PASTORAL LITURGICAL NOTES ON THE SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD

1. Christmas Time runs from First Vespers (Evening Prayer I) of the Nativity of the Lord up to and including the Sunday after Epiphany (Baptism of the Lord) or after 6 January.1

2. The Vigil Mass of the Nativity is used on the evening of 24 December, either before or after First Vespers (Evening Prayer I) (i.e. 5:30 p.m. onwards). On the day of the Nativity of the Lord, following ancient Roman tradition, Mass may be celebrated three (3) times: namely: the Mass During the Night, the Mass at Dawn, and the Mass During the Day.2

1.2.

2.1 The faithful fulfill their Christmas obligation by participating in any of these Masses.

2.2 For pastoral consideration, the Mass during the night, which is properly celebrated at 12:00 midnight, may be celebrated as close as possible to midnight of 24 December (i.e. from 9:00 p.m. onwards).

2.3 At the end of the Mass during the Night, i.e. after the final blessing, the faithful could be invited to kiss the image of the Child Jesus.3 This practice may be extended to other Masses of the Christmas Season.2.3.1 Only one (1) image of the Child Jesus should be used for the veneration.2.3.2 No other rites or activities may be connected to it (e.g. giving of candies,

etc.)

3. The ornamentation of a church should contribute toward its noble simplicity rather than to ostentation. Moreoever, in the choice of elements attention should be paid to authenticity and there should be the intention of fostering the instruction of the faithful and the dignity of the entire sacred place.4 Churches are traditionally and properly decorated by the parol (lantern) and the Belen (Christmas Manger or Nativity Scene). Kindly take note of the following considerations:

3.3.1 The Belen may be placed near the sanctuary but away from the table of the

Eucharist. A place should be chosen that is suitable for prayer and devotion and is easily accessible by the faithful.5

3.2 The Advent wreath is removed before the celebration of Evening Prayer I of Christmas or the Vigil Mass of Christmas to avoid confusion among the faithful regarding the traditional symbolic elements of the Advent and Christmas seasons.

1 Universal Norms of the Liturgical Year and the General Roman Calendar (UNLY), n. 33.2 UNLY, n. 34.3 Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Directory on Popular Piety and the

Liturgy: Principles and Guidelines (DPPL), n. 111.4 General Instructions of the Roman Missal (GIRM), n. 292.5 Book of Blessings (BB), n. 1544

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Diocese of ParañaqueCOMMISSION ON LITURGY AND POPULAR RELIGIOSITY

Diocesan Center for Evangelization

3.3 The Christmas tree is not a truly Christian symbol of Christmas. In this regard, it may be placed around the vicinity of the Church, but not within its confines.

3.4 In order to direct the faithful’s attention on the more essential elements of the celebration of Christmas, the DCLPR issues the following statements:3.4.1 We strongly discourage the insertion of devotional practices or

unnecessary elements within the celebration of the Mass, including, but not limited to the following:

1.2.3.

3.13.23.33.4

3.4.13.4.1.1 The “Panunuluyan” (which includes Mary and Joseph looking

for an inn, etc.), which is a traditional dramatization of the birth of the Lord, is a praiseworthy practice, but should not be done within the context of the liturgical celebration. It is strongly encouraged to be done before the celebration of the Mass. Hence, the dramatization of the Gospel reading within the Proper of the Mass is prohibited.

3.4.1.2 The ritualized preparation of the Nativity Scene (e.g. inclusion of the various characters of the Belen in the offertory or entrance procession.

3.4.1.3 The use of dancing during the Entrance Hymn, or during the Gloria, or any sung parts of the Mass.

3.4.1.4 The proliferation of Christmas wreaths, or Christmas lights inside the Church. These elements may be used, but in moderation and to serve only to enhance the spirit of the season. The placement of these elements should not impede the active participation of the faithful by attracting attention to them. The colors that should be more dominantly seen in the Church are white or gold.6

3.5 The blessing of the Nativity Scene or Belen, according to pastoral circumstances, may take place on the Vigil of Christmas or at another more suitable time. The blessing may be given during a celebration of the Word of God7, during Mass8, or even during another service, e.g. a carol service.9

3.6 Removal of the Nativity Scene or Belen and Christmas decorations, and the singing of Christmas songs will be after the last Mass on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

6 GIRM, n. 346a7 BB, nn. 1547-1561.8 BB, nn. 1562-15649 BB, nn. 1542-3.

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PRAYER OF BLESSING OF A MANGER OR NATIVITY SCENE

Presider: God of every nation and people, from the very beginning of creation You have made manifest Your love: when our need for a Savior was great You sent Your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary. To our lives He brings joy and peace, justice, mercy and love.

Lord, bless all who look upon this manger; may it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus, and raise up our thoughts to Him, who is God-with-us and Savior of all, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

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