At the Name of Jesus Every Knee Shall Bow

THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS

The Archangel Gabriel told Mary that her Son was to be called Jesus. Joseph, too, was told by an angel; and at the circumcision ceremony, the foster father officially gave the name of Jesus to Mary's Son.

The name means "God saves," and it describes the mission of the divine Child as the Savior of mankind. The redeeming life of this newly named Babe will be climaxed when He is lifted on Calvary above the hosts of men when He rises from the tomb as Redeemer of the human race.

INTROIT Philip. 2:10-11

At the name of Jesus, every knee should bend of those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of the Father.

Ps. 8:2. O Lord, our Lord, how glorious is Your name over all the earth!

V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

O God, it was You who conferred the name of Jesus upon Your only-begotten Son, the Savior of the world. Grant that by venerating His holy name on earth we may enjoy His presence in heaven. Through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and rules with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

EPISTLE Acts 4:8-12

In those days, Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said to them: "Ye princes of the people and ancients, hear. If we this day are examined concerning the good deed done to the infirm man, by what means he hath been made whole: Be it known to you all and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God hath raised from the dead, even by him, this man standeth here before you, whole.

" This is the stone which was rejected by you the builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other. For there is no other name under heaven given to men, whereby we must be saved."

GRADUAL Ps. 105:47; Isa 63:16

Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations that we may give thanks to Your holy name and glory in praising  
V. You, O Lord, are our Father, our Redeemer. From eternity is Your name.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 144:21
My lips shall speak the praise of the Lord; let all men bless His holy name.
Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 2:21

At that time, after eight days were accomplished, that the child should be circumcised, his name was called JESUS, which was called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 85:12, 5

I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forever. For You, O Lord, are sweet and mild, abounding in kindness to all who call upon You, alleluia!

SECRET

O Most Merciful God, may Your blessing, which gives life to all creation, sanctify the sacrifice we offer in honour of the name of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Let this act of praise be pleasing to Your majesty and profitable towards our own salvation. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

The Preface for Christmas is said.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Ps. 85:9-10

All the nations You have made shall come and worship You, O Lord, and glorify Your name. For great, You are and do wondrous deeds. You alone are God. Alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION

O Almighty and eternal God, who created and redeemed us, graciously hear our petitions. Receive kindly and favourably this saving Sacrificial Victim, which we have offered to Your majesty in honour of the name of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Pour out Your grace upon us, that we may rejoice to see our names written in heaven under the glorious name of Jesus, who is the pledge of our eternal predestination. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .