December 24, 2008
Christmas Eve

Read

Read and listen to the Ninth and final lesson from our Advent Lessons & Carols

Daily Readings from the New American Bible (NAB)

Pray

Sing
“Silent Night”
Silent night, Holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in Heavenly peace
Sleep in Heavenly peace
or
“Away in the Manger”
Away in a manger,
no crib for His bed,
The little Lord Jesus
lay down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky
looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus,
asleep on the hay.
Really listen to the words of these carols about the simplicity and humility of Jesus’ birth.

Reflect

Celebrations of the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord begin with vigil Masses this afternoon. Depending on when you attend Christmas Mass, you will hear one of four sets of readings proclaimed. The vigil Mass has a particular set of readings, and Christmas is the only solemnity on the liturgical calendar for which there are three sets of readings for midnight, dawn and day Masses. Look at the readings for all of the Christmas Masses and reflect on how they relate to the events surrounding Christ’s birth.

View the Daily Reflections on today's readings brought to you by the Catholic Communication Campaign

Act

Gather with your family to pray The Blessing of a Christmas Tree and light your tree.

Attend Midnight Mass or watch the broadcast of Midnight Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI from St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. The Vatican Midnight Mass is broadcast live on the EWTN cable channel at 6 p.m. ET and can be seen on most NBC affiliate stations beginning at 11:30 p.m. ET.

Watch the Catholic Communication Campaign’s television special “Christmas Eve from the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi, San Francisco,” which will be shown on many ABC affiliate stations, check your local listings.