We joyfully celebrate Our Lord’s birth, His Nativity, on Christmas Day. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called ‘Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
“The shepherds made haste [cf. Luke 2:8-20]. Holy curiosity and holy joy impelled them. In our case, it is probably not very often that we make haste for the things of God. God does not feature among the things that require haste. The things of God can wait, we think and we say. And yet he is the most important thing, ultimately the one truly important thing. Why should we not also be moved by curiosity to see more closely and to know what God has said to us? At this hour, let us ask him to touch our hearts with the holy curiosity and the holy joy of the shepherds, and thus let us go over joyfully to Bethlehem, to the Lord who today once more comes to meet us” (Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Midnight Mass 2012).
“May the joy of Christmas and the peace which the Birth of the Savior brings into the world be in your hearts forever” (Pope St. John Paul II).
Our Nativity prayers for you include prayers by St. Augustine of Hippo, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, and Pope St. John XXIII. We encourage you to take advantage of these beautiful prayers by three holy saints of our Church!
What Catholics Celebrate at Christmas
Christmas celebrates the Nativity of Jesus Christ and the mystery of the Incarnation: the eternal Son of God truly entered human history. The manger reveals both divine majesty and profound humility. Christ comes not with earthly display, but as a child who can be welcomed, loved, and adored.
This is why Christmas joy is more than seasonal cheer. It is gratitude for God’s closeness and a renewed invitation to make room for Christ in personal, family, and parish life.
Ways to Keep Christmas Prayerfully
Attend Mass, spend time before the Nativity scene, read the account of Christ’s birth from an approved Catholic Bible, and remember someone who is lonely or in need. Families can pray together before opening gifts or sharing a meal so that generosity remains connected to the gift of the Savior.
Use our collection of Catholic Christmas prayers throughout the Christmas season, not only on Christmas Day.