After the Pater, Ave, and Credo, have been said secretly, the Church commences the Office by her usual prayer:
℣. O Lord! thou wilt open my lips.
℣. Domine, labia mea aperies.
℟. And my mouth shall declare thy praise.
℟. Et os meum annuntiabit laudem tuam.
℣. Incline unto mine aid, O God.
℣. Deus, in adjutorium meum intende.
℟. O Lord, make haste to help me.
℟. Domine, ad adjuvandum me festina.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
℣. Gloria Patri et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto;
℟. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia.
℟. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc et semper, et in sæcula sæculorum. Amen. Alleluia.
Then comes, with its glad burden—Christ is born unto us—the Invitatory, whereby the Church invites her children, every morning, to come and adore the Lord. Tonight, the invitation is made by the Angels, who call us to the Crib of our Redeemer: they speak to us in the words of the Church and the Royal Prophet.
Invitatory
Christ is born unto us, * come let us adore.
Christus natus est nobis, * venite, adoremus.
Psalm 94
Come, let us praise the Lord with joy, let us joyfully sing to God our Savior; let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise to him with psalms.
Venite, exsultemus Domino, jubilemus Deo Salutari nostro; præoccupemus faciem ejus in confessione, et in psalmis jubilemus ei.
Christ is born unto us, * come, let us adore.
Christus natus est nobis, * venite, adoremus.
For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods; for the Lord will not cast off his people; for in his hand are all the ends of the earth, and the heights of the mountains are his.
Quoniam Deus magnus Dominus, et Rex magnus super omnes deos: quoniam non repellet Dominus plebem suam, quia in manu ejus sunt omnes fines terræ, et altitudines montium ipse conspicit.
Come, let us adore.
Venite, adoremus.
For the sea is his, and he made it, and his hands formed the dry land: come, let us adore and fall down, and weep before the Lord that made us; for he is the Lord our God; and we are the people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Quoniam ipsius est mare, et ipse fecit illud, et aridam fundaverunt manus ejus: Venite, adoremus, et procidamus ante Deum: ploremus coram Domino qui fecit nos; quia ipse est Dominus Deus noster: nos autem populus ejus, et oves pascuæ ejus.
Christ is born unto us, * come, let us adore.
Christus natus est nobis, * venite, adoremus.
Today, if ye shall hear his voice, from the Crib, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation according to the day of temptation in the wilderness: where your fathers tempted me, me the Lord, the Father of the Emmanuel; they proved me, and saw my works.
Hodie si vocem ejus audieritis, nolite obdurare corda vestra, sicut in exacerbatione secundum diem tentationis in deserto: ubi tentaverunt me patres vestri, probaverunt, et viderunt opera mea.
Come, let us adore.
Venite, adoremus.
Forty years was I nigh unto this generation, and I said: These always err in heart: and these men have not known my ways: so, I swore in my wrath, that they shall not enter into my rest.
Quadraginta annis proximus fui generationi huic, et dixi: Semper hi errant corde: ipsi vero non cognoverunt vias meas, quibus juravi in ira mea, si introibunt in requiem meam.
Christ is born unto us, * come, let us adore.
Christus natus est nobis, * venite, adoremus.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Sicut erat in principio et nunc et semper, et in sæcula sæculorum. Amen.
Come, let us adore.
Venite, adoremus.
Christ is born unto us, * come, let us adore.
Christus natus est nobis, * venite, adoremus.
After the Invitatory, the Church intones the sweet Hymn on the Birth of Jesus, composed by St. Ambrose, and which was sung in our First Vespers. Let us again sing it to our Redeemer, and feed our spirit on its delicious unction.
Hymn
O Jesus! Redeemer of mankind, &c.
Jesu, Redemptor omnium.
See above, December 24. Christmas Eve: the Afternoon, First Vespers, and the Hour before Midnight.
Thus far, are the preludes to our solemn Night Office, which now commences. It is divided into three vigils, or Nocturns, each of which is composed of three Psalms, three Lessons, and three Responsories. The Responsories are a sort of interlude after each Lesson: but the third Lesson of the Third Nocturn is followed by the Te Deum, which takes the place of a Responsory. The Interpreters of the Liturgy thus explain the Three Nocturns of tonight’s Matins. The first signifies the time, which preceded the Written Law, given by God to Moses. In the Middle-Ages, it was the custom to veil the Altar in black, during this Nocturn, to express the sentence of condemnation pronounced by God against our first Parents, and the long ages which would then have to pass before the Redeemer came. The second Nocturn signifies the time under the Written Law; and during this Nocturn, the Altar was covered with a white veil, to denote, that, under the Law, men received a greater degree of light, by the figures and prophecies of the Old Testament. And lastly, the third Nocturn signifies the time under the Law of Grace. During this Nocturn, the Altar was covered with a red veil, to symbolize the love of God for his Spouse the Church, whereby the Son of God and our souls are mystically united.
The First Nocturn
The first Psalm celebrates the Kingly dignity of the Babe that is to be born. All nations are to be given to him as his inheritance, and the day will come, when he will judge the Kings who plot his death in Bethlehem. He is the Son of the Eternal Father, begotten in the day of eternity, and now made manifest on this night, to the eyes of men.
Ant. The Lord hath said to me: Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
Ant. Dominus dixit ad me: Filius meus es tu, ego hodie genui te.
Psalm 2
Why have the Gentiles raged, and the people devised vain things?
Quare fremuerunt gentes: * et populi meditati sunt inania?
The Kings of the earth stood up, and the Princes met together, against the Lord, and against his Christ.
Adstiterunt reges terræ, et principes convenerunt in unum: * adversus Dominum, et adversus Christum ejus.
They said: Let us break their bonds asunder; and let us cast away their yoke from us.
Dirumpamus vincula eorum: * et projiciamus a nobis jugum ipsorum.
He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh at them: and the Lord shall deride them.
Qui habitat in cœlis, irridebit eos: * et Dominus subsannabit eos.
Then shall he speak to them in his anger, and trouble them in his rage.
Tunc loquetur ad eos in ira sua: * et in furore suo conturbabit eos.
But I, the Son of Mary, am appointed King by him over Sion, his holy mountain, preaching his commandment.
Ego autem constitutus sum Rex ab eo super Sion montem sanctum ejus: * prædicans præceptum ejus.
The Lord hath said to me: Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
Dominus dixit ad me: * Filius meus es tu, ego hodie genui te.
Ask of me, and I will give thee the Gentiles for thy inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession.
Postula a me, et dabo tibi gentes hæreditatem tuam: * et possessionem tuam terminos terræ.
Thou shalt rule them with a rod of iron, and shalt break them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
Reges eos in virga ferrea: * et tamquam vas figuli confringes eos.
And now, O ye Kings, understand: receive instruction, you that judge the earth.
Et nunc, reges, intelligite: * erudimini qui judicatis terram.
Serve ye the Lord with fear; and rejoice unto him with trembling.
Servite Domino in timore: * et exsultate ei cum tremore.
Embrace discipline, lest at any time the Lord be angry, and you perish from the just way.
Apprehendite disciplinam, nequando irascatur Dominus: * et pereatis de via justa.
When his wrath shall be kindled in a short time, blessed are all they that trust in him.
Cum exarserit in brevi ira ejus: * beati omnes qui confidunt in eo.
Ant. The Lord hath said to me: Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
Ant. Dominus dixit ad me: Filius meus es tu, ego hodie genui te.
The second Psalm praises the loveliness of the heavens during the night, and the magnificent testimony which the countless stars render to the greatness of their Creator. It then passes on to speak of the Sun, whose brilliant rising is like the Bridegroom coming forth from the nuptial-chamber. The Sun is our Emmanuel; his Tabernacle, the Womb of Mary. It is today that he begins his course; starting from the deepest stage of humiliation, he will mount to the meridian of glory. Let us adore him in his humble commencement, and humble ourselves together with him. He is the Lawgiver, and the Law; he is our joy and our light; he is our helper, and our Redeemer: let us love and obey him.
Ant. The Lord is as a Bridegroom coming out of his bride-chamber.
Ant. Tamquam sponsus Dominus procedens de thalamo suo.
Psalm 18
The heavens show forth the glory of God, and the firmament declareth the work of his hands.
Cœli enarrant gloriam Dei: * et opera manuum ejus annuntiat firmamentum.
Day to day uttereth speech, and night to night showeth knowledge.
Dies diei eructat verbum: * et nox nocti indicat scientiam.
There are no speeches nor languages, where their voices are not heard.
Non sunt loquelæ, neque sermones: * quorum non audiantur voces eorum.
Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth: and their words unto the ends of the world.
In omnem terram exivit sonus eorum: * et in fines orbis terræ verba eorum.
He hath set his tabernacle in the sun, the image of his Son; and he as a Bridegroom coming out of his bride-chamber,
In sole posuit tabernaculum suum: * et ipse tamquam sponsus procedens de thalamo suo.
Hath rejoiced as a giant to run the way: his going out is from the end of heaven,
Exsultavit ut gigas ad currendam viam: * a summo cœlo egressio ejus.
And his circuit even to the end thereof: and there is no one that can hide himself from his heat.
Et occursus ejus usque ad summum ejus: * nec est qui se abscondat a calore ejus.
The law of the Lord, which Jesus is coming to declare to us, is unspotted, converting souls: the testimony of the Lord is faithful, giving wisdom to little ones, little as the Divine Infant in his Crib.
Lex Domini immaculata, convertens animas: * testimonium Domini fidele, sapientiam præstans parvulis.
The justices of the Lord are right, rejoicing hearts: the commandment of the Lord is lightsome, enlightening the eyes.
Justitiæ Domini rectæ, lætificantes corda: * præceptum Domini lucidum, illuminans oculos.
The fear of the Lord is holy, enduring for ever and ever: the judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves.
Timor Domini sanctus, permanens in sæculum sæculi: * judicia Domini vera, justificata in semetipsa.
More to be desired than gold and many precious stones: and sweeter than honey and the honey-comb.
Desiderabilia super aurum et lapidem pretiosum multum: * et dulciora super mel et favum.
For thy servant keepeth them; and in keeping them there is a great reward.
Etenim servus tuus custodit ea: * in custodiendis illis retributio multa.
Who can understand sins? From my secret ones cleanse me, O Lord; and from those of others spare thy servant.
Delicta quis intelligit? ab occultis meis munda me: * et ab alienis parce servo tuo.
If they shall have no dominion over me, then shall I be without spot; and I shall be cleansed from the greatest sin.
Si mei non fuerint dominati, tunc immaculatus ero: * et emundabor a delicto maximo.
And the words of my mouth shall be such as may please: and the meditation of my heart, always in thy sight.
Et erunt ut complaceant eloquia oris mei: * et meditatio cordis mei in conspectu tuo semper.
O Lord, that art born for my sake, thou art my helper and my Redeemer.
Domine adjutor meus: * et Redemptor meus.
Ant. The Lord is as a Bridegroom coming out of his bride-chamber.
Ant. Tamquam sponsus Dominus procedens de thalamo suo.
The third Psalm shows us Christ advancing in the conquest of the world, as the mighty Conqueror. His beauty and meekness are, like his truth and his justice, perfect; and the power of his love is irresistible. On his right, we have the Queen of this world, the august Mary; the Lord has been pleased with her beauty, and her fruitful Virginity has been the model, after which have been formed all those pure souls consecrated to God, who are the companions of the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. In this most sublime Psalm, let us sing our canticle of praise to the ineffable dignity of our Divine King, and to the sweetness of our incomparable Mother and Queen.
Ant. Grace is poured out upon thy lips; therefore hath God blessed thee for ever.
Ant. Diffusa est gratia in labiis tuis; propterea benedixit te Deus in æternum.
Psalm 44
My heart hath uttered a good word: I speak my works, my songs, to Jesus, the King.
Eructavit cor meum verbum bonum: * dico ego opera mea Regi.
My tongue is the pen of a scrivener, that writeth swiftly.
Lingua mea calamus scribæ: * velociter scribentis.
Thou, O Emmanuel, art beautiful above the sons of men; grace is poured abroad in thy lips: therefore, hath God blessed thee for ever.
Speciosus forma præ filiis hominum, diffusa est gratia in labiis tuis: * propterea benedixit te Deus in æternum.
Thou comest that thou mayest conquer the world; gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O thou most Mighty!
Accingere gladio tuo super femur tuum: * potentissime.
With thy comeliness and thy beauty, set out, proceed prosperously, and reign,
Specie tua et pulchritudine tua: * intende, prospere procede, et regna.
Because of truth, and meekness, and justice: and thy right hand shall conduct thee wonderfully.
Propter veritatem, et mansuetudinem, et justitiam: * et deducet te mirabiliter dextera tua.
Thy arrows are sharp: under thee shall people fall, into the hearts of the enemies of the King, who sends thee.
Sagittæ tuæ acutæ, populi sub te cadent: * in corda inimicorum regis.
Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the scepter of thy kingdom is a scepter of uprightness.
Sedes tua, Deus, in sæculum sæculi: * virga directionis, virga regni tui.
Thou hast loved justice, and hatedst iniquity: therefore God, thy God hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Dilexisti justitiam, et odisti iniquitatem: * propterea unxit te Deus, Deus tuus, oleo lætitiæ præ consortibus tuis.
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.
Myrrha, et gutta, et casia a vestimentis tuis, a domibus eburneis: * ex quibus delectaverunt te filiæ regum in honore tuo.
The Queen, thy Mother, who shares in thy triumph, stood on thy right hand in gilded clothing, surrounded with variety.
Adstitit Regina a dextris tuis in vestitu deaurato: * circumdata varietate.
Thy Holy Spirit spoke to her, and said: “Hearken, O Daughter, and see, and incline thine ear: and forget thy people, and thy father’s house.
Audi filia, et vide, et inclina aurem tuam: * et obliviscere populum tuum, et domum patris tui.
“And the King shall greatly desire thy beauty: for he is the Lord thy God, and him they shall adore.
Et concupiscet Rex decorem tuum: * quoniam ipse est Dominus Deus tuus, et adorabunt eum.
“And the daughters of Tyre with gifts, yea, all the rich among the people, shall entreat thy countenance.”
Et filiæ Tyri in muneribus: * vultum tuum deprecabuntur omnes divites plebis.
All the glory of the King’s Daughter is within, in golden borders, clothed round about with varieties.
Omnis gloria ejus filiæ regis ab intus: * in fimbriis aureis circumamicta varietatibus.
After her shall virgins be brought to the King: her neighbors, they that have spiritually conceived Christ, shall be brought to thee, O King!
Adducentur Regi virgines post eam: * proximæ ejus afferentur tibi.
They shall be brought with gladness and rejoicing: they shall be brought into the temple of the King.
Afferentur in lætitia et exsultatione: * adducentur in templum Regis.
Instead of thy fathers of the Jewish people, of whose race thou didst deign to be born, but who have not known thee, O Emmanuel! sons are born to thee of a new race: thou shalt make them princes over all the earth.
Pro patribus tuis nati sunt tibi filii: * constitues eos principes super omnem terram.
They shall remember thy name throughout all generations.
Memores erunt nominis tui: * in omni generatione, et generationem.
Therefore shall people praise thee for ever, yea for ever and ever.
Propterea populi confitebuntur tibi in æternum, * et in sæculum sæculi.
Ant. Grace is poured out upon thy lips; therefore hath God blessed thee for ever.
Ant. Diffusa est gratia in labiis tuis, propterea benedixit te Deus in æternum.
℣. As a Bridegroom,
℣. Tamquam sponsus.
℟. The Lord is coming from his bride-chamber.
℟. Dominus procedens de thalamo suo.
The Priest begins the two first words of the Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father.
Pater noster.
The rest is said in silence, as far as the last two petitions, when the Priest says aloud:
℣. And lead us not into temptation.
℣. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem.
The Choir answers:
℟. But deliver us from evil.
℟. Sed libera nos a malo.
Then the Priest:
Graciously hear, O Lord Jesus Christ, the prayers of thy servants, and have mercy upon us: who, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest for ever and ever.
Exaudi, Domine Jesu Christe, preces servorum tuorum, et miserere nobis, qui cum Patre et Spiritu Sancto vivis et regnas in sæcula sæculorum.
The Choir answers: Amen.
Then one of the Choir turns towards the Priest, and bowing down, says:
Pray, Father, give thy blessing.
Jube, Domne, benedicere.
Then the Priest:
May the Eternal Father bless us with an everlasting blessing.
Benedictione perpetua benedicat nos Pater æternus.
℟. Amen.
℟. Amen.
The Lessons of the First Nocturn are taken from the Prophet Isaias, whom the Church has followed through the whole of Advent. The Responsories, which follow each Lesson, assist the Faithful in those sentiments of joy, which should fill their hearts on hearing the sacred prophecies read to them, and that, too, at the very hour when they are to be accomplished.
1st Lesson
Isaias, Ch. ix.
At the first time, the land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephtali, was lightly touched by the Lord: and at the last, the way of the sea beyond the Jordan of the Galilee of the Gentiles was heavily loaded. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: to them, that dwelt in the region of the shadow of death, light is risen. Thou hast multiplied the nation, and hast not increased the joy. The inhabitants of Jerusalem, whom thou hast succored, shall rejoice before thee, as they that rejoice in the harvest; as conquerors rejoice after taking a prey, when they divide the spoils. For the yoke of their burden, and the rod of their shoulder, and the scepter of their oppressor, thou hast overcome, as in the day of Madian. For every violent taking of spoils, with tumult, and garment mingled with blood, shall be burnt, and be fuel for the fire. For a Child is born unto us, and a Son is given unto us; and the government is upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, God the Mighty, the Father of the world to come, the Prince of peace.
Primo tempore alleviata est terra Zabulon, et terra Nephtali: et novissimo aggravata est via maris trans Jordanem Galilææ Gentium. Populus qui ambulabat in tenebris vidit lucem magnam: habitantibus in regione umbræ mortis, lux orta est eis. Multiplicasti gentem, et non magnificasti lætitiam. Lætabuntur coram te, sicut qui lætantur in messe, sicut exsultant victores capta præda, quando dividunt spolia. Jugum enim oneris ejus, et virgam humeri ejus, et sceptrum exactoris ejus superasti, sicut in die Madian. Quia omnis violenta prædatio cum tumultu, et vestimentum mistum sanguine, erit in combustionem, et cibus ignis. Parvulus enim natus est nobis, et filius datus est nobis: et factus est principatus super humerum ejus: et vocabitur nomen ejus, Admirabilis, Consiliarius, Deus, Fortis, Pater futuri sæculi, Princeps pacis.
℟. Today, the King of heaven deigned to be born to us of a Virgin, that he might restore lost man to the heavenly kingdom. * The host of Angels rejoices: for that eternal salvation hath appeared to the human race.
℟. Hodie nobis cœlorum Rex de Virgine nasci dignatus est, ut hominem perditum, ad cœlestia regna revocaret. * Gaudet exercitus Angelorum: quia salus æterna humano generi apparuit.
℣. Glory be to God in the highest; and on earth, peace to men of good will. * The host of Angels, &c. Glory be to the Father.
℣. Gloria in excelsis Deo, et in terra pax hominibus bonæ voluntatis. * Gaudet exercitus. Gloria Patri.
Then is repeated the ℟. Today, the King, as far as Glory be to God.
℟. Hodie nobis cœlorum. ℣. Gloria in excelsis.
Blessing. May the Only Begotten Son of God vouchsafe to bless and help us.
Benedictio. Unigenitus Dei Filius nos benedicere et adjuvare dignetur.
℟. Amen.
℟. Amen.
2nd Lesson
Isaias, Ch. xl.
Be comforted, be comforted, my people, saith your God. Speak ye to the heart of Jerusalem, and call to her, for her evil is come to an end, her iniquity is forgiven: she hath received of the hand of the Lord double blessings for all her sins. The voice of one crying in the desert: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the wilderness the paths of our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight and the rough ways plain.” And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh together shall see, that the mouth of the Lord hath spoken. The voice of one, saying: Cry. And I said: What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the glory thereof as the flower of the field. The grass is withered, and the flower is fallen, because the spirit of the Lord hath blown upon it. Indeed the people is grass: the grass is withered, and the flower is fallen: but the Word of our Lord endureth for ever.
Consolamini, consolamini popule meus, dicit Deus vester. Loquimini ad cor Jerusalem, et advocate eam, quoniam completa est malitia ejus, dimissa est iniquitas illius: suscepit de manu Domini duplicia pro omnibus peccatis suis. Vox clamantis in deserto: Parate viam Domini, rectas facite in solitudine semitas Dei nostri. Omnis vallis exaltabitur et omnis mons et collis humiliabitur, et erunt prava in directa, et aspera in vias planas. Et revelabitur gloria Domini: et videbit omnis caro pariter quod os Domini locutum est. Vox dicentis: Clama. Et dixi: Quid clamabo? Omnis caro fœnum, et omnis gloria ejus quasi flos agri. Exsiccatum est fœnum, et cecidit flos; quia spiritus Domini sufflavit in eo. Vere fœnum est populus: exsiccatum est fœnum, et cecidit flos: Verbum autem Domini nostri manet in æternum.
℟. Today, true peace has come down to us from heaven: * Today, throughout the whole world, the heavens have dropped honey.
℟. Hodie nobis de cœlo pax vera descendit: * Hodie per totum mundum melliflui facti sunt cœli.
℣. Today, there has shone upon us the day of the new redemption, of the ancient reparation, of the eternal happiness. * Today, throughout.
℣. Hodie illuxit nobis dies redemptionis novæ, reparationis antiquæ, felicitatis æternæ. * Hodie per totum.
Blessing. May the grace of the Holy Ghost enlighten our senses and our hearts. Amen.
Benedictio. Spiritus sancti gratia illuminet sensus et corda nostra. ℟. Amen.
3rd Lesson
Isaias 52
Arise, arise, put on thy strength, O Sion; put on the garments of thy glory, O Jerusalem, the city of the Holy One; for henceforth, the uncircumcised and unclean shall no more pass through thee. Shake thyself from the dust, arise, sit up, O Jerusalem: loose the bonds from off thy neck, O captive daughter of Sion. For thus saith the Lord: You were sold gratis, and you shall be redeemed without money. For thus saith the Lord God: My people went down into Egypt, at the beginning, to sojourn there: and the Assyrian hath oppressed them without any cause at all. And now, what have I here, saith the Lord: for my people is taken away gratis? They that rule over them, treat them unjustly, saith the Lord, and my name is continually blasphemed all the day long. Therefore my people shall know my name in that day: for, I myself that spoke, behold I am here.
Consurge, consurge, induere fortitudine tua, Sion; induere vestimentis gloriæ tuæ, Jerusalem, civitas Sancti: quia non adjiciet ultra ut pertranseat per te incircumcisus et immundus. Excutere de pulvere, consurge, sede, Jerusalem: solve vincula colli tui, captiva filia Sion. Quia hæc dicit Dominus: Gratis venumdati estis, et sine argento redimemini. Quia hæc dicit Dominus Deus: In Ægyptum descendit populus meus in principio, ut colonus esset ibi: et Assur absque ulla causa calumniatus est eum. Et nunc quid mihi est hic, dicit Dominus? quoniam ablatus est populus meus gratis: dominatores ejus inique agunt, dicit Dominus: et tota die nomen meum blasphematur. Propter hoc sciet populus meus nomen meum in die illa: quia ego ipse qui loquebar, ecce adsum.
℟. Whom have ye seen, O Shepherds! say, tell us, who is it has appeared on the earth? * We have seen the Child that is born, and choirs of Angels praising the Lord.
℟. Quem vidistis pastores? dicite, annuntiate nobis, in terris quis apparuit? * Natum vidimus, et choros Angelorum collaudantes Dominum.
℣. Say, what have ye seen? and tell us of the birth of Christ. * We have seen. Glory. * We have seen.
℣. Dicite, quidnam vidistis? et annuntiate Christi nativitatem. * Natum vidimus. Gloria. * Natum vidimus.
The Second Nocturn
The fourth Psalm is a hymn in praise of the Christian Church, which begins today, and receives, in the stable of Bethlehem, the first believers—the Shepherds. This new Sion, which is to contain the City of our God, is founded on the sides of the North, to show that it shall be open to the Gentiles. In vain will the Princes of the earth seek, in their conceited calculations, to destroy the Church: God, who has founded her, will make her triumph. Empires shall pass away, and their persecutions: the Church will survive them all, knowing neither wrinkle nor decay.
Ant. We have received thy mercy, O God, in the midst of thy temple.
Ant. Suscepimus, Deus, misericordiam tuam in medio templi tui.
Psalm 47
Great is the Lord, and exceedingly to be praised, in the City of our God, in his holy mountain.
Magnus Dominus, et laudabilis nimis: * in civitate Dei nostri, in monte sancto ejus.
On this day, with the joy of the whole earth is Mount Sion founded, on the sides of the North, the City of the great King.
Fundatur exsultatione universæ terræ mons Sion: * latera aquilonis, civitas regis magni.
In her houses shall God be known, when he shall protect her.
Deus in domibus ejus cognoscetur: * cum suscipiet eam.
For behold the kings of the earth assembled themselves: they gathered together.
Quoniam ecce reges terræ congregati sunt: * convenerunt in unum.
They saw, so they wondered, they were troubled, they were moved: trembling took hold of them.
Ipsi videntes, sic admirati sunt, conturbati sunt, commoti sunt: * tremor apprehendit eos.
There, were pains as of a woman in labor. With a vehement wind thou shalt break in pieces the ships of Tharsis.
Ibi dolores ut parturientis: * in spiritu vehementi conteres naves Tharsis.
As we have heard, so have we seen, in the City of the Lord of hosts, in the City of our God: God hath founded it for ever.
Sicut audivimus, sic vidimus in civitate Domini virtutum, in civitate Dei nostri: * Deus fundavit eam in æternum.
We have received thy mercy, O God, which appeared to us in Bethlehem; we have received it in the midst of thy temple.
Suscepimus Deus, misericordiam tuam: * in medio templi tui.
According to thy name, O God, so also is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of justice.
Secundum nomen tuum, Deus, sic et laus tua in fines terræ: * justitia plena est dextera tua.
Let Mount Sion rejoice, and the daughters of Juda be glad: because of thy judgments, O Lord!
Lætetur mons Sion, et exsultent filiæ Judæ: * propter judicia tua, Domine.
Surround Sion, and encompass her: tell ye in her towers.
Circumdate Sion, et complectimini eam: * narrate in turribus ejus.
Set your hearts on her strength; and distribute her houses, that ye may relate it in another generation:
Ponite corda vestra in virtute ejus: * et distribuite domos ejus, ut enarretis in progenie altera:
For this is our God, our God unto eternity, and for ever and ever: he, our Pastor, shall rule us for evermore.
Quoniam hic est Deus, Deus noster in æternum, et in sæculum sæculi: * ipse reget nos in sæcula.
Ant. We have received thy mercy, O God, in the midst of thy temple.
Ant. Suscepimus, Deus, misericordiam tuam in medio templi tui.
The fifth Psalm prophesies the peaceful reign of the Son of David, who comes to save the poor, and humble the oppressor. His coming is in sweetness and silence, like the dew of night. It is this very night that he comes to us from Mary’s virginal womb. He is the rain announced by the Prophets, which is to fall upon the parched earth. His kingdom shall be glorious and eternal. In a few days hence, the Kings shall prostrate themselves at his feet, offering him the gold of Arabia and the incense of Saba. He, on his part, will give to his people, for their nourishment, the Bread of his own Body; and thus his Church will be, for ever, a Bethlehem, that is, a House of Bread.
Ant. There shall spring up an abundance of peace, in the days of the Lord; and he shall rule.
Ant. Orietur in diebus Domini abundantia pacis, et dominabitur.
Psalm 71
Give to the King thy judgment, O God! and to the King’s Son, who is born today, thy justice,
Deus, judicium tuum Regi da: * et justitiam tuam filio Regis.
To judge thy people with justice, and thy poor with judgment.
Judicare populum tuum in justitia: * et pauperes tuos in judicio.
Let the mountains receive peace for the people; and the hills justice.
Suscipiant montes pacem populo: * et colles justitiam.
He, the Messias, shall judge the poor of the people, and he shall save the children of the poor; and he shall humble the oppressor.
Judicabit pauperes populi: et salvos faciet filios pauperum: * et humiliabit calumniatorem.
And his kingdom on earth shall continue with the sun, and before the moon; throughout all generations.
Et permanebit cum sole, et ante lunam: * in generatione et generationem.
He shall come down mysteriously in the midnight like rain upon the fleece, and as showers falling gently upon the earth.
Descendet sicut pluvia in vellus: * et sicut stillicidia stillantia super terram.
In his days, shall justice spring up, and abundance of peace, till the moon be taken away.
Orietur in diebus ejus justitia, et abundantia pacis: * donec auferatur luna.
And he shall rule from sea to sea; and from the river Jordan, unto the ends of the earth.
Et dominabitur a mari usque ad mare: * et a flumine usque ad terminos orbis terrarum.
Before him the Ethiopians shall fall down; and his enemies shall lick the ground.
Coram illo procident Æthiopes: * et inimici ejus terram lingent.
The Kings of Tharsis and the islands shall offer presents; the Kings of the Arabians and of Saba shall bring gifts.
Reges Tharsis, et insulæ munera offerent: * Reges Arabum et Saba dona adducent.
And all kings of the earth shall adore him; all nations shall serve him.
Et adorabunt eum omnes reges terræ: * omnes gentes servient ei.
For he shall deliver the poor from the mighty, and the needy that had no helper.
Quia liberabit pauperem a potente: * et pauperem, cui non erat adjutor.
He shall spare the poor and needy; and he shall be called Jesus, because he shall save the souls of the poor, his creatures.
Parcet pauperi et inopi: * et animas pauperum salvas faciet.
He shall redeem their souls from usuries and iniquity: and their name shall be honorable in his sight.
Ex usuris et iniquitate redimet animas eorum: * et honorabile nomen eorum coram illo.
And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Arabia, for him they shall always adore: they shall bless him all the day.
Et vivet, et dabitur ei de auro Arabiæ, et adorabunt de ipso semper: * tota die benedicent ei.
He is the bread of life; therefore, under his reign there shall be firmament on the earth on the tops of the mountains; above Libanus shall the fruit thereof be exalted: and they of the City, his Church, shall flourish like the grass of the earth.
Et erit firmamentum in terra in summis montium, superextolletur super Libanum fructus ejus: * et florebunt de civitate sicut fœnum terræ.
Let his name be blessed for evermore: his name continueth before the sun.
Sit nomen ejus benedictum in sæcula: * ante solem permanet nomen ejus.
And in him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed: all nations shall magnify him.
Et benedicentur in ipso omnes tribus terræ: * omnes gentes magnificabunt eum.
Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel, who alone doth wonderful things.
Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel: * qui facit mirabilia solus.
And blessed be the name of his majesty for ever: and the whole earth shall be filled with his majesty. So be it. So be it.
Et benedictum nomen majestatis ejus in æternum: * et replebitur majestate ejus omnis terra: fiat, fiat.
Ant. There shall spring up an abundance of peace, in the days of the Lord; and he shall rule.
Ant. Orietur in diebus Domini abundantia pacis, et dominabitur.
The sixth Psalm is a hymn of gratitude for the blessing brought us by the Divine Infant. The anger of the Almighty Lord is appeased at the sight of a Crib containing the Son of God and the Son of Mary! Let us listen with delight to the words of the New-Born Babe. Justice and Peace have kissed: Incarnate Truth now dwells on our earth, and the Justice of the Eternal Father looks down from heaven upon our Emmanuel.
Ant. Truth is sprung out of the earth; and justice hath looked down from heaven.
Ant. Veritas de terra orta est; et justitia de cœlo prospexit.
Psalm 84
Lord, thou hast blessed thy land: thou hast, this night, turned away the captivity of Jacob.
Benedixisti, Domine, terram tuam: * avertisti captivitatem Jacob.
Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people: thou hast covered all their sins.
Remisisti iniquitatem plebis tuæ: * operuisti omnia peccata eorum.
Thou hast mitigated all thy anger: thou hast turned away from the wrath of thy indignation.
Mitigasti omnem iram tuam: * avertisti ab ira indignationis tuæ.
Convert us, O God, our Savior! and turn off thy anger from us.
Converte nos Deus salutaris noster; * et averte iram tuam a nobis.
Heavenly Father! wilt thou be angry with us for ever? or wilt thou extend thy wrath from generation to generation?
Numquid in æternum irasceris nobis: * aut extendes iram tuam a generatione in generationem?
Thou wilt turn, O God, and bring us to life; and thy people shall rejoice in thee.
Deus tu conversus vivificabis nos: * et plebs tua lætabitur in te.
Show us, O Lord, Him who is thy mercy: and grant us thy Salvation.
Ostende nobis, Domine, misericordiam tuam: * et salutare tuum da nobis.
I will hear, near my Savior’s Crib, what the Lord God will speak in me, for he will speak peace unto his people:
Audiam quid loquatur in me Dominus Deus, * quoniam loquetur pacem in plebem suam.
And unto his Saints: and unto them that are converted to the heart.
Et super Sanctos suos: * et in eos qui convertuntur ad cor.
Surely, his Salvation is near to them that fear him: that glory may dwell in our land.
Verumtamen prope timentes eum salutare ipsius: * ut inhabitet gloria in terra nostra.
This day, in Bethlehem, Mercy and Truth have met each other: Justice and Peace have kissed.
Misericordia et veritas obviaverunt sibi: * justitia et pax osculatæ sunt.
Truth is sprung out of the earth: and Justice hath looked down from heaven.
Veritas de terra orta est: * et justitia de cœlo prospexit.
For, the Lord will give goodness: and our earth shall yield her fruit.
Etenim Dominus dabit benignitatem: * et terra nostra dabit fructum suum.
Justice shall walk before him, the Man-God: and shall set his steps in the way.
Justitia ante eum ambulabit: * et ponet in via gressus suos.
Ant. Truth is sprung out of the earth, and Justice hath looked down from heaven.
Ant. Veritas de terra orta est, et Justitia de cœlo prospexit.
℣. Thou art beautiful, O Jesus, above the sons of men.
℣. Speciosus forma præ filiis hominum.
℟. Grace is poured forth on thy lips.
℟. Diffusa est gratia in labiis tuis.
Our Father.
Pater noster.
After the Pater Noster has been recited, as in the First Nocturn, the Priest says:
May his goodness and mercy help us, who with the Father and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth for ever and ever. ℟. Amen.
Ipsius pietas et misericordia nos adjuvet, qui cum Patre et Spiritu Sancto vivit et regnat in sæcula sæculorum. ℟. Amen.
The Book of the Sermons of the Holy Fathers is now opened, and a passage is read from one of those magnificent discourses of St. Leo the Great, which enraptured the people of Rome in the fifth century.
Blessing. May God the Father Almighty be propitious and merciful unto us.
Benedictio. Deus Pater omnipotens sit nobis propitius et clemens.
℟. Amen.
℟. Amen.
4th Lesson
Sermon of Saint Leo, Pope.
Sermo Sancti Leonis Papæ.
On this day, dearly Beloved, is born our Savior: let us be glad: for, surely, it is a sin to be sad on the Birth-day of that Life, which, ridding us of the fear of death, gladdened us with the promise of immortality. From a share in this gladness, not one of us is excluded. To all, there is the one same cause of joy: for, our Lord, the destroyer of sin and death, came to deliver all, seeing that all were slaves to guilt. Let the Saint exult, because he is now brought near to his crown; let the Sinner rejoice, because he is invited to his pardon; let the Gentile be of good heart, because he is called to life. For, when there had come the fullness of time, fixed by the inscrutable depths of the divine counsel, the Son of God assumed to himself the nature of man, in order to restore it to the favor of its Maker; that thus, the Devil, the author of Death, might be conquered by that very nature, whereby himself had conquered.
Salvator noster, dilectissimi, hodie natus est: gaudeamus. Neque enim fas est locum esse tristitiæ, ubi natalis est vitæ: quæ consumpto mortalitatis timore, nobis ingerit de promissa æternitate lætitiam. Nemo ab hujus alacritatis participatione secernitur. Una cunctis lætitiæ communis est ratio: quia Dominus noster peccati mortisque destructor, sicut nullum a reatu liberum reperit, ita liberandis omnibus venit. Exsultet sanctus, quia propinquat ad palmam: gaudeat peccator, quia invitatur ad veniam: animetur Gentilis, quia vocatur ad vitam. Dei namque Filius secundum plenitudinem temporis quam divini consilii inscrutabilis altitudo deposuit, reconciliandam auctori suo naturam generis assumpsit humani, ut inventor mortis diabolus, per ipsam quam vicerat, vinceretur.
℟. O great Mystery, and wonderful secret! brute beasts to see their new-born Lord laid in a manger! * Blessed is the Virgin, that deserved to carry in her womb, Christ our Lord!
℟. O magnum mysterium, et admirabile sacramentum! ut animalia viderent Dominum natum jacentem in præsepio: * Beata Virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt portare Dominum Christum.
℣. Hail Mary! full of grace, the Lord is with thee. * Blessed is the Virgin.
℣. Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. * Beata Virgo.
At Rome, if there be in the Holy City the Knight, who has received the Helmet and Sword, blessed, as we have described, by the Sovereign Pontiff—the fifth Lesson is given to him to sing, because it speaks of the great Battle, between Christ and Satan, in the glorious mystery of the Incarnation. Whilst the Choir is singing the Responsory O magnum mysterium, the Knight is taken, by the Master of Ceremonies, to the Pope. Standing before the Holy Father, he draws his Sword, thrice sets its point on the ground, thrice brandishes it in the air, and then wipes the blade upon his left arm. He is then taken to the Ambo, or reading-desk, takes off his Helmet, and, having vested the Cope over his armor, he sings the Lesson. These ceremonies of our holy Mother, the Church of Rome, were drawn up in days, when might was not right, and brute force was made subservient to moral power and principle. The Christian Warrior, cased in his steel armor, was resolved, as indeed he was bound, never to draw his Sword save in the cause of Christ, the conqueror of Satan:—was there anything strange in his expressing this by a sacred ceremony?
Blessing. May Christ grant unto us the joys of eternal life.
Benedictio. Christus perpetuæ det nobis gaudia vitæ.
℟. Amen.
℟. Amen.
5th Lesson
In the conflict thus entered into for our sakes, the combat was fought by our Omnipotent God with great and admirable equity; inasmuch as it is not in his own Majesty, but in our lowliness, that he attacks our bitter foe; opposing him with the self-same form, and self-same nature as ours, Man like us in everything save sin: for, that which is written of all men, had no place in this Nativity: “Not one is free from defilement, no, not the child whose life on earth is but one day.” Into this admirable Birth, then, there passed nothing pertaining to the concupiscence of the flesh, there entered not aught of the law of sin. A Virgin of the royal family of David is chosen, who, having to be made Mother of the Divine Child, the God-Man, conceived him in her soul, before she conceived him in her womb. And lest the ineffable mystery should make her fear, were she left ignorant of the Divine plan, she is told by the Angel of that which was to be done in her by the Holy Ghost, and was given to see how she could be Mother of God, yet remain a pure Virgin.
In quo conflictu pro nobis inito, magno et mirabili æquitatis jure certatum est, dum omnipotens Dominus cum sævissimo hoste non in sua majestate, sed in nostra congreditur humilitate: objiciens ei eamdem formam, eamdemque naturam, mortalitatis quidem nostræ participem, sed peccati totius expertem. Alienum quippe ab hac Nativitate est, quod de omnibus legitur: Nemo mundus a sorde, nec infans cujus est unius diei vita super terram. Nihil ergo in istam singularem Nativitatem de carnis concupiscentia transivit, nihil de peccati lege manavit. Virgo regia Davidicæ stirpis eligitur, quæ sacro gravidanda fœtu, divinam humanamque prolem prius conciperet mente, quam corpore. Et ne superni ignara consilii ad inusitatos paveret affatus, quod in ea operandum erat a Spiritu Sancto, colloquio discit angelico, nec damnum credit pudoris, Dei Genitrix mox futura.
℟. The Blessed Mother of God, Mary, remaining ever the spotless Virgin, * Hath this day given birth to the Savior of the world.
℟. Beata Dei genitrix Maria, cujus viscera intacta permanent: * Hodie genuit Salvatorem sæculi.
℣. Blessed in that she believed, for all those things have been done in her, that were said unto her by the Lord. * Hath this day given birth to the Savior.
℣. Beata quæ credidit, quoniam perfecta sunt omnia quæ dicta sunt ei a Domino. * Hodie genuit Salvatorem.
Blessing. May God enkindle within our hearts the fire of his love.
Benedictio. Ignem sui amoris accendat Deus in cordibus nostris.
℟. Amen.
℟. Amen.
6th Lesson
Let us, therefore, dearly Beloved, give thanks to God the Father, through his Son, in the Holy Ghost: because, through his exceeding charity, wherewith he hath loved us, he has had compassion upon us; and when we were dead in our sins, quickened us unto life together with Christ, that we might be a new creature in him, and a new substance. Therefore, let us put off the old man with his acts, and, having been made partakers of the generation of Christ, let us renounce the works of the flesh. Learn thy own worth, O Christian! and, having been made a partaker of the divine nature, scorn to become again the vile thing of old. Remember of what Head and of what Body thou art a member. Remember how thou, having been snatched from the power of darkness, hast been translated into the Light and Kingdom of God.
Agamus ergo, dilectissimi, gratias Deo Patri, per Filium ejus in Spiritu sancto: qui propter multam charitatem suam, qua dilexit nos, misertus est nostri: et cum essemus mortui peccatis, convivificat nos Christo, ut essemus in ipso nova creatura, novumque figmentum. Deponamus ergo veterem hominem cum actibus suis, et adepti participationem generationis Christi, carnis renuntiemus operibus. Agnosce, O Christiane, dignitatem tuam: et divinæ consors factus naturæ, noli in veterem vilitatem degeneri conversatione redire. Memento cujus capitis et cujus corporis sis membrum. Reminiscere, quia erutus de potestate tenebrarum, translatus es in Dei lumen et regnum.
℟. O holy and immaculate Virginity, I know not with what praises I shall extol thee: * For thou didst bear in thy womb Him whom the heavens cannot contain.
℟. Sancta et immaculata Virginitas, quibus te laudibus efferam, nescio: * Quia quem cœli capere non poterant, tuo gremio contulisti.
℣. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Glory. * For thou.
℣. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui. Gloria. * Quia.
The Third Nocturn
The seventh Psalm of Christmas-Day’s Matins, is the prayer of the Jewish people for their Deliverer, the Messias. Juda has fallen under the Roman power; she has lost the scepter; Jerusalem is polluted by the presence of the Gentiles; and yet, the Christ appears not. This Psalm reminds the God of Jacob of the promises made to David and his seed, of that everlasting Kingdom, which is so long in coming, and of those other Prophecies, whose accomplishment can alone put a stop to the haughty blasphemies of the Gentiles. But, the hour has come; Juda and the Gentiles are to be kept no longer in suspense; Jehovah is about to fulfill his word.
Ant. He shall cry out to me, alleluia: “thou art my Father,” alleluia.
Ant. Ipse invocabit me, alleluia: Pater meus es tu, alleluia.
Psalm 88
The mercies of the Lord I will sing for ever.
Misericordias Domini * in æternum cantabo.
Unto generation and generation, I will show forth thy truth with my mouth.
In generationem et generationem: * annuntiabo veritatem tuam in ore meo.
For thou hast said: Mercy shall be built up for ever in the heavens; thy truth shall be prepared in them.
Quoniam dixisti: in æternum misericordia ædificabitur in cœlis: * præparabitur veritas tua in eis.
Thou hast said: “I have made a covenant with my elect; I have sworn to David, my servant; thy seed will I settle for ever.
Disposui testamentum electis meis; juravi David servo meo: * usque in æternum præparabo semen tuum.
“And I will build up thy Throne unto generation and generation.”
Et ædificabo in generationem et generationem: * sedem tuam.
The heavens shall confess thy wonders, O Lord: and thy truth in the Church of the Saints.
Confitebuntur cœli mirabilia tua Domine: * etenim veritatem tuam in Ecclesia Sanctorum.
For who in the clouds can be compared to the Lord: or who among the sons of God shall be like to God?
Quoniam quis in nubibus æquabitur Domino: * similis erit Deo in filiis Dei?
God, who is glorified in the assembly of the Saints: great and terrible above all them that are about him.
Deus, qui glorificatur in concilio Sanctorum: * magnus et terribilis super omnes, qui in circuitu ejus sunt.
O Lord God of hosts, who is like unto thee? thou art mighty, O Lord, and thy truth is round about thee.
Domine Deus virtutum, quis similis tibi? * potens es Domine, et veritas tua in circuitu tuo.
Thou rulest the power of the sea: and appeasest the motion of the waves thereof.
Tu dominaris potestati maris: * motum autem fluctuum ejus tu mitigas.
Thou hast humbled the proud one, as one that is slain: with the arm of thy strength, thou hast scattered thy enemies.
Tu humiliasti sicut vulneratum, superbum: * in brachio virtutis tuæ dispersisti inimicos tuos.
Thine are the heavens, and thine is the earth; the world and the fullness thereof thou hast founded: the north and the sea thou hast created.
Tui sunt cœli, et tua est terra, orbem terræ et plenitudinem ejus tu fundasti: * aquilonem et mare tu creasti.
Thabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name: thy arm is with might.
Thabor et Hermon in nomine tuo exsultabunt: * tuum brachium cum potentia.
Let thy hand be strengthened, and thy right hand exalted: justice and judgment are the preparation of thy Throne.
Firmetur manus tua: et exaltetur dextera tua: * justitia et judicium præparatio sedis tuæ.
Mercy and truth shall go before thy face: blessed is the people that knoweth jubilation.
Misericordia et veritas præcedent faciem tuam: * beatus populus qui scit jubilationem.
They shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance, and in thy name they shall rejoice all the day: and in thy justice, they shall be exalted.
Domine, in lumine vultus tui ambulabunt, et in nomine tuo exsultabunt, tota die: * et justitia tua exaltabuntur.
For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy good pleasure shall our horn be exalted.
Quoniam gloria virtutis eorum tu es: * et in beneplacito tuo exaltabitur cornu nostrum.
For our protection is of the Lord: and of our King, the Holy One of Israel.
Quia Domini est assumptio nostra: * et sancti Israel Regis nostri.
Then thou spokest in a vision to thy Saints, and saidst: “I have laid help upon one that is mighty, and have exalted one chosen out of my people.
Tunc locutus es in visione Sanctis tuis, et dixisti: * Posui adjutorium in potente, et exaltavi electum de plebe mea.
“I have found David my servant: with my holy oil I have anointed him.
Inveni David servum meum: * oleo sancto meo unxi eum.
“For my hand shall help him: and my arm shall strengthen him.
Manus enim mea auxiliabitur ei: * et brachium meum confortabit eum.
“The enemy shall have no advantage over him: nor the son of iniquity have power to hurt him.
Nihil proficiet inimicus in eo: * et filius iniquitatis non apponet nocere ei.
“And I will cut down his enemies before his face: and them that hate him I will put to flight.
Et concidam a facie ipsius inimicos ejus: * et odientes eum in fugam convertam.
“And my truth, and my mercy, shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted.
Et veritas mea, et misericordia mea cum ipso: * et in nomine meo exaltabitur cornu ejus.
“And I will set his hand in the sea; and his right hand in the rivers.
Et ponam in mari manum ejus, * et in fluminibus dexteram ejus.
“He shall cry out to me: Thou art my Father, my God, and support of my salvation.
Ipse invocabit me: Pater meus es tu: * Deus meus, et susceptor salutis meæ.
“And I will make him my First-Born, high above the Kings of the earth.
Et ego primogenitum ponam illum: * excelsum præ regibus terræ.
“I will keep my mercy for him for ever: and my covenant faithful to him.
In æternum servabo illi misericordiam meam: * et testamentum meum fidele ipsi.
“And I will make his seed to endure for evermore: and his Throne as the days of heaven.
Et ponam in sæculum sæculi semen ejus: * et thronum ejus sicut dies cœli.
“And if his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments:
Si autem dereliquerint filii ejus legem meam: * et in judiciis meis non ambulaverint.
“If they profane my justices, and keep not my commandments:
Si justitias meas profanaverint: * et mandata mea non custodierint.
“I will visit their iniquities with a rod: and their sins with stripes.
Visitabo in virga iniquitates eorum: * et in verberibus peccata eorum.
“But my mercy I will not take away from him: nor will I suffer my truth to fail.
Misericordiam autem meam non dispergam ab eo: * neque nocebo in veritate mea.
“Neither will I profane my covenant: and the words, that proceed from my mouth, I will not make void.
Neque profanabo testamentum meum: * et quæ procedunt de labiis meis, non faciam irrita.
“Once I have sworn by my Holiness, I will not lie unto David: his seed shall endure for ever.
Semel juravi in Sancto meo si David mentiar: * semen ejus in æternum manebit.
“And his Throne as the sun before me: and as the moon perfect for ever, and a faithful witness in heaven.”
Et thronus ejus sicut sol in conspectu meo: * et sicut luna perfecta in æternum, et testis in cœlo fidelis.
These are thy words, O Lord! but thou hast rejected and despised: thou hast put off thy Christ.
Tu vero repulisti et despexisti: * distulisti Christum tuum.
Thou hast overthrown the covenant of thy servant: thou hast profaned his sanctuary on the earth.
Evertisti testamentum servi tui: * profanasti in terra sanctuarium ejus.
Thou hast broken down all his hedges: thou hast made his strength fear.
Destruxisti omnes sepes ejus: * posuisti firmamentum ejus formidinem.
All that pass by the way have robbed him: he is become a reproach to his neighbors.
Diripuerunt eum omnes transeuntes viam: * factus est opprobrium vicinis suis.
Thou hast set up the right hand of them that oppress him: thou hast made all his enemies to rejoice.
Exaltasti dexteram deprimentium eum: * lætificasti omnes inimicos ejus.
Thou hast turned away the help of his sword: and hast not assisted him in battle.
Avertisti adjutorium gladii ejus: * et non es auxiliatus ei in bello.
Thou hast made his purification to cease: thou hast cast his Throne down to the ground.
Destruxisti eum ab emundatione: * et sedem ejus in terram collisisti.
Thou hast shortened the days of his time: thou hast covered him with confusion.
Minorasti dies temporis ejus: * perfudisti eum confusione.
How long, O Lord, turnest thou away unto the end? shall thy anger burn like fire?
Usquequo Domine, avertis in finem: * exardescet sicut ignis ira tua?
Remember what my substance is: for hast thou made all the children of men in vain?
Memorare quæ mea substantia: * numquid enim vane constituisti omnes filios hominum.
Who is the man that shall live, and not see death? that shall deliver his soul from the hand of hell?
Quis est homo qui vivet, et non videbit mortem: * eruet animam suam de manu inferi?
Where, O Lord, are thy ancient mercies, according to what thou didst swear to David, in thy truth?
Ubi sunt misericordiæ tuæ antiquæ Domine: * sicut jurasti David in veritate tua?
Be mindful, O Lord, of the reproach of thy servants, (which I have held in my bosom,) of many nations:
Memor esto Domine opprobrii servorum tuorum: * (quod continui in sinu meo) multarum gentium.
Wherewith thy enemies have reproached, O Lord: wherewith they have reproached the change of thy Christ.
Quod exprobraverunt inimici tui Domine: * quod exprobraverunt commutationem Christi tui.
But, blessed be the Lord for evermore! this Christ is coming to us, and this very night! so be it—so be it!
Benedictus Dominus in æternum: * fiat, fiat.
Ant. He shall cry out to me, alleluia: “thou art my Father:” alleluia.
Ant. Ipse invocabit me, alleluia: Pater meus es tu, alleluia.
The eighth Psalm is one of delighted joy at the coming of our Infant Jesus, our Savior. It calls on all nations to adore him, and on all nature to do him homage. This Messias is come to reign over us: he is come to correct, that is, to uphold the whole of creation, which was fallen:—a New Canticle, then, dear Christians!
Ant. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad, before the face of the Lord; for lo! he cometh!
Ant. Lætentur cœli, et exsultet terra ante faciem Domini, quoniam venit.
Psalm 95
Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: sing to the Lord all the earth.
Cantate Domino canticum novum: * cantate Domino omnis terra.
Sing ye to the Lord and bless his name: show forth his Savior from day to day.
Cantate Domino, et benedicite nomini ejus: * annuntiate de die in diem Salutare ejus.
Declare his glory among the Gentiles: his wonders among all people.
Annuntiate inter Gentes gloriam ejus: * in omnibus populis mirabilia ejus.
For the Lord is great, and exceedingly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.
Quoniam Magnus Dominus, et laudabilis nimis: * terribilis est super omnes deos.
For all the gods of the Gentiles are devils: but the Lord made the heavens.
Quoniam omnes dii Gentium dæmonia: * Dominus autem cœlos fecit.
Praise and beauty are before him: holiness and majesty in his sanctuary.
Confessio et pulchritudo in conspectu ejus: * sanctimonia et magnificentia in sanctificatione ejus.
Bring ye to the Lord, all ye kindreds of the Gentiles, bring ye to the Lord glory and honor: bring to the Lord glory unto his name.
Afferte Domino patriæ Gentium, afferte Domino gloriam et honorem: * afferte Domino gloriam nomini ejus.
Bring up sacrifices, and come into his courts: adore ye the Lord in his holy court.
Tollite hostias, et introite in atria ejus: * adorate Dominum in atrio sancto ejus.
Let all the earth be moved at his presence: Say ye among the Gentiles: the Lord hath reigned, he hath reigned in his Crib.
Commoveatur a facie ejus universa terra: * dicite in Gentibus, quia Dominus regnavit.
For, by his much-loved Birth, he hath corrected the world, which shall not be moved; he will judge the people with justice.
Etenim correxit orbem terræ qui non commovebitur; * judicabit populos in æquitate.
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea be moved, and the fullness thereof; the fields and all things, that are in them shall be joyful.
Lætentur cœli, et exsultet terra, commoveatur mare, et plenitudo ejus: * gaudebunt campi, et omnia quæ in eis sunt.
Then shall all the trees of the woods rejoice, before the face of the Lord, because he cometh: because he cometh to judge and save the earth.
Tunc exsultabunt omnia ligna silvarum a facie Domini, quia venit: * quoniam venit judicare terram.
He shall judge the world with justice; and the people with his truth.
Judicabit orbem terræ in æquitate: et populos in veritate sua.
Ant. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad before the face of the Lord; for lo! he cometh!
Ant. Lætentur cœli, et exsultet terra, ante faciem Domini, quoniam venit.
The ninth Psalm, too, is a New Canticle, in praise of the Savior that is coming, and of the Father that sends him to us. Jehovah has remembered his mercies, and the whole earth will soon be permitted to see its Emmanuel. Let our holy songs, this beautiful Night, be full of enthusiasm, and lend a voice of praise to all Nature, for, all Nature was regenerated by its Creator being born on this earth.
Ant. The Lord hath made known, alleluia! his Savior, alleluia!
Ant. Notum fecit Dominus, alleluia, Salutare suum, alleluia.
Psalm 97
Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: because he hath done wonderful things.
Cantate Domino canticum novum: * quia mirabilia fecit.
On this day, his right hand hath wrought for him salvation; and his arm is holy.
Salvavit sibi dextera ejus: * et brachium sanctum ejus.
The Lord hath made known his Savior: he hath revealed his justice in the sight of the Gentiles.
Notum fecit Dominus Salutare suum: * in conspectu Gentium revelavit justitiam suam.
He hath remembered his mercy, and his truth toward the house of Israel.
Recordatus est misericordiæ suæ, * et veritatis suæ domui Israel.
All the ends of the earth, that were expecting it, have seen the salvation of our God.
Viderunt omnes termini terræ: * salutare Dei nostri.
Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; make melody, rejoice, and sing.
Jubilate Deo omnis terra: * cantate, et exsultate, et psallite.
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.
Psallite Domino in cithara, in cithara et voce psalmi: * in tubis ductilibus, et voce tubæ corneæ.
Make a joyful noise before the Lord, our King: let the sea be moved, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
Jubilate in conspectu Regis Domini; * moveatur mare, et plenitudo ejus, orbis terrarum, et qui habitant in eo.
The rivers shall clap their hands, the mountains shall rejoice together at the presence of the Lord; because he cometh to judge and save the earth.
Flumina plaudent manu, simul montes exsultabunt a conspectu Domini; * quoniam venit judicare terram.
He shall judge the world with justice, and the people with equity.
Judicabit orbem terrarum in justitia: * et populos in æquitate.
Ant. The Lord hath made known, alleluia! his Savior, alleluia!
Ant. Notum fecit Dominus, alleluia, Salutare suum, alleluia.
℣. He shall cry out to me, alleluia!
℣. Ipse invocabit me, alleluia.
℟. “Thou art my Father,” alleluia!
℟. Pater meus es tu, alleluia.
Our Father.
Pater noster.
The Pater noster having been recited, as in the two first Nocturns, the Priest says:
May the Almighty and merciful Lord, deliver us from the chains of our sins. ℟. Amen.
A vinculis peccatorum nostrorum absolvat nos omnipotens et misericors Dominus. ℟. Amen.
Then are read the beginnings of the three Gospels, which are said in the three Masses of Christmas Day. To each portion of these Gospels is appended a passage from a Homily by one of the Holy Fathers.
The first of the three is that of St. Luke, and the Homily given is that of St. Gregory the Great. It relates the publishing of the Emperor Augustus’ edict, commanding a census of the whole world. This seventh Lesson, according to the Ceremonial of the Roman Church, is to be sung by the Emperor, if he happen to be in Rome at the time; and this is done, in order to honor the Imperial power, whose decrees were the occasion of Mary and Joseph going to Bethlehem, and so fulfilling the designs of God, which he had revealed to the ancient Prophets. The Emperor is led to the Pope, in the same manner as the Knight who had to sing the fifth Lesson; he puts on the Cope; two Cardinal-Deacons gird him with the sword, and go with him to the Ambo. The Lesson being concluded, the Emperor again goes before the Pope, and kisses his foot, as being the Vicar of the Christ whom he has just announced. This ceremony was observed in 1468, by the Emperor Frederic III., before the then Pope, Paul II.
Blessing. May the reading of the Gospel bring us salvation and protection. ℟. Amen.
Benedictio. Evangelica lectio sit nobis salus, et protectio! ℟. Amen.
Lesson from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
Lectio sancti Evangelii secundum Lucam.
Ch. II.
Cap. II.
7th Lesson
At that time, there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled. And the rest.
In illo tempore, exiit Edictum a Cæsare Augusto, ut describeretur universus orbis. Et reliqua.
Homily of Saint Gregory, Pope.
Homilia S. Gregorii Papæ.
Since, by the divine bounty, we are, this day, thrice to celebrate the solemn office of Mass, we cannot speak long on the lesson of the Gospel; and yet, this very Nativity of our Redeemer compels us to say something, however brief. Why, then, is it, that when our Lord was about to be born, the world is enrolled; if not that hereby is shown, that He, who appeared in the flesh, is He that would enroll his elect in eternity? Just as, when speaking of the reprobate, the Prophet says: Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; and with the just, let them not be written. Then, again: Jesus is born in Bethlehem; ’tis well; for Bethlehem signifies a House of Bread, and Jesus said of himself: I am the living Bread, that came down from heaven. The place, therefore, in which he is born, had had the name of House of Bread given to it, because there would appear in the material reality of our flesh, He who was to refresh the souls of the elect with spiritual repletion. And, why is he born, not at his Mother’s home, but away from it? Is it not, to show, how, by his assuming human nature, he was born, so to say, in a foreign country?
Quia, largiente Domino, Missarum solemnia ter hodie celebraturi sumus, loqui diu de Evangelica lectione non possumus; sed nos aliquid vel breviter dicere Redemptoris nostri Nativitas ipsa compellit. Quid est enim quod nascituro Domino, mundus describitur, nisi hoc quod aperte monstratur, quia ille apparebat in carne, qui electos suos adscriberet in æternitate? Quo contra de reprobis per Prophetam dicitur: Deleantur de libro viventium, et cum justis non scribantur. Qui bene etiam in Bethlehem nascitur: Bethlehem quippe domus panis interpretatur. Ipse namque est qui ait: Ego sum panis vivus qui de cœlo descendi. Locus ergo, in quo Dominus nascitur, domus panis antea vocatus est: quia futurum profecto erat, ut ille ibi per materiam carnis appareret, qui electorum mentes interna satietate reficeret. Qui non in parentum domo, sed in via nascitur, ut profecto ostenderet, quia per humanitatem suam, quam assumpserat, quasi in alieno nascebatur.
℟. Blessed is the womb of the Virgin Mary, that bore the Son of the Eternal Father; and blessed are the breasts, that fed Christ the Lord, * Who deigned to be born, this day, of the Virgin, for the world’s salvation.
℟. Beata viscera Mariæ Virginis, quæ portaverunt æterni Patris Filium, et beata ubera, quæ lactaverunt Christum Dominum, * Qui hodie pro salute mundi de Virgine nasci dignatus est.
℣. A holy day hath shone upon us; come, ye Gentiles, and adore the Lord. * Who deigned.
℣. Dies sanctificatus illuxit nobis: venite Gentes, et adorate Dominum. * Qui hodie.
The second of the three Gospels, which forms the subject of the eighth Lesson, is also taken from St. Luke, and the Homily is by St. Ambrose. It gives the description of the Shepherds going to the holy Stable.
Blessing. May our sins be wiped away by the words of the Gospel. ℟. Amen.
Benedictio. Per Evangelica dicta deleantur nostra delicta. ℟. Amen.
Lesson of the holy Gospel according to Luke.
Lectio sancti Evangelii secundum Lucam.
Ch. II.
Cap. II.
8th Lesson
At that time the Shepherds said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem, and let us see this word, that is come to pass, which the Lord hath showed unto us. And the rest.
In illo tempore: Pastores loquebantur ad invicem: Transeamus usque Bethlehem, et videamus hoc verbum quod factum est, quod Dominus ostendit nobis. Et reliqua.
Homily of Saint Ambrose, Bishop.
Homilia sancti Ambrosii Episcopi.
Here, see the beginning of the infant Church: Christ is born; and Shepherds are watching, as about to herd, into the Lord’s fold, that Gentile flock, which had hitherto lived like brute animals, and this, lest, during the thick darkness of night, they might suffer from the attacks of spiritual wild beasts. And it is well said, that the Shepherds are watching, for Shepherds, trained by the Good Shepherd, do watch. So that, the Flock is the people; the Night is the world; the Shepherds are the Priests. Or, perhaps, we might interpret him to be the Shepherd, to whom it is said: Be thou watchful, and give strength; for, not only has our Lord set Bishops to guard the Flock, he has set the very Angels.
Videte Ecclesiæ surgentis exordium: Christus nascitur, et Pastores vigilare cœperunt: qui gentium greges, pecudum more ante viventes, in caulam Domini congregarent, ne quos spiritualium bestiarum, per offusas noctium tenebras paterentur incursus. Et bene pastores vigilant, quos bonus pastor informat. Grex igitur populus, nox sæculum, pastores sunt sacerdotes. Aut fortasse etiam ille sit Pastor, cui dicitur: Esto vigilans et confirma; quia non solum Episcopos ad tuendum gregem Dominus ordinavit, sed etiam Angelos ordinavit.
℟. The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us: * And we saw his glory, the glory as it were of the Only-Begotten of the Father; full of grace and truth.
℟. Verbum caro factum est, et habitavit in nobis: * Et vidimus gloriam ejus, gloriam quasi Unigeniti a Patre; plenum gratiæ et veritatis.
℣. All things were made by him; and without him was made nothing. * And we saw. Glory be to the Father, &c. * And we saw.
℣. Omnia per ipsum facta sunt: et sine ipso factum est nihil. * Et vidimus. Gloria. * Et vidimus.
The third Gospel, which forms the subject of the ninth Lesson, is the beginning of that according to St. John, and is commented by St. Augustine: it speaks of the Eternal Generation of the Word.
Blessing. May Christ, the Son of God, teach us the words of the Holy Gospel. ℟. Amen.
Benedictio. Verba Sancti Evangelii doceat nos Christus Filius Dei. ℟. Amen.
Lesson of the holy Gospel according to John.
Lectio sancti Evangelii secundum Joannem.
Ch. I.
Cap. I.
9th Lesson
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the rest.
In principio erat Verbum, et Verbum erat apud Deum, et Deus erat Verbum. Et reliqua.
Homily of St. Augustine, Bishop.
Homilia sancti Augustini Episcopi.
Lest thou shouldst think that this is some commonplace thing, as thou art wont to do when men talk to thee, hear what it is thou art to think: The Word was God. After this, some infidel Arian will come forward and tell me, that the Word of God was made. How is it possible, that the Word of God could be made, when God made all things by the Word? If this very Word of God was also made, by what other Word was he made? If thou reply, that the Word of the Word is the one by which he was made—then, I will answer thee, that this very one is He whom we mean by the Son of God. But, if thou do not say there is a Word that made the Word,—then grant, that He, by whom all things were made, was Himself not made, since He, by whom all things were made, could not make Himself. Therefore, believe the Evangelist.
Ne vile aliquid putares, quale consuevisti cogitare, cum verba humana soleres audire, audi quid cogites, Deus erat Verbum. Exeat nunc nescio quis infidelis Arianus, et dicat, quia Verbum Dei factum est. Quomodo potest fieri, ut verbum Dei factum sit, quando Deus per Verbum fecit omnia? Si et Verbum Dei ipsum factum est, per quod aliud Verbum est? Si hoc dicis, quia hoc est Verbum Verbi, per quod factum est illud; ipsum dico ego unicum Filium Dei. Si autem non dicis Verbum Verbi, concede non factum, per quod facta sunt omnia. Non enim per seipsum fieri potuit, per quod facta sunt omnia. Crede ergo evangelistæ.
Our three Night Vigils are over: we have sung our songs of praise; we have listened to our Mother the Church telling us of the Prophecies of the beautiful Coming: and meanwhile, the Night has advanced, and now the long-expected, the ever-sacred hour of Midnight has come, and we are to see the Divine Infant Jesus, lying in his Crib and smiling upon his Mother. Jubilee is the duty of this sweetest moment: let our hearts beat with delight! Jesus, our Salvation, is coming down from heaven, and for our sakes. What a joy it is, that our dear Church gives us a Canticle, which is a worthy reception of this our God! Come, then, Christians, let us make the holy place echo with our grand Te Deum!
Hymn of Thanksgiving
We praise thee, O God! we acknowledge thee to be our Lord.
Te Deum laudamus: * te Dominum confitemur.
Thee, the Father everlasting, all the earth doth worship.
Te æternum Patrem; * omnis terra veneratur.
To thee the Angels, to thee the heavens, and all the Powers:
Tibi omnes Angeli; * tibi cœli, et universæ potestates.
To thee the Cherubim and Seraphim, cry out without ceasing:
Tibi Cherubim et Seraphim: * incessabili voce proclamant.
Holy!
Sanctus,
Holy!
Sanctus,
Holy! Lord God of Sabaoth!
Sanctus, * Dominus Deus Sabaoth!
Full are the heavens and the earth of the majesty of thy glory.
Pleni sunt cœli et terra * majestatis gloriæ tuæ.
Thee the glorious choir of the Apostles.
Te gloriosus * Apostolorum chorus.
Thee the laudable company of the Prophets.
Te Prophetarum * laudabilis numerus.
Thee the white-robed army of Martyrs doth praise.
Te Martyrum candidatus * laudat exercitus.
Thee the holy Church throughout the world doth acknowledge.
Te per orbem terrarum * sancta confitetur Ecclesia.
The Father of incomprehensible majesty.
Patrem * immensæ majestatis.
Thy adorable, true, and only Son.
Venerandum tuum verum, * et unicum Filium.
And the Holy Ghost the Paraclete.
Sanctum quoque * Paraclitum Spiritum.
Thou, O Christ, art the King of glory.
Tu Rex gloriæ, * Christe.
Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father.
Tu Patris, * sempiternus es Filius.
Thou being to take upon thee to deliver man, didst not disdain the Virgin’s womb.
Tu ad liberandum suscepturus hominem, * non horruisti Virginis uterum.
Thou having overcome the sting of death, hast opened to believers the kingdom of heaven.
Tu devicto mortis aculeo: * aperuisti credentibus regna cœlorum.
Thou sittest at the right hand of God, in the glory of the Father.
Tu ad dexteram Dei sedes: * in gloria Patris.
Thee we believe to be the Judge to come.
Judex crederis * esse venturus.
All kneel at the following Verse:
We beseech thee, therefore, to help thy servants, whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious Blood.
Te ergo quæsumus, tuis famulis subveni, * quos pretioso sanguine redemisti.
Make them to be numbered with thy saints in eternal glory.
Æterna fac cum sanctis tuis * in gloria numerari.
O Lord, save thy people, and bless thine inheritance.
Salvum fac populum tuum Domine: * et benedic hæreditati tuæ.
And govern them, and exalt them for ever.
Et rege eos: * et extolle illos usque in æternum.
Every day, we magnify thee.
Per singulos dies * benedicimus te.
And we praise thy Name for ever and ever.
Et laudamus Nomen tuum in sæculum: * et in sæculum sæculi.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin.
Dignare, Domine, die isto, * sine peccato nos custodire.
Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us.
Miserere nostri, Domine: * miserere nostri.
Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we have put our trust in thee.
Fiat misericordia tua Domine super nos, * quemadmodum speravimus in te.
In thee, O Lord, have I put my trust: let me not be confounded for ever.
In te Domine speravi: * non confundar in æternum.
Our Hymn of Thanksgiving sung, the Church concludes the Office of Matins by the following Prayer, in which she embodies all her desires on this Feast of the New Birth of the Only Begotten Son of God.
Let us pray.
Oremus.
Grant, we beseech thee, O Almighty God, that we who groan under the old captivity of sin, may be freed therefrom by the new Birth of thine Only Begotten Son. Through the same Jesus Christ, &c.
Concede, quæsumus, omnipotens Deus, ut nos Unigeniti tui nova per carnem nativitas liberet, quos sub peccati jugo vetusta servitus tenet. Per eumdem.