, O Virgin Mother of God, announced joy to the whole world;

* For from you arose the Sun of justice, Christ our God. * Who, dissolving the curse, gave blessing; and, confounding death, bestowed upon us eternal life.

℣ Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

℟ For from you arose the Sun of justice, Christ our God.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ Who, dissolving the curse, gave blessing; and, confounding death, bestowed upon us eternal life.

Nocturn III

Ant. Rejoice, O Virgin Mary: * you alone have destroyed all heresies throughout the whole world.

Psalm 95 [7]

95:1 Sing to the Lord a new song. * Sing to the Lord, all the earth.

95:2 Sing to the Lord and bless his name. * Announce his salvation from day to day.

95:3 Announce his glory among the Gentiles, * his miracles among all peoples.

95:4 For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised. * He is terrible, beyond all gods.

95:5 For all the gods of the Gentiles are demons, * but the Lord made the heavens.

95:6 Confession and beauty are in his sight. * Sanctity and magnificence are in his sanctuary.

95:7 Bring to the Lord, you families of the nations, bring to the Lord glory and honor. * Bring to the Lord glory for his name.

95:8 Lift up sacrifices, and enter into his courts. * Adore the Lord in his holy court.

95:9 Let the entire earth be shaken before his face. * Say among the Gentiles: The Lord has reigned.

95:10 For he has even corrected the whole world, which will not be shaken. * He will judge the peoples with fairness.

95:11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth exult; let the sea and all its fullness be moved. * The fields and all the things that are in them will be glad.

95:12 Then all the trees of the forest will rejoice before the face of the Lord: for he arrives. * For he arrives to judge the earth.

95:13 He will judge the whole world with fairness * and the peoples with his truth.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. Rejoice, O Virgin Mary: you alone have destroyed all heresies throughout the whole world.

Ant. Grant me to be worthy * to praise you, O holy Virgin: give me strength against your enemies.

Psalm 96 [8]

96:1 The Lord has reigned, let the earth exult. * Let the many islands rejoice.

96:2 Clouds and mist are all around him. * Justice and judgment are the establishment of his throne.

96:3 A fire will precede him, * and it will enflame his enemies all around.

96:4 His lightnings have enlightened the whole world. * The earth saw, and it was shaken.

96:5 The mountains flowed like wax before the face of the Lord, * before the face of the Lord of all the earth.

96:6 The heavens announced his justice, * and all peoples saw his glory.

96:7 May all those who adore graven images be confounded, * along with those who glory in their false images.

96:7 All you his Angels: Adore him. * Zion heard, and was glad.

96:8 And the daughters of Judah exulted * because of your judgments, O Lord.

96:9 For you are the Most High Lord over all the earth. * You are greatly exalted above all gods.

96:10 You who love the Lord: hate evil. * The Lord watches over the souls of his holy ones. He will free them from the hand of the sinner.

96:11 The light has risen for the just, * and joy for the upright of heart.

96:12 Rejoice in the Lord, you just ones, * and confess to the remembrance of his holiness.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. Grant me to be worthy to praise you, O holy Virgin: give me strength against your enemies.

Ant. After childbirth, * O Virgin, you remained inviolate: O Mother of God, intercede for us.

Psalm 97 [9]

97:1 Sing to the Lord a new song, * for he has performed wonders.

97:1 His right hand has accomplished salvation for him, * with his holy arm.

97:2 The Lord has made known his salvation. * He has revealed his justice in the sight of the nations.

97:3 He has remembered his mercy * and his truth toward the house of Israel.

97:3 All the ends of the earth have seen * the salvation of our God.

97:4 Sing joyfully to God, all the earth. * Sing and exult, and sing psalms.

97:5 Sing psalms to the Lord with stringed instruments, with the harp and the sound of a psalm, * with hammered trumpets and the sound of the horn.

97:6 Make a joyful noise before the Lord our king. * Let the sea be moved and all its fullness, the whole world and all who dwell in it.

97:8 The rivers will clap their hands, the mountains will exult together, before the presence of the Lord. * For he comes to judge the earth.

97:9 He will judge the whole world with justice, * and the peoples with fairness.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

Ant. After childbirth, O Virgin, you remained inviolate: O Mother of God, intercede for us.

℣ God has chosen her and has chosen her before all others.

℟ He makes her dwell in his tabernacle.

The Our Father is said silently as far as And lead us not into temptation:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name: thy kingdom come: thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our trespasses, as we also forgive those who trespass against us:

℣ And lead us not into temptation:

℟ But deliver us from evil.

Absolution. May the almighty and merciful Lord absolve us from the bonds of our sins.

℟ Amen.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May the evangelical reading be our salvation and protection.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 7

A Reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

Matthew 1:1-16

The book of the lineage of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham begot Isaac. And Isaac begot Jacob. And so forth.

From a Homily of Saint Jerome, Priest

Commentary on Matthew, book 1, at the beginning

In Isaiah we read: Who shall declare his generation? We should not, therefore, think that the Evangelist contradicts the Prophet, as though he sets out to narrate what the Prophet declared impossible to express: for there the reference is to the generation of the Divinity, while here it concerns the Incarnation. He began from fleshly things, so that through the man we might begin to learn of God. The son of David, the son of Abraham. The order is inverted, but necessarily so. For if he had placed Abraham first and David afterward, he would have had to return to Abraham again, in order that the sequence of the genealogy might be woven together.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ All generations shall call me blessed,

* Because the Lord who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

℣ And his mercy is from generation to generation upon those who fear him.

℟ Because the Lord who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May she whose feast we celebrate, the Virgin of virgins, intercede for us to the Lord.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 8

He named him the son of these two and passed over the rest, because to them alone was the promise concerning Christ made. To Abraham: In your seed, he said, shall all nations be blessed, and that seed is Christ. To David: Of the fruit of your womb I will set upon your throne. Judah, however, begot Phares and Zara of Thamar. Note that in the genealogy of the Savior no holy women are included, but those whom Scripture reproves; so that he who had come for sinners, being born of sinners, might blot out the sins of all. Hence also in what follows Ruth the Moabitess is mentioned, and Bathsheba the wife of Uriah.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℟ For you are blessed, O holy Virgin Mary, and most worthy of all praise:

* For from you arose the Sun of justice, * Christ, our God.

℣ Pray for the people, intercede for the clergy, make intercession for the devout female sex: may all feel your help, all who celebrate your holy Nativity.

℟ For from you arose the Sun of justice, Christ our God.

℣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Spirit.

℟ Christ our God.

℣ Grant a blessing, O Lord.

Benediction. May the King of Angels lead us to the company of the citizens on high.

℟ Amen.

Lesson 9

Jacob, however, begot Joseph. This passage was set against us by Julian Augustus as an instance of discordance among the Evangelists — why the Evangelist Matthew said Joseph was the son of Jacob while Luke called him the son of Heli — not understanding the custom of the Scriptures, that the one was his father according to nature, the other according to the law. For we know that this was prescribed through Moses at God's command: that if a brother or kinsman died without children, another should take his wife to raise up seed for the brother or kinsman. Joseph the husband of Mary. When you hear the word husband, let no suspicion of marriage enter your mind; but remember the custom of the Scriptures, that bridegrooms are called husbands and brides are called wives.

℣ But you, O Lord, have mercy on us.

℟ Thanks be to God.

Te Deum

O God, we praise you; * O Lord, we acclaim you.

Eternal Father, * all the earth reveres you.

To you all the Angels, * the heavens and all the Powers of heaven:

To you the Cherubim and Seraphim * cry out in endless praise:

(A bow is made) Holy, Holy, Holy * Lord God of hosts;

Heaven and earth are filled * with the majesty of your glory.

The glorious choir of Apostles * sings to you,

the noble company of Prophets * praises you,

the white-robed army of Martyrs * glorifies you.

Holy Church throughout the earth * proclaims you,

the Father * of boundless majesty;

your true and only Son, * worthy of adoration;

and the Holy Spirit, * the Paraclete.

You, O Christ, * are the King of glory.

You are * the Father's everlasting Son.

(A bow is made) When you resolved to save the human race, * you did not spurn the Virgin's womb.

You overcame the sting of death * and opened the Kingdom of Heaven to those who put their faith in you.

You are seated at the right hand of God * in the glory of the Father.

We believe you are the Judge * who is to come.

(The following verse is said kneeling) And so we beg you, help your servants, * redeemed by your most precious blood.

Number them * among your Saints in eternal glory.

Save your people, Lord, * and bless your inheritance.

Shepherd them * and raise them to eternal life.

Day by day * we bless you,

(A bow is made, according to custom) and we praise your name * for endless ages evermore.

Be gracious, Lord, on this day, * and keep us from all sin.

Have mercy on us, O Lord, * have mercy.

May your mercy be upon us, Lord, * as we place our trust in you.

In you, O Lord, I rest my hope: * let me never be put to shame.

The rest is omitted unless Lauds is said separately.

℣ O Lord, hear my prayer.

℟ And let my cry come before you.

Let us pray.

Bestow, we pray, O Lord, the gift of heavenly grace upon your servants: that, as the childbearing of the Blessed Virgin was the beginning of salvation for them, the votive solemnity of her Nativity may grant them an increase of peace.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son: who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

℟ Amen.

℣ O Lord, hear my prayer.

℟ And let my cry come before you.

℣ Let us bless the Lord.

℟ Thanks be to God.

℣ May the souls of the faithful, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

℟ Amen.