Octave Day of the Nativity

The texts for the Octave Day of the Nativity (aka Circumcision of Our Lord) in the Benedictine Office are set out below.

Sources for the chants Invitatory: LR 54 Hymn: LR 54 Antiphons: NR 200 ff Responsories: Benedictine Responsory Blog

Invitat. Christus natus est nobis: * Venite adoremus.

Invitatory antiphon. Unto us a Christ is born * O come, let us worship Him.

Hymnus Christe, Redemptor omnium, Ex Patre, Patris unice, Solus ante principium Natus ineffabiliter, Tu lumen, tu splendor Patris, Tu spes perennis omnium, Intende quas fundunt preces Tui per orbem famuli. Memento, salutis auctor, Quod nostri quondam corporis, Ex illibata Virgine Nascendo, formam sumpseris. Sic praesens testatur dies, Currens per anni circulum, Quod a solus sede Patris Mundi salus adveneris; Hunc caelum, terra, hunc mare, Hunc omne quod in eis est, Auctorem adventus tui Laudans exsultat cantico. Nos quoque, qui sancto tuo Redempti sanguine sumus, Ob diem natalis tui Hymnum novum concinimus. Gloria tibi, Domine, Qui natus es de Virgine, Cum Patre et almo Spiritu, In sempiterna saecula. Amen.

Hymn Christ, the Father's only Son, whose death for all redemption won, before the worlds, of God most high, begotten all ineffably. The Father's Light and Splendor Thou their endless Hope to Thee that bow: accept the prayers and praise today that through the world Thy servants pay. Salvation's author, call to mind how, taking the form of humankind, born of a Virgin undefiled, Thou in man's flesh becamest a Child. Thus testifies the present day Through every year in long array, that Thou, salvation's source alone proceedest from the Father's Throne. Whence sky, and stars, and sea's abyss, and earth, and all that therein is, shall still, with laud and carol meet, the Author of thine Advent greet. And we who, by Thy precious Blood from sin redeemed, are marked for God, on this, the day that saw Thy Birth, sing the new song of ransomed earth. Glory to you O Lord, Who wast born of the Virgin; whom with the Father we adore, and Holy Ghost forevermore. Amen.

 Nocturn I 

Ant 1: Dominus dixit * ad me: Filius meus es tu, ego hodie genui te. Ps 2	Ant 1: The Lord hath said unto Me * Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten thee
Ant 2: In sole posuit * tabernaculum suum: et ipse tamquam sponsus procedens de thalamo suo. Ps 18	Ant 2: In the sun hath He set His tabernacle * and He is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber.
Ant 3: Elevamini * portae aeternales, et introibit Rex gloriae. Ps 23	Ant 3: Be ye lifted up, O eternal gates: * and the King of Glory shall enter in.
Ant 4: Speciosus forma * prae filiis hominum, diffusa est gratia in labiis tuis. Ps 44	Ant 4: Thou art fairer than the children of men, * grace is poured into thy lips.
Ant 5: Suscepimus * Deus misericordiam tuam in medio templi tui. Ps 47	Ant 5: We have drunk in thy loving-kindness, * O God, in the midst of thy temple
Ant 6: Orietur * in diebus Domini abundantia pacis, et dominabitur. Ps 71	Ant 6: In the Lord's days * shall abundance of peace arise and flourish
V. Tamquam sponsus. R.  Dominus procedens de thalamo suo.	V. The Lord is as a bridegroom. R. Coming out of his chamber.

Lectio 1: De Epistola ad Romanos - Quid ergo dicemus invenisse Abraham patrem nostrum secundum carnem? Si enim Abraham ex operibus justificatus est, habet gloriam, sed non apud Deum. Quid enim dicit Scriptura? Credidit Abraham Deo, et reputatam est illi ad justitiam. Ei autem qui operatur, merces non imputatur secundum gratiam, sed secundum debitum. Ei vero qui non operatur, credenti autem in eum, qui justificat impium, reputatur fides ejus ad justitiam secundum propositum gratiæ Dei.

Reading 1: From the letter of St Paul to the Romans - What shall we say then that Abraham hath found, who is our father according to the flesh.  For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory, but not before God.  For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was reputed to him unto justice. Now to him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt. But to him that worketh not, yet believeth in him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reputed to justice, according to the purpose of the grace of God.

R. Ecce Agnus Dei, ecce qui tollit peccáta mundi: ecce de quo dicébam vobis: Qui post me venit, ante me factus est: * Cujus non sum dignus corrigiam calceaménti sólvere. V. Qui de terra est, de terra lóquitur: qui de cælo venit, super omnes est. R. Cujus non sum dignus corrigiam calceaménti sólvere.

R. Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him Which taketh away the sins of the world; behold Him of Whom I said unto you: He That cometh after me is preferred before me * Whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. V. He that is of the earth speaketh of the earth; He That cometh from heaven is above all. R. Whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

Lectio 2: Sicut et David dicit beatitudinem hominis, cui Deus accepto fert justitiam sine operibus: Beati, quorum remissæ sunt iniquitates, et quorum tecta sunt peccata. Beatus vir, cui non imputavit Dominus peccatum.	Reading 2: As David also termeth the blessedness of a man, to whom God reputeth justice without works: Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord hath not imputed sin.
R. Dies sanctificatus illuxit nobis: venite Gentes, et adorate Dominum: * Quia hodie descendit lux magna in terris. V. Haec dies quam fecit Dominus, exsultemus et laetemur in ea. R. Quia hodie descendit lux magna in terris.	R. This day which is breaking is holy; O come, ye Gentiles, and worship the Lord.* For this day is much light come down unto us from heaven. V. This is the day which the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. R. For this day is much light come down unto us from heaven.

Lectio 3: Beatitudo ergo hæc in circumcisione tantum manet, an etiam in præputio? Dicimus enim quia reputata est Abrahæ fides ad justitiam. Quomodo ergo reputata est? in circumcisione, an in præputio? Non in circumcisione, sed in præputio. Et signum accepit circumcisionis, signaculum justitiæ fidei, quæ est in præputio: ut sit pater omnium credentium per præputium, ut reputetur et illis ad justitiam: et sit pater circumcisionis non iis tantum, qui sunt ex circumcisione, sed et iis qui sectantur vestigia fidei, quæ est in præputio patris nostri Abrahæ.

Reading 3: This blessedness then, doth it remain in the circumcision only, or in the uncircumcision also? For we say that unto Abraham faith was reputed to justice. How then was it reputed? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the justice of the faith, which he had, being uncircumcised; that he might be the father of all them that believe, being uncircumcised, that unto them also it may be reputed to justice: And might be the father of circumcision; not to them only, that are of the circumcision, but to them also that follow the steps of the faithful, that is in the uncircumcision of our father Abraham.

R. Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini, Deus Dominus, et illuxit nobis:* Alleluia, alleluia. V. Haec dies quam fecit Dominus, exsultemus et laetemur in ea. R. Alleluia, alleluia.

R. Blessed be He That cometh in the name of the Lord! God is the Lord Who hath showed us light.* Alleluia, Alleluia. V. This is the day which the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. R. Alleluia, Alleluia.

	Lectio 4: Non enim per legem promissio Abrahæ, aut semini ejus ut hæres esset mundi: sed per justitiam fidei. Si enim qui ex lege, hæredes sunt: exinanita est fides, abolita est promissio. Lex enim iram operatur. Ubi enim non est lex, nec prævaricatio. Ideo ex fide, ut secundum gratiam firma sit promissio omni semini, non ei qui ex lege est solum, sed et ei qui ex fide est Abrahæ, qui pater est omnium nostrum (sicut scriptum est: Quia patrem multarum gentium posui te) ante Deum, cui credidit, qui vivificat mortuos, et vocat ea quæ non sunt, tamquam ea quæ sunt.		Reading 4: For not through the law was the promise to Abraham, or to his seed, that he should be heir of the world; but through the justice of faith. For if they who are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, the promise is made of no effect. For the law worketh wrath. For where there is no law, neither is there transgression. Therefore is it of faith, that according to grace the promise might be firm to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, As it is written: I have made thee a father of many nations, before God, whom he believed, who quickeneth the dead; and calleth those things that are not, as those that are.
R. Hic qui advenit nemo scit nomen eius nisi ipse solus; vocatur verbum Domini habens vestem praeclaram * Et omnis chorus angelorum in albis sequuntur illum. V. Oculi ejus velut flamma ignis: et in capite ejus diademata multa R. Et omnis chorus angelorum in albis sequuntur illum. V. Gloria Patri… R. Et omnis chorus angelorum in albis sequuntur illum.		R. This is he who comes, whose name no man knows but he himself; he is called the word of the Lord, dressed in shining clothes * And all the choirs of angels followed him, dressed in white. V. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many diadems R. And all the choirs of angels followed him, dressed in white. V. Glory be... R. And all the choirs of angels followed him, dressed in white.

Nocturn II

Ant 1: Veritas de terra * orta est, et justitia de caelo prospexit. Ps 84	Ant 1: Truth is sprung out of the earth, * and righteousness hath looked down from heaven.
Ant 2:  Homo natus est * in ea, et ipse fundavit eam Altissimus. Ps 86	Ant 2: This man was born in her, * and the Highest Himself hath established her.
Ant 3: Exsultabunt omnia ligna silvarum * ante faciem Domini, quoniam venit. Ps 95	Ant 3: All the trees of the wood shall rejoice * before the Lord, for He cometh.
Ant 4: In principio * et ante saecula Deus erat Verbum: ipse natus est nobis Salvator mundi. Ps 96	Ant 4: In the beginning, and before the worlds, the Word was God, * and this day is He born the Saviour of the world.
Ant 5: Ante luciferum genitus * et ante saecula, Dominus Salvator noster hodie nasci dignatus est. Ps 97	Ant 5: The Lord our Saviour, * begotten before the daystar, and before the worlds, hath this day vouchsafed to be born.
Ant 6: Nato Domino * Angelorum chorus canebat, dicens: Salus Deo nostro, alleluia. Ps 98	Ant 6: When the Lord was born the Angels sang together, * saying Salvation to our God, Which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. Alleluia
V. Speciosus forma prae filiis hominum. R. Diffusa est gratia in labiis tuis.	V. Thou art fairer than the children of men. R. Grace is poured into thy lips.

Lectio 5: Sermo sancti Leónis Papæ - Festívitátis hódiernæ, dilectíssimi, verus venerátor est, et pius cultor, qui nec de Incarnatióne Dómini áliquid falsum, nec de Deitáte áliquid sentit indígnum. Paris enim perículi malum est, si illi aut natúræ nostræ véritas, aut Patérnæ glóriæ negátur æquálitas. Cum ergo ad intellegéndum sacraméntum nativitátis Christi, qua de Matre vírgine est ortus, accédimus, abigátur procul terrenárum calígo ratiónum, et ab illuminátæ fidei óculo mundánæ sapiéntiæ fumus abscedat.

Reading 5:  Sermon of Pope St Leo the Great - Dearly beloved brethren, whosoever will keep truly and honour piously this day's festival, it is necessary for him neither to think falsely of the Lord's Incarnation, nor meanly of the Lord's Godhead. For as there is danger, on the one hand, of denying the truth of Christ's participation of our nature, so is there no less danger, on the other, of doing despite to the equality of His glory with the glory of the Father. Wherefore, when we draw near to understand the mystery of Christ's Birth, wherein He was born of the Virgin Mary, we must leave the clouds of earthly imagination behind and pierce the fog of human wisdom with the eye of enlightened faith.

R. Congratulámini mihi, omnes qui dilígitis Dóminum: * Quia, cum essem párvula, plácui Altíssimo, et de meis viscéribus génui Deum et hóminem. V. Beatam me dicent omnes generatiónes, quia ancíllam húmilem respéxit Deus. R. Quia, cum essem párvula, plácui Altíssimo, et de meis viscéribus génui Deum et hóminem.

R. Rejoice with me, all ye that love the Lord.* For while I was yet little I pleased the Most High, and from my womb have I brought forth God and man. V. All generations shall call me blessed, for God hath regarded the lowliness of His hand-maiden. R. For while I was yet little I pleased the Most High, and from my womb have I brought forth God and man.

Lectio 6: Divína est enim auctóritas, cui crédimus: divína est doctrína, quam séquimur. Quóniam sive legis testificatióni, sive oráculis prophetárum, sive evangélicæ tubæ interiórem admoveámus audítum; verum est, quod Joánnes plenus Spíritu Sancto intónuit: In princípio erat Verbum, et Verbum erat apud Deum, et Deus erat Verbum. Hoc erat in princípio apud Deum. Omnia per ipsum facta sunt, et sine ipso factum est nihil.

Reading 6: The authority on which we believe is the authority of God Himself; the teaching which we follow is the teaching of God Himself. Wherefore whether we lend the ear of our mind to the testimony of the Law, or to the revelations of the Prophets, or to the full pealing of the Gospel trumpet, that is true, which John the Son of Thunder, uttered, when he was filled with the Holy Ghost, and said: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made.

R. Confirmátum est cor Vírginis, in quo divina mysteria, Angelo nuntiánte, concépit: tunc speciósum forma præ fíliis hóminum castis suscépit viscéribus: * Et benedicta in ætérnum, Deum nobis prótulit et hóminem. V. Domus pudici péctoris templum repénte fit Dei: intacta nesciens virum, verbo concépit Fílium. R. Et benedicta in ætérnum, Deum nobis prótulit et hóminem.

R. The heart of the Virgin was fixed, when the Angel declared unto her the mystery of God, and she conceived, then did she receive in her pure womb Him That is fairer than the children of men.* And, she that is blessed for ever, brought forth for us God and man. V. Soon rises, in that modest shrine, The Temple of the Lord Divine The stainless and unwedded one, Within her womb conceived the Son. R. And, she that is blessed for ever, brought forth for us God and man.

Lectio 7: Et simíliter verum est, quod idem prædicátor adjécit: Verbum caro factum est et habitávit in nobis: et vídimus glóriam ejus, glóriam quasi Unigéniti a Patre. In utráque ergo natúra idem est Dei Fílius, nostra suscípiens, et propria non amittens: in hómine hóminem rénovans, in se incommutábilis persevérans.	Reading 7: True also is his witness when he saith: The Word was made Flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only-begotten of the Father. The Person of the Son of God therefore remaineth unchanged and one, though He have two natures, keeping His own, and taking ours. He appeareth as man to be the restorer of men, but abideth all the while in His immutable Godhead.
R. Benedicta et venerábilis es, Virgo Maria, quæ sine tactu pudoris invénta es mater Salvatoris: * Iacébat in præsépio, et fulgébat in cælo. V. Dómine, audívi audítum tuum, et tímui: considerávi ópera tua, et expávi: in médio duórum animalium. R. Iacébat in præsépio, et fulgébat in cælo.	R. Blessed and worshipful art thou, O Virgin Mary; from thee, still maiden undefiled, the Saviour came a little Child.* He Whose glory filled the heavens lay in a manger. V. O Lord, I have heard thy speech and was afraid; I considered thy works and trembled. O Thou That dwellest between the two living creatures! R. He Whose glory filled the heavens lay in a manger.

Lectio 8: Déitas enim, quæ illi cum Patre commúnis est, nullum detriméntum omnipoténtiæ súbiit, nec Dei formam servi forma violávit: quia summa et sempitérna esséntia, quæ se ad humáni géneris inclinávit salútem, nos quidem in suam glóriam tránstulit, sed quod erat, esse non déstitit. Unde cum Unigénitus Dei minórem se Patre confitétur, cui se dicit æquálem, veritátem in se formæ utriúsque demónstrat: ut et humánam probet imparílitas, et divínam decláret æquálitas.

Reading 8: That Godhead which He shareth with the Father was not a whit the less Almighty, nor did the form of a servant touch the form of God to derogate from it. The Most High and Everlasting Being, bending down for man's salvation, took the Manhood into His glory; He ceased not to be That which He is from everlasting. Hence we see the Only-begotten Son of God in one place confessing that the Father is greater than He, and in another declaring that He and the Father are One. This is an evident proof of the distinction of His two natures, and the unity of His Person; for He is inferior to the Father as touching His Manhood, and yet equal to the Father as touching His Godhead, and yet, though He be God and Man, He is not two, but One Christ.

R. In propria venit, et sui eum non receperunt. Quotquot autem receperunt eum, dedit eis potestatem filios Dei fieri, his qui credunt in nomine eius,* Qui non ex sanguinibus, neque ex voluntate carnis, neque ex voluntate viri, sed ex Deo nati sunt. V. Si autem filii, et hæredes: hæredes, quidem Dei, cohæredes autem Christi R. Qui non ex sanguinibus, neque ex voluntate carnis, neque ex voluntate viri, sed ex Deo nati sunt. V. Gloria Patri R. Qui non ex sanguinibus, neque ex voluntate carnis, neque ex voluntate viri, sed ex Deo nati sunt.

R. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, he gave them power to be made the sons of God, to them that believe in his name. * Who are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. V. And if sons, heirs also; heirs indeed of God, and joint heirs with Christ R. Who are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. V. Glory be... R. Who are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Nocturn III

Ant 1: Beatus venter * qui te portavit, et beata ubera quae te lactaverunt Dominum et Salvatorem mundi, alleluia. Canticles: Is 9:2-7; 26:1-12; 66:10-16	Ant 1: Blessed is the womb that bore thee, And blessed be the paps which gave suck to the Lord and savior of the world, alleluia.
V. Notum fecit Dóminus, alleluia R. Salutáre suum, Alleluia	V. He hath remember ed, alleluia R. His mercy, alleluia

Lectio 9: Léctio sancti Evangélii secúndum Lucam - In illo témpore: Postquam consummáti sunt dies octo, ut circumciderétur Puer: vocátum est nomen ejus Jesus. Et réliqua. Homilía sancti Ambrósii Epíscopi - Circumcíditur itaque Puer. Quis est iste puer, nisi ille, de quo dictum est: Puer natus est nobis, Fílius datus est nobis? Factus est enim sub lege, ut eos, qui sub lege essent, lucrifáceret. Ut sísterent eum Dómino. Quid sit autem in Jerúsalem sisti Dómino, dícerem, nisi in Isaíæ comméntis ante dixíssem. Circumcísus enim vítiis, Domínico dignus judicátur obtútu; quia, Oculi Dómini super justos.

Reading 9: From the Holy Gospel according to Luke - In that time, after eight days were accomplished, that the child should be circumcised, his name was called Jesus. And so on. Homily by St. Ambrose, Bishop - So the Child is circumcised. This is the Child of Whom it is said: Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given. Made under the law to redeem them that were under the law.  To present Him to the Lord.  In my Commentary on Isaiah I have already explained what is meant by being presented to the Lord in Jerusalem, and therefore I will not enter into the subject again. He that is circumcised in heart gaineth the protection of God, for the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous.

R. Sancta et immaculata virginitas, quibus te laudibus efferam nescio: * Quia quem coeli capere non poterant, tuo gremio contulisti. V. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui. R. Quia quem coeli capere non poterant, tuo gremio contulisti.

R. O Mary, how holy and how spotless is thy virginity! I am too dull to praise thee! * For thou hast borne in thy breast Him Whom the heavens cannot contain. V. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. R. For thou hast borne in thy breast Him Whom the heavens cannot contain.

Lectio 10: Vides omnem legis véteris sériem fuísse typum futúri: nam et circumcísio purgatiónem signíficat delictórum.  Sed quóniam prona quadam cupiditáte peccándi, humánæ carnis et mentis fragílitas inextricabílibus vítiis implicátur, eo per octávum circumcisiónis diem culpæ totius futúra purgátio, resurrectiónis præfigurabátur ætáte. Hoc est enim illud: Quia omne masculínum adapériens vulvam, sanctum Dómino vocábitur. Verbis enim legis promittebátur Vírginis partus. Et vere sanctus, quia immaculátus.

Reading 10: We will see that as all the ceremonies of the old law were types of realities in the new, so the circumcision of the body signified the cleansing of the heart from the guilt of sin. But since the body and mind of man remain yet infected with a proneness' to sin, the circumcision of the eighth day is also a type of that complete cleansing from sin which we shall have at the resurrection. This ceremony was also performed in obedience to the commandment of God: Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy unto the Lord. These words were written with especial reference to the delivery of the Blessed Virgin.

R. Nesciens Mater Virgo virum, péperit sine dolóre: * Salvatórem sæculórum, ipsum Regem Angelórum, sola Virgo lactábat ubere de cælo pleno. V. Domus pudici péctoris templum repénte fit Dei: intacta nesciens virum, verbo concépit Fílium. R. Salvatórem sæculórum, ipsum Regem Angelórum, sola Virgo lactábat ubere de cælo pleno.

R. The Virgin-Mother that knew not a man, bore, but travailed not.* She fed the Saviour of the world, The King of Angel hosts above, Jesus, our Redeemer blest, From the fountain of her breast. V. Soon rises in that modest shrine, The Temple of the Lord Divine; The stainless and unwedded one, Within her womb conceived the Son. R. She fed the Saviour of the world, The King of Angel hosts above, Jesus, our Redeemer blest, From the fountain of her breast.

Lectio 11: Dénique ipsum esse, qui lege signétur, in eumdem modum ab Angelo repetíta verba declárant: Quod nascétur, inquit, Sanctum, vocábitur Fílius Dei.  Solus enim per ómnia ex natis de fémina sanctus Dóminus Jesus, qui terrénæ contágia corruptélæ, immaculáti partus novitáte non sénserit, et cælésti majestáte depúlerit.

Reading 11: Truly He That opened her womb was holy, for He was altogether without spot, and we may gather that the law was written specially for Him from the words of the Angel: That Holy Thing Which shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God.Among all that are born of women the Lord Jesus Christ stood alone in holiness. Fresh from His immaculate Birth, He felt no contagion from human corruption, and His heavenly Majesty drove it away.

R. Parvulus natus est nobis, et fílius datus est nobis, et factus est principátus super humerum ejus: * Et vocábitur Admirábilis, Deus Fortis V. Multiplicabitur ejus imperium et pacis non erit finis R. Et vocábitur Admirábilis, Deus Fortis

R. A child is born to us, and a son is given to us, and the government is upon his shoulder: * And his name shall be called, Wonderful, God the Mighty V. His empire shall be multiplied, and there shall be no end of peace R. And his name shall be called, Wonderful, God the Mighty

Lectio 12: Nam si lítteram sequámur: quómodo sanctus omnis másculus, cum multos sceleratíssimos fuísse non láteat? Numquid sanctus Achab? numquid sancti pseudoprophétæ, quos ad Elíæ preces ultor cæléstis injúriæ ignis absúmpsit? Sed ille sanctus, quem in figura futúri mystérii pia legis divínæ præscrípta signábant; eo quod solus sanctæ Ecclésiæ vírginis ad generándos pópulos Dei, immaculátæ fecunditátis aperíret genitále secretum.

Reading 12: If we are to follow the letter and say that every male that openeth the womb is holy, how shall we explain that so many have been unrighteous? Was Ahab holy? Were the false prophets holy? Were they holy on whom Elijah justly called down fire from heaven? But He to Whom the sacred commandment of the law of God is mystically directed is the Holy One of Israel; Who also alone hath opened the secret womb of His holy Virgin-bride the Church, filling her with a sinless fruitfulness to give birth to Christian souls.

R. O Regem cæli, cui talia famulantur obsequia: stabulo ponitur, qui continet mundum:* Jacet in præsepio, et in cælis regnat. V. Natus est nobis hodie Salvator, qui est Christus Dominus, in civitate David. R. Jacet in præsepio, et in cælis regnat. V. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto. R. Jacet in præsepio, et in cælis regnat.

R. How is the King of heaven attended? He that containeth the world is laid in a stable * Lying in a manger, reigning in heaven. V. Unto us is born, this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, Which is Christ the Lord. R. Lying in a manger, reigning in heaven. V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost. R. Lying in a manger, reigning in heaven.

Gospel: St Luke 2:21

Sequentia sancti Evangelii secundum Lucam – In illo tempore: Postquam consummati sunt dies octo, ut circumcideretur puer: vocatum est nomen ejus Jesus, quod vocatum est ab Angelo, priusquam in utero conciperetur.

Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to Luke - When eight days had passed, and the boy must be circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name which the angel had given him before ever he was conceived in the womb.