I. classis

Die Octavæ Nativitatis Domini

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Ad Matutinum

Incipit

Invitatorium

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

Hymnus

1. Jesus, the Ransomer of man, Who, ere created light began, Didst from the sovereign Father spring, His power and glory equalling. 2. The Father’s Light and Splendor Thou, Their endless hope to Thee that bow; Accept the prayers and praise to-day That through the world Thy servants pay. 3. Salvation’s Author, call to mind How, taking form of humankind, Born of a Virgin undefiled, Thou in man’s flesh becam’st a Child. 4. Thus testifies the present day, Through every year in long array, That Thou, salvation’s source alone, Proceedest from the Father’s throne. 5. The heavens above, the rolling main And all that earth’s wide realms contain, With joyous voice now loudly sing The glory of their new-born King. 6. 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. 7. O Lord, the Virgin-born, to Thee Eternal praise and glory be, Whom with the Father we adore And Holy Ghost forevermore. Amen.

Nocturnus I

Psalmus 2

The Lord hath said unto Me: * Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten thee.

Why have the Gentiles raged, * and the people devised vain things?

  1. Astitérunt reges terræ, et príncipes convenérunt in unum * advérsus Dóminum, et advérsus Christum ejus.

    2. The kings of the earth stood up, and the princes met together, * against the Lord and against his Christ.

  2. Dirumpámus víncula eórum: * et projiciámus a nobis jugum ipsórum.

    3. Let us break their bonds asunder: * and let us cast away their yoke from us.

  3. Qui hábitat in cælis, irridébit eos: * et Dóminus subsannábit eos.

    4. He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh at them: * and the Lord shall deride them.

  4. Tunc loquétur ad eos in ira sua, * et in furóre suo conturbábit eos.

    5. Then shall he speak to them in his anger, * and trouble them in his rage.

  5. Ego autem constitútus sum Rex ab eo super Sion montem sanctum ejus, * prǽdicans præcéptum ejus.

    6. But I am appointed king by him over Sion his holy mountain, * preaching his commandment.

  6. Dóminus dixit ad me: * Fílius meus es tu, ego hódie génui te.

    7. The Lord hath said to me: * Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee.

  7. Póstula a me, et dabo tibi Gentes hereditátem tuam, * et possessiónem tuam términos terræ.

    8. Ask of me, and I will give thee the Gentiles for thy inheritance, * and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession.

  8. Reges eos in virga férrea, * et tamquam vas fíguli confrínges eos.

    9. Thou shalt rule them with a rod of iron, * and shalt break them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.

  9. Et nunc, reges, intellígite: * erudímini, qui judicátis terram.

    10. And now, O ye kings, understand: * receive instruction, you that judge the earth.

  10. Servíte Dómino in timóre: * et exsultáte ei cum tremóre.

    11. Serve ye the Lord with fear: * and rejoice unto him with trembling.

  11. Apprehéndite disciplínam, nequándo irascátur Dóminus, * et pereátis de via justa.

    12. Embrace discipline, lest at any time the Lord be angry, * and you perish from the just way.

  12. Cum exárserit in brevi ira ejus: * beáti omnes qui confídunt in eo.

    13. When his wrath shall be kindled in a short time, * blessed are all they that trust in him.

  13. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    14. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  14. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

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

The Lord hath said unto Me: * Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten thee.

Psalmus 18

In the sun hath He set His tabernacle * and He is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber.

The heavens shew forth the glory of God, * and the firmament declareth the work of his hands.

  1. Dies diéi erúctat verbum, * et nox nocti índicat sciéntiam.

    2. Day to day uttereth speech, * and night to night sheweth knowledge.

  2. Non sunt loquélæ, neque sermónes, * quorum non audiántur voces eórum.

    3. There are no speeches nor languages, * where their voices are not heard.

  3. In omnem terram exívit sonus eórum: * et in fines orbis terræ verba eórum.

    4. Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth: * and their words unto the ends of the world.

  4. In sole pósuit tabernáculum suum: * et ipse tamquam sponsus procédens de thálamo suo.

    5. He hath set his tabernacle in the sun: * and he, as a bridegroom coming out of his bride chamber,

  5. Exsultávit ut gigas ad curréndam viam, * a summo cælo egréssio ejus.

    6. Hath rejoiced as a giant to run the way: * his going out is from the end of heaven,

  6. Et occúrsus ejus usque ad summum ejus: * nec est qui se abscóndat a calóre ejus.

    7. And his circuit even to the end thereof: * and there is no one that can hide himself from his heat.

  7. Lex Dómini immaculáta, convértens ánimas: * testimónium Dómini fidéle, sapiéntiam præstans párvulis.

    8. The law of the Lord is unspotted, converting souls: * the testimony of the Lord is faithful, giving wisdom to little ones.

  8. Justítiæ Dómini rectæ, lætificántes corda: * præcéptum Dómini lúcidum illúminans óculos.

    9. The justices of the Lord are right, rejoicing hearts: * the commandment of the Lord is lightsome, enlightening the eyes.

  9. Timor Dómini sanctus, pérmanens in sǽculum sǽculi: * judícia Dómini vera, justificáta in semetípsa.

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

  10. Desiderabília super aurum et lápidem pretiósum multum: * et dulcióra super mel et favum.

    11. More to be desired than gold and many precious stones: * and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.

  11. Etenim servus tuus custódit ea, * in custodiéndis illis retribútio multa.

    12. For thy servant keepeth them, * and in keeping them there is a great reward.

  12. Delícta quis intélligit? † ab occúltis meis munda me: * et ab aliénis parce servo tuo.

    13. Who can understand sins? from my secret ones cleanse me, O Lord: * and from those of others spare thy servant.

  13. Si mei non fúerint domináti, tunc immaculátus ero: * et emundábor a delícto máximo.

    14. If they shall have no dominion over me, then shall I be without spot: * and I shall be cleansed from the greatest sin.

  14. Et erunt ut compláceant elóquia oris mei: * et meditátio cordis mei in conspéctu tuo semper.

    15. And the words of my mouth shall be such as may please: * and the meditation of my heart always in thy sight.

  15. Dómine, adjútor meus, * et redémptor meus.

    16. O Lord, my helper, * and my redeemer.

  16. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    17. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  17. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

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

In the sun hath He set His tabernacle * and He is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber.

Psalmus 23

Reach up * you ancient portals, that the King of glory may come in.

The earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof: * the world, and all they that dwell therein.

  1. Quia ipse super mária fundávit eum: * et super flúmina præparávit eum.

    2. For he hath founded it upon the seas; * and hath prepared it upon the rivers.

  2. Quis ascéndet in montem Dómini? * aut quis stabit in loco sancto ejus?

    3. Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord: * or who shall stand in his holy place?

  3. Innocens mánibus et mundo corde, † qui non accépit in vano ánimam suam, * nec jurávit in dolo próximo suo.

    4. The innocent in hands, and clean of heart, * who hath not taken his soul in vain, nor sworn deceitfully to his neighbour.

  4. Hic accípiet benedictiónem a Dómino: * et misericórdiam a Deo, salutári suo.

    5. He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, * and mercy from God his Saviour.

  5. Hæc est generátio quæréntium eum, * quæréntium fáciem Dei Jacob.

    6. This is the generation of them that seek him, * of them that seek the face of the God of Jacob.

  6. Attóllite portas, príncipes, vestras, † et elevámini, portæ æternáles: * et introíbit Rex glóriæ.

    7. Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates: * and the King of Glory shall enter in.

  7. Quis est iste Rex glóriæ? † Dóminus fortis et potens: * Dóminus potens in prǽlio.

    8. Who is this King of Glory? * the Lord who is strong and mighty: the Lord mighty in battle.

  8. Attóllite portas, príncipes, vestras, † et elevámini, portæ æternáles: * et introíbit Rex glóriæ.

    9. Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates: * and the King of Glory shall enter in.

  9. Quis est iste Rex glóriæ? * Dóminus virtútum ipse est Rex glóriæ.

    10. Who is this King of Glory? * the Lord of hosts, he is the King of Glory.

  10. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    11. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  11. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

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

Reach up * you ancient portals, that the King of glory may come in.

Versus

Pater

Pater noster, qui es in cælis, sanctificétur nomen tuum: advéniat regnum tuum: fiat volúntas tua, sicut in cælo et in terra. Panem nostrum cotidiánum da nobis hódie: et dimítte nobis débita nostra, sicut et nos dimíttimus debitóribus nostris:


℣. Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem:
℟. Sed líbera nos a malo.

Absolutio. Exáudi, Dómine Iesu Christe, preces servórum tuórum, et miserére nobis: Qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivis et regnas in sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Benedictio:

Benedictióne perpétua benedícat nos Pater ætérnus.

Lectio 1
De Epístola beati Pauli Apóstoli ad Romános
Rom 4:1-8

Quid ergo dicémus invenísse Abraham patrem nostrum secúndum carnem? Si enim Abraham ex opéribus iustificátus est, habet glóriam, sed non apud Deum. Quid enim dicit Scriptúra? Crédidit Abraham Deo: et reputátum est illi ad iustítiam. Ei autem, qui operátur, merces non imputátur secúndum grátiam, sed secúndum débitum. Ei vero, qui non operátur, credénti autem in eum, qui iustíficat ímpium, reputátur fides eius ad iustítiam secúndum propósitum grátiæ Dei. Sicut et David dicit beatitúdinem hóminis, cui Deus accépto fert iustítiam sine opéribus: Beáti, quorum remíssæ sunt iniquitátes, et quorum tecta sunt peccáta. Beátus vir, cui non imputávit Dóminus peccátum.

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. 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.

Benedictio:

Unigénitus Dei Fílius nos benedícere et adiuváre dignétur.

Lectio 2
Rom 4:9-12

Beatitúdo ergo hæc in circumcisióne tantum manet, an étiam in præpútio? Dícimus enim quia reputáta est Abrahæ fides ad iustítiam. Quómodo ergo reputáta est? in circumcisióne, an in præpútio? Non in circumcisióne, sed in præpútio. Et signum accépit circumcisiónis, signáculum iustítiæ fídei, quæ est in præpútio: ut sit pater ómnium credéntium per præpútium, ut reputétur et illis ad iustítiam: Et sit pater circumcisiónis non iis tantum, qui sunt ex circumcisióne, sed et iis, qui sectántur vestígia fídei, quæ est in præpútio patris nostri Abrahæ.

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.

Benedictio:

Spíritus Sancti grátia illúminet sensus et corda nostra.

Lectio 3
Rom 4:13-17

Non enim per legem promíssio Abrahæ, aut sémini eius, ut heres esset mundi: sed per iustítiam fídei. Si enim qui ex lege, herédes sunt: exinaníta est fides, abólita est promíssio. Lex enim iram operátur. Ubi enim non est lex: nec prævaricátio. Ideo ex fide, ut secúndum grátiam firma sit promíssio omni sémini, non ei, qui ex lege est solum, sed et ei, qui ex fide est Abrahæ, qui pater est ómnium nostrum (sicut scriptum est: Quia patrem multárum géntium pósui te) ante Deum, cui crédidit, qui vivíficat mórtuos, et vocat ea quæ non sunt, tamquam ea quæ sunt.

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.


Gloria adduntur:

Nocturnus II

Psalmus 44

Thou art beautiful * above the sons of men: grace is poured abroad in thy lips.

My heart hath uttered a good word; * I speak my works to the King.

  1. Lingua mea cálamus scribæ: * velóciter scribéntis.

    2. My tongue is the pen of a scrivener * that writeth swiftly.

  2. Speciósus forma præ fíliis hóminum, † diffúsa est grátia in lábiis tuis: * proptérea benedíxit te Deus in ætérnum.

    3. Thou art beautiful above the sons of men: grace is poured abroad in thy lips; * therefore hath God blessed thee for ever.

  3. Accíngere gládio tuo super femur tuum, * potentíssime.

    4. Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, * O thou most mighty.

  4. Spécie tua et pulchritúdine tua: * inténde, próspere procéde, et regna.

    5. With thy comeliness and thy beauty * set out, proceed prosperously, and reign.

  5. Propter veritátem, et mansuetúdinem, et justítiam: * et dedúcet te mirabíliter déxtera tua.

    6. Because of truth and meekness and justice: * and thy right hand shall conduct thee wonderfully.

  6. Sagíttæ tuæ acútæ, pópuli sub te cadent: * in corda inimicórum Regis.

    7. Thy arrows are sharp: under thee shall people fall, * into the hearts of the king’s enemies.

  7. Sedes tua, Deus, in sǽculum sǽculi: * virga directiónis virga regni tui.

    8. Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: * the sceptre of thy kingdom is a sceptre of uprightness.

  8. Dilexísti justítiam, et odísti iniquitátem: * proptérea unxit te, Deus, Deus tuus, óleo lætítiæ præ consórtibus tuis.

    9. Thou hast loved justice, and hated iniquity: * therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

  9. Myrrha, et gutta, et cásia a vestiméntis tuis, a dómibus ebúrneis: * ex quibus delectavérunt te fíliæ regum in honóre tuo.

    10. Myrrh and stacte and cassia perfume thy garments, from the ivory houses: * out of which the daughters of kings have delighted thee in thy glory.

  10. Astitit regína a dextris tuis in vestítu deauráto: * circúmdata varietáte.

    11. The queen stood on thy right hand, in gilded clothing; * surrounded with variety.

  11. Audi, fília, et vide, et inclína aurem tuam: * et oblivíscere pópulum tuum, et domum patris tui.

    12. Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thy ear: * and forget thy people and thy father’s house.

  12. Et concupíscet Rex decórem tuum: * quóniam ipse est Dóminus Deus tuus, et adorábunt eum.

    13. And the king shall greatly desire thy beauty; * for he is the Lord thy God, and him they shall adore.

  13. Et fíliæ Tyri in munéribus * vultum tuum deprecabúntur: omnes dívites plebis.

    14. And the daughters of Tyre with gifts, * yea, all the rich among the people, shall entreat thy countenance.

  14. Omnis glória ejus fíliæ Regis ab intus, * in fímbriis áureis circumamícta varietátibus.

    15. All the glory of the king’s daughter is within, * in golden borders, clothed round about with varieties.

  15. Adducéntur Regi vírgines post eam: * próximæ ejus afferéntur tibi.

    16. After her shall virgins be brought to the king: * her neighbours shall be brought to thee.

  16. Afferéntur in lætítia et exsultatióne: * adducéntur in templum Regis.

    17. They shall be brought with gladness and rejoicing: * they shall be brought into the temple of the king.

  17. Pro pátribus tuis nati sunt tibi fílii: * constítues eos príncipes super omnem terram.

    18. Instead of thy fathers, sons are born to thee: * thou shalt make them princes over all the earth.

  18. Mémores erunt nóminis tui: * in omni generatióne et generatiónem.

    19. They shall remember thy name * throughout all generations.

  19. Proptérea pópuli confitebúntur tibi in ætérnum: * et in sǽculum sǽculi.

    20. Therefore shall people praise thee for ever; yea, * for ever and ever.

  20. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    21. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  21. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

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

Thou art beautiful * above the sons of men: grace is poured abroad in thy lips.

Psalmus 86

This man was born in her, * and the Highest Himself hath established her.

The foundations thereof are in the holy mountains: * The Lord loveth the gates of Sion above all the tabernacles of Jacob.

  1. Gloriósa dicta sunt de te, * cívitas Dei.

    2. Glorious things are said of thee, * O city of God.

  2. Memor ero Rahab, et Babylónis * sciéntium me.

    3. I will be mindful of Rahab and of Babylon * knowing me.

  3. Ecce alienígenæ, et Tyrus, et pópulus Æthíopum, * hi fuérunt illic.

    4. Behold the foreigners, and Tyre, and the people of the Ethiopians, * these were there.

  4. Numquid Sion dicet: † Homo, et homo natus est in ea: * et ipse fundávit eam Altíssimus?

    5. Shall not Sion say: This man and that man is born in her? * and the Highest himself hath founded her.

  5. Dóminus narrábit in scriptúris populórum, et príncipum: * horum, qui fuérunt in ea.

    6. The Lord shall tell in his writings of peoples and of princes, * of them that have been in her.

  6. Sicut lætántium ómnium: * habitátio est in te.

    7. The dwelling in thee * is as it were of all rejoicing.

  7. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    8. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  8. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

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

This man was born in her, * and the Highest Himself hath established her.

Psalmus 95

All the trees of the wood shall rejoice * before the Lord, for He cometh.

Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: * sing to the Lord, all the earth.

  1. Cantáte Dómino, et benedícite nómini ejus: * annuntiáte de die in diem salutáre ejus.

    2. Sing ye to the Lord and bless his name: * shew forth his salvation from day to day.

  2. Annuntiáte inter gentes glóriam ejus, * in ómnibus pópulis mirabília ejus.

    3. Declare his glory among the Gentiles: * his wonders among all people.

  3. Quóniam magnus Dóminus, et laudábilis nimis: * terríbilis est super omnes deos.

    4. For the Lord is great, and exceedingly to be praised: * he is to be feared above all gods.

  4. Quóniam omnes dii Géntium dæmónia: * Dóminus autem cælos fecit.

    5. For all the gods of the Gentiles are devils: * but the Lord made the heavens.

  5. Conféssio, et pulchritúdo in conspéctu ejus: * sanctimónia et magnificéntia in sanctificatióne ejus.

    6. Praise and beauty are before him: * holiness and majesty in his sanctuary.

  6. Afférte Dómino, pátriæ Géntium, † afférte Dómino glóriam et honórem: * afférte Dómino glóriam nómini ejus.

    7. Bring ye to the Lord, O ye kindreds of the Gentiles, bring ye to the Lord glory and honour: * bring to the Lord glory unto his name.

  7. Tóllite hóstias, et introíte in átria ejus: * adoráte Dóminum in átrio sancto ejus.

    8. Bring up sacrifices, and come into his courts: * adore ye the Lord in his holy court.

  8. Commoveátur a fácie ejus univérsa terra: * dícite in Géntibus quia Dóminus regnávit.

    9. Let all the earth be moved at his presence. * Say ye among the Gentiles, the Lord hath reigned.

  9. Etenim corréxit orbem terræ qui non commovébitur: * judicábit pópulos in æquitáte.

    10. For he hath corrected the world, which shall not be moved: * he will judge the people with justice.

  10. Læténtur cæli, et exsúltet terra: † commoveátur mare et plenitúdo ejus: * gaudébunt campi, et ómnia quæ in eis sunt.

    11. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad, let the sea be moved, and the fulness thereof: * the fields and all things that are in them shall be joyful.

  11. Tunc exsultábunt ómnia ligna silvárum a fácie Dómini, quia venit: * quóniam venit judicáre terram.

    12. Then shall all the trees of the woods rejoice before the face of the Lord, because he cometh: * because he cometh to judge the earth.

  12. Judicábit orbem terræ in æquitáte, * et pópulos in veritáte sua.

    13. He shall judge the world with justice, * and the people with his truth.

  13. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    14. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  14. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

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

All the trees of the wood shall rejoice * before the Lord, for He cometh.

Versus

Pater

Pater noster, qui es in cælis, sanctificétur nomen tuum: advéniat regnum tuum: fiat volúntas tua, sicut in cælo et in terra. Panem nostrum cotidiánum da nobis hódie: et dimítte nobis débita nostra, sicut et nos dimíttimus debitóribus nostris:


℣. Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem:
℟. Sed líbera nos a malo.

Absolutio. Ipsíus píetas et misericórdia nos ádiuvet, qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivit et regnat in sǽcula sæculórum.
℟. Amen.
Benedictio:

Deus Pater omnípotens sit nobis propítius et clemens.

Lectio 4
Sermo sancti Leónis Papæ
Sermo 7 de Nativitate Domini

Festivitátis hodiérnæ, 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 fídei óculo mundánæ sapiéntiæ fumus abscédat.

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.

Benedictio:

Christus perpétuæ det nobis gáudia vitæ.

Lectio 5

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 Ioánnes 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. Et simíliter verum est, quod idem prædicátor adiécit: Verbum caro factum est et habitávit in nobis: et vídimus glóriam eius, glóriam quasi Unigéniti a Patre.

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. 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 Fathe(John i. 1-3, 14.)

Benedictio:

Ignem sui amóris accéndat Deus in córdibus nostris.

Lectio 6

In utráque ergo natúra idem est Dei Fílius, nostra suscípiens, et própria non amíttens: in hómine hóminem rénovans, in se incommutábilis persevérans. 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.

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. 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, (John xi28,) and in another declaring that He and the Father are One, (x. 30.) 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.


Gloria adduntur:
Resp. Benedícta et venerábilis es, Virgo María, quæ sine tactu pudóris invénta es mater Salvatóris: * Iacébat in præsépio, et fulgébat in cælo. ℣. Dómine, audívi audítum tuum, et tímui: considerávi ópera tua, et expávi: in médio duórum animálium. ℟. Iacébat in præsépio, et fulgébat in cælo. ℣. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

Nocturnus III

Psalmus 96

In the beginning, * and before the worlds, the Word was God, and this day is He born the Saviour of the world.

The Lord hath reigned, let the earth rejoice: * let many islands be glad.

  1. Nubes, et calígo in circúitu ejus: * justítia, et judícium corréctio sedis ejus.

    2. Clouds and darkness are round about him: * justice and judgment are the establishment of his throne.

  2. Ignis ante ipsum præcédet: * et inflammábit in circúitu inimícos ejus.

    3. A fire shall go before him, * and shall burn his enemies round about.

  3. Illuxérunt fúlgura ejus orbi terræ: * vidit et commóta est terra.

    4. His lightnings have shone forth to the world: * the earth saw and trembled.

  4. Montes, sicut cera fluxérunt a fácie Dómini: * a fácie Dómini omnis terra.

    5. The mountains melted like wax, at the presence of the Lord: * at the presence of the Lord of all the earth.

  5. Annuntiavérunt cæli justítiam ejus: * et vidérunt omnes pópuli glóriam ejus.

    6. The heavens declared his justice: * and all people saw his glory.

  6. Confundántur omnes, qui adórant sculptília: * et qui gloriántur in simulácris suis.

    7. Let them be all confounded that adore graven things, * and that glory in their idols.

  7. Adoráte eum, omnes Angeli ejus: * audívit, et lætáta est Sion.

    8. Adore him, all you his angels: * Sion heard, and was glad.

  8. Et exsultavérunt fíliæ Judæ: * propter judícia tua, Dómine:

    9. And the daughters of Juda rejoiced, * because of thy judgments, O Lord.

  9. Quóniam tu Dóminus Altíssimus super omnem terram: * nimis exaltátus es super omnes deos.

    10. For thou art the most high Lord over all the earth: * thou art exalted exceedingly above all gods.

  10. Qui dilígitis Dóminum, odíte malum: * custódit Dóminus ánimas sanctórum suórum, de manu peccatóris liberábit eos.

    11. You that love the Lord, hate evil: * the Lord preserveth the souls of his saints, he will deliver them out of the hand of the sinner.

  11. Lux orta est justo, * et rectis corde lætítia.

    12. Light is risen to the just, * and joy to the right of heart.

  12. Lætámini, justi in Dómino: * et confitémini memóriæ sanctificatiónis ejus.

    13. Rejoice, ye just, in the Lord: * and give praise to the remembrance of his holiness.

  13. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    14. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  14. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

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

In the beginning, * and before the worlds, the Word was God, and this day is He born the Saviour of the world.

Psalmus 97

The Lord our Saviour, * begotten before the daystar, and before the worlds, hath this day vouchsafed to be born.

Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: * because he hath done wonderful things.

  1. Salvávit sibi déxtera ejus: * et bráchium sanctum ejus.

    2. His right hand hath wrought for him salvation, * and his arm is holy.

  2. Notum fecit Dóminus salutáre suum: * in conspéctu Géntium revelávit justítiam suam.

    3. The Lord hath made known his salvation: * he hath revealed his justice in the sight of the Gentiles.

  3. Recordátus est misericórdiæ suæ, * et veritátis suæ dómui Israël.

    4. He hath remembered his mercy * and his truth toward the house of Israel.

  4. Vidérunt omnes términi terræ * salutáre Dei nostri.

    5. All the ends of the earth have seen * the salvation of our God.

  5. Jubiláte Deo, omnis terra: * cantáte, et exsultáte, et psállite.

    6. Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; * make melody, rejoice and sing.

  6. Psállite Dómino in cíthara, in cíthara et voce psalmi: * in tubis ductílibus, et voce tubæ córneæ.

    7. Sing praise to the Lord on the harp, on the harp, and with the voice of a psalm: * with long trumpets, and sound of cornet.

  7. Jubiláte in conspéctu regis Dómini: † moveátur mare, et plenitúdo ejus: * orbis terrárum, et qui hábitant in eo.

    8. Make a joyful noise before the Lord our king: * let the sea be moved and the fulness thereof: the world and they that dwell therein.

  8. Flúmina plaudent manu, † simul montes exsultábunt a conspéctu Dómini: * quóniam venit judicáre terram.

    9. The rivers shall clap their hands, the mountains shall rejoice together at the presence of the Lord: * because he cometh to judge the earth.

  9. Judicábit orbem terrárum in justítia, * et pópulos in æquitáte.

    10. He shall judge the world with justice, * and the people with equity.

  10. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    11. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  11. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

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

The Lord our Saviour, * begotten before the daystar, and before the worlds, hath this day vouchsafed to be born.

Psalmus 98

When the Lord was born the Angels sang together, * saying: Salvation to our God, Which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

The Lord hath reigned, let the people be angry: * he that sitteth on the cherubims: let the earth be moved.

  1. Dóminus in Sion magnus: * et excélsus super omnes pópulos.

    2. The Lord is great in Sion, * and high above all people.

  2. Confiteántur nómini tuo magno: quóniam terríbile, et sanctum est: * et honor regis judícium díligit.

    3. Let them give praise to thy great name: for it is terrible and holy: * and the king’s honour loveth judgment.

  3. Tu parásti directiónes: * judícium et justítiam in Jacob tu fecísti.

    4. Thou hast prepared directions: * thou hast done judgment and justice in Jacob.

  4. Exaltáte Dóminum Deum nostrum, et adoráte scabéllum pedum ejus: * quóniam sanctum est.

    5. Exalt ye the Lord our God, and adore his footstool, * for it is holy.

  5. Móyses et Aaron in sacerdótibus ejus: * et Sámuel inter eos, qui ínvocant nomen ejus:

    6. Moses and Aaron among his priests: * and Samuel among them that call upon his name.

  6. Invocábant Dóminum, et ipse exaudiébat eos: * in colúmna nubis loquebátur ad eos.

    7. They called upon the Lord, and he heard them: * he spoke to them in the pillar of the cloud.

  7. Custodiébant testimónia ejus: * et præcéptum quod dedit illis.

    8. They kept his testimonies, * and the commandment which he gave them.

  8. Dómine, Deus noster, tu exaudiébas eos: * Deus, tu propítius fuísti eis, et ulcíscens in omnes adinventiónes eórum.

    9. Thou didst hear them, O Lord our God: * thou wast a merciful God to them, and taking vengeance on all their inventions.

  9. Exaltáte Dóminum Deum nostrum, et adoráte in monte sancto ejus: * quóniam sanctus Dóminus Deus noster.

    10. Exalt ye the Lord our God, and adore at his holy mountain: * for the Lord our God is holy.

  10. Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

    11. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.

  11. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

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

When the Lord was born the Angels sang together, * saying: Salvation to our God, Which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

Versus

Pater

Pater noster, qui es in cælis, sanctificétur nomen tuum: advéniat regnum tuum: fiat volúntas tua, sicut in cælo et in terra. Panem nostrum cotidiánum da nobis hódie: et dimítte nobis débita nostra, sicut et nos dimíttimus debitóribus nostris:


℣. Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem:
℟. Sed líbera nos a malo.

Absolutio. A vínculis peccatórum nostrórum absólvat nos omnípotens et miséricors Dóminus.
℟. Amen.
Benedictio:

Evangélica léctio sit nobis salus et protéctio.

Lectio 7
Léctio sancti Evangélii secúndum Lucam
Luc 2:21

In illo témpore: Postquam consummáti sunt dies octo, ut circumciderétur Puer: vocátum est nomen eius Iesus. Et réliqua.

In that time: when eight days were accomplished, that the child should be circumcised, his name was called Jesus, which was called by the angel, before he was conceived in the womb. And so on.

Homilía sancti Ambrósii Epíscopi
Liber 2 in cap. 2 Lucæ, circa medium

Circumcíditur ítaque 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 Ierúsalem sisti Dómino, dícerem, nisi in Isaíæ comméntis ante dixíssem. Circumcísus enim vítiis, Domínico dignus iudicátur obtútu; quia, Oculi Dómini super iustos. Vides omnem legis véteris sériem fuísse typum futúri: nam et circumcísio purgatiónem signíficat delictórum.

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, (Isa. ix. 6.) Made under the law to redeem them that were under the law. (Gal. i4.) To present Him to the Lord, ~(22.) 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. (Ps. xxxiii. 16.) Ye 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.


Gloria omittitur:
Benedictio:

Divínum auxílium máneat semper nobíscum.

Lectio 8

Sed quóniam prona quadam cupiditáte peccándi, humánæ carnis et mentis fragílitas inextricabílibus vítiis implicátur, eo per octávum circumcisiónis diem culpæ totíus 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. Dénique ipsum esse, qui lege signétur, in eúndem modum ab Angelo repetíta verba declárant: Quod nascétur, inquit, Sanctum, vocábitur Fílius Dei.

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. 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.


Gloria adduntur:
Benedictio:

Ad societátem cívium supernórum perdúcat nos Rex Angelórum.

Lectio 9

Solus enim per ómnia ex natis de fémina sanctus Dóminus Iesus, qui terrénæ contágia corruptélæ, immaculáti partus novitáte non sénserit, et cælésti maiestáte depúlerit. 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 iniúriæ ignis absúmpsit? Sed ille sanctus, quem in figúra futúri mystérii pia legis divínæ præscrípta signábant; eo quod solus sanctæ Ecclésiæ vírginis ad generándos pópulos Dei, immaculátæ fecunditátis aperíret genitále secrétum.

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. 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.

Reliqua omittuntur, nisi Laudes separandæ sint.

Oratio

Orémus.

Deus, qui salútis ætérnæ, beátæ Maríæ virginitáte fecúnda, humáno géneri prǽmia præstitísti: † tríbue, quǽsumus; ut ipsam pro nobis intercédere sentiámus, * per quam merúimus auctórem vitæ suscípere, Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum Fílium tuum: †
Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, * per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum.

O God, Who, by the fruitful virginity of the Blessed Mary, hast given unto mankind the rewards of everlasting life; grant, we beseech thee, that we may continually feel the might of her intercession, through whom we have worthily received the Author of our life, our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son:
Who with thee liveth and reigneth, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end.

Conclusio