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Friday, December 25, 2026

Solemnity · The Nativity of the Lord

First Light for Friday, December 25, 2026. You can scroll the whole Hour, or use Prayer space. Light is shorter.

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About today

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Christmas is not an idea about love; it is a Child laid in a manger because there was no room. The solemnity of the Nativity holds the humility of God and the dignity of our flesh, given in a place we would not have chosen for a king. Night, straw, and a Name. Ask today for a heart with room, and for the grace to kneel without embarrassment before the poverty of God.

Original – Prayer on Fire.

The Nativity of the Lord — Choose how you want to pray this hour:

Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening

Lord, open my lips. And my mouth will proclaim your praise.

Psalm I

Antiphon

A child is born for us; come, let us adore him in the quiet.

Psalm 72 (71):1–2, 12–13

Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

Psalm

Give your judgment, O God, to the king, and your justice to the king’s son, to judge your people with justice and your poor with judgment. For he will free the poor from the powerful, and the poor one who has no helper. He will spare the poor and the indigent, and he will bring salvation to the souls of the poor.

Glory Be

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.

Antiphon

A child is born for us; come, let us adore him in the quiet.

First Reading

Isaiah 9:1–6

Catholic Public Domain Version (public domain)

In the earlier time, the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali were lifted up. But in the later time, the way of the sea beyond the Jordan, the Galilee of the Gentiles, was weighed down. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. A light has risen for the inhabitants of the region of the shadow of death. You have increased the nation, but you have not increased the rejoicing. They will rejoice before you, like those who rejoice at the harvest, like the victorious exulting after capturing the prey, when they divide the spoils. For you have prevailed over the yoke of their burden, and over the rod of their shoulder, and over the scepter of their oppressor, as in the day of Midian. For every violent plunder with a tumult, and every garment mixed with blood, will be burned up and will become fuel for the fire. For unto us a child is born, and unto us a son is given. And leadership is placed upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called: wonderful Counselor, mighty God, father of the future age, Prince of Peace.

Intentions

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Shared by the community

For Mary and Dewey as they prepare for their upcoming wedding, may the Holy Spirit be with them and help grow their love for one another through Holy Matrimony.

R. Speak, Lord, we are listening.

For our household and those we carry in prayer.

R. Speak, Lord, we are listening.

Our Father

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 forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Closing prayer

God our Father, you give the Church this day of The Nativity of the Lord. Let the grace of this Hour stay with us in work and rest. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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