December 24, 2010
Friday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Read

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

Pray

Sing or read the lyrics to "Away in the Manger” and concentrate on the simple surroundings in which Jesus was born.

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.

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 the Christmas Vigil Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI from St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. The Vatican Mass is broadcast live on the EWTN cable channel beginning at 4:00 p.m. ET and can be seen on most NBC affiliate stations beginning at 11:30 p.m. ET.