M. Schmalzl, C.Ss.R. (1850-1930)

Adoration of the Shepherds

PROCLAMATION of THE BIRTH of CHRIST

Today, the twenty-fifth day of December,

unknown ages from the time when God created

the heavens and the earth and then formed

man and woman in his own image.

Several thousand years after the flood,

when God made the rainbow shine forth

as a sign of the covenant.

Twenty-one centuries from the time of

Abraham and Sarah;

thirteen centuries after Moses led

the people of Israel out of Egypt.

Eleven hundred years from the time of Ruth and the judges;

one thousand years from the anointing of

David as king;

in the sixty-fifth week according to

the prophecy of Daniel.

In the one hundred and ninety-fourth Olympiad;

the seven hundred and fifty-second year from

the foundation of the city of Rome.

In the one hundred and fifty-second year from

the foundation of the city of Rome.

In the forty-second year of the reign of

Octavian Augustus;

the whole world being at peace,

Jesus Christ, eternal God

and Son of the eternal Father,

desiring to sanctify the world

by his most merciful coming,

being conceived by the Holy Spirit,

and nine months having passed since his conception,

was born in Bethlehem of Judea of the Virgin Mary.

Today is the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ

according to the flesh.