Welcome back to our celebration of the liturgies of Christmas. This is the third of four Masses for the Nativity of the Lord. The tradition for Christmas: Mass at Dawn was established in the early Church from a custom in the Holy Land where Christians first celebrated a Midnight Mass in Bethlehem, then walked a torchlight procession from there to Jerusalem where they once again celebrated Mass just as the sun was rising. I imagine that procession must have been an exciting and holy community experience, filled with singing and prayers.
This morning’s Gospel from Luke is a continuation of the Gospel for Mass at Night. Inspired by the amazing vision of the angels, the shepherds go in haste to Bethlehem and visit the new born Baby. This is a familiar and beloved image but what matters most is the inner meaning. As the Gospel says, the shepherds “make known,” i.e., they go out and announce not only what they have seen with their eyes but also what they have been told about this child by the angel: Today a Savior has been born for us, Christ the Lord!
This is a simple message for us as we go forth from this morning liturgy to celebrate the day with our families. As we exchange gifts and feast on delicious foods, let us not forget to share with our loved ones the Good News that Jesus Christ is born!
Christmas Dawn Entrance Antiphon Today a Light Will Shine Upon Us (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #19
This morning’s Entrance Antiphon is from Isaiah 9 and Luke 1: “Today a light will shine upon us, for the Lord is born for us; and he will be called Wondrous God, Prince of Peace, Father of future ages; and his reign will be without end.”
Entrance Chant Go Tell It on the Mountain (Spiritual)
Never Too Young #158; Breaking Bread 2026 #85
This beloved carol echoes the wonder of the shepherds on that first Christmas morning. And let me take this opportunity to give a shout out to our pastoral musicians who are returning to an early morning liturgy after singing or accompanying at a Midnight Mass. God bless you for your dedication!
Responsorial Psalm A Light Will Shine on Us This Day (Tom Kendzia)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: page 47
The madrigal feel of Tom Kendzia’s verbatim setting of Psalm 97 seems so right for a Mass at Dawn.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of Renewal (Curtis Stephan)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: page 48
The acclamation text helps us focus on the joyful message of today’s Gospel.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts Of the Father’s Love Begotten (Traditional; arr. by Curtis Stephan)
Spirit & Song #149; Breaking Bread 2026 #92
Some musicologists consider this lovely 11th century chant as the very first Christmas carol. Curtis Stephan offers an arrangement with modern guitar chords.
Christmas Dawn Communion Antiphon Rejoice, O Daughter Sion (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #20
This antiphon text comes from the Book of Zechariah: “Rejoice, O Daughter Sion; lift up praise, Daughter Jerusalem. Behold, your King will come, the Holy One and Savior of the world.”
Communion Chant Angels We Have Heard on High (Traditional; arr. by Dean Baskerville)
Spirit & Song #145; Breaking Bread 2026 #109
Imagine the shepherds hearing that awesome band of angels singing “Gloria in excelsis Deo.” What an amazing and holy encounter!
Song of Praise The Light of Christmas Morn (Sarah Hart and Norval Clyne)
This contemporary carol by Sarah Hart seems tailor made for Mass at Dawn with adapted text by Norval Clyne. You will find the sheet music in the link above.
Sending Forth Love Has Come (Matt Maher)
Spirit & Song #329; Never Too Young #155; Breaking Bread 2026 #410
Yes, Matt Maher’s “Love Has Come” can be sung as a Christmas song. With one voice the angels sing!
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
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