The Birth of Our Lord

Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem to comply with the decree of Caesar Augustus. The hour for Mary to give birth is near, but there is no room in the inn. In the stillness of the night, the Savior is born in a cave, Mary remaining a Virgin. She wraps Him in swaddling clothes and lays Him in a manger. In unspeakable joy Mary gathers to her bosom the Flower of her virginity. Jesus enters the world in poverty to teach the lesson of detachment from earthly things. The angel announces to the shepherds: “Today there is born to you in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord.” The angelic chorus sing: “Glory to God in the highest, and peace to His people on earth.” The shepherds come to the stable to pay homage to the Infant Jesus. The Magi come to adore the Holy Child and offer Him gifts.

Spiritual fruit: Detachment

Introduce the Mystery

Announce “The Third Joyful Mystery – The Birth of Our Lord”.

Our Father

Say the Our Father: “Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”

Hail Mary

Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery: “Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners, Now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”

Glory Be

Say the Glory Be: “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”

Oh My Jesus

Say the O My Jesus prayer: “O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls into heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.”