Christmas Gospel
NARRATOR 1: In those days Caesar Augustus published a decree ordering a census of the whole world. This first census took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to register, each in his own town. So Joseph, too, went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, for he was of the house and lineage of David, to register with Mary, his espoused wife, who was pregnant.
NARRATOR 2: It happened while they were there that the days of her pregnancy were completed. She gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
NARRATOR 3: There were shepherds in the same area, living in the fields and keeping night watch over their flock. An angel of the Lord came suddenly upon them and the glory of the Holy One shown around them, and they were very much afraid.
ANGEL: You have nothing to fear! I bring you good news, a great joy to be shared by the whole people. For this day in David’s city a savior has been born to you, who is Christ the Lord. Let this be a sign to you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger.
NARRATOR 4: Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God.
ALL: Glory to God in high heaven; on earth peace to those on whom God’s favor rests.
Luke 2.1-14
Christmas Gospel: Luke 2.1-14
Holy Family Gospel
Jesus stays in the temple.
NARRATOR 1: Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. When he was 12, they went up as usual for the festival.
NARRATOR 2: When the days of the festival were completed and his parents started for home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Joseph and his mother did not know it. Assuming he was among the travelers going home, they went a day’s journey.
NARRATOR 1: Jesus’ parents started to look for him among their friends and relatives. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.
NARRATOR 2: After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them, and asking them questions. All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
NARRATOR 1: When his parents saw him, they were astonished.
MARY: Son, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you with great anxiety.
JESUS: Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?
NARRATOR 2: They did not understand what he said to them.
NARRATOR 1: Then Jesus went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.
NARRATOR 2: Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.
Luke 2.41-52
Holy Family: 1 Samuel 1.20-22, 24-28, 1 John 3.1-2,21-24; Luke 2.41-52