This is a reflection on the Mass readings of the day.
Among the many authoritative texts of the Church of which the lay faithful are largely unaware, one of particular beauty and interest is the Roman Martyrology, the official tome containing all of the saints officially recognized by the Church. It is organized according to the calendar year, listing each saint on the day when he or she is celebrated.
Importantly, along with the listing of the saint, there is the briefest reference to the special character of that individual.
The Roman Martyrology was revised in 2001 per a directive from the Second Vatican Council, and details that could not be historically corroborated were removed.
The following is the excerpt from the entry for December 25th from the prior version–included here, not because the more recent version is not in general superior, but because the prior version contextualizes the events of this day in a manner that is beautiful and poetic.
From the Roman Martyrology for the date of December 25th, and herewith our reflection for contemplative meditation on this most solemn of days:
“In the year, from the creation of the world, when in the beginning God created heaven and earth, five thousand, one hundred and ninety-nine; from the flood, two thousand, nine hundred and fifty- seven; from the birth of Abraham, two thousand and fifteen; from Moses and the coming of the Israelites out of Egypt, one thousand, five hundred and ten; from the anointing of King David, one thousand and thirty-two; in the sixty-fifth week, according to the prophecy of Daniel ; in the one hundred and ninety-fourth Olympiad; in the year seven hundred and fifty-two from the founding of the city of Rome; in the forty-second year of the empire of Octavian Augustus, when the whole earth was at peace, in the sixth age of the world, Jesus Christ, eternal God, and Son of the eternal Father, desirous to sanctify the world by His most merciful coming, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit, and nine months having elapsed since his conception, is born in Bethlehem of Judah, having become man of the Virgin Mary. THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, ACCORDING TO THE FLESH.”
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