First reading
Isaiah 7:10–14
The maiden is with child.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 23(24):1–6
R. Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.
Second reading
Romans 1:1–7
Our apostolic mission is to preach the obedience of faith to all pagan nations.
Gospel acclamation
Matthew 1:23
A virgin will give birth to a son; His name will be Emmanuel: God is with us.
Gospel
Matthew 1:18–24
How Jesus Christ came to be born
Images from the Word
- A righteous man
- In a dream
- Through the Holy Spirit
- Emmanuel
- Called to be holy
Liturgical notes
Above all, the Second Vatican Council, which urged ‘that more perfect form of participation in the Mass by which the faithful, after the priest’s Communion, receive the Lord’s Body from the same Sacrifice,’ called for another desire of the Fathers of Trent to be realized, namely that for the sake of a fuller participation in the holy Eucharist ‘the faithful present at each Mass should communicate not only by spiritual desire but also by sacramental reception of the Eucharist.’
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §13
The liturgical reform of Vatican II was focussed upon ensuring the full participation of the faithful in the celebration of the liturgy. Therefore, it made it possible for the faithful to fully participate in the celebration of the Mass by encouraging Communion in the consecrated bread and wine. In this Communion, they share in the very sacrifice of Christ.–
‘Drop down dew from above, you heavens, and let the clouds rain down the Just One; let the earth be opened and bring forth a Saviour.’
—entrance antiphon