Once again, Merry Christmas! The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God is relatively new on the Roman calendar, established on January 1st by Pope Paul VI in 1974. However, this day was originally celebrated as the Feast of the Maternity of Mary in October by the Western and Eastern Church. By placing this feast within the Christmas season, Mary’s important role as the Mother of God is given more prominence in the liturgical year.
New Year’s Day is also traditionally a day of prayer for world peace. Both peace and Mary as mother of the Prince of Peace are highlighted in the today’s readings.
The First Reading is from Numbers, one of the five books of the Pentateuch in the Old Testament. Here we see God giving instruction to Moses:
“The Lord said to Moses: This is how you shall bless the Israelites: The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!”
Peace is a blessing from God.
In the Second Reading from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Galatians, the apostle speaks of how Jesus, born of Mary, elevated our status in the divine plan:
“Brothers and sisters, when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. . . So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then also an heir, through God.’
Today’s Gospel from Luke continues the Christmas story.
“The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. . . And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. . .”
Three very short readings that quickly zero in on a profound truth: the blessing of Christmas is the blessing of peace, the peace that Christ alone can give. Son of God and son of Mary, the Prince of Peace calls us make this New Year a year of peace. Let us join the shepherds in making this message known to all the world.
Mary Mother of God Entrance Antiphon Hail, Holy Mother, Who Gave Birth to the King [Option 1] (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart, Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #25
There are two options for the Entrance Antiphon, which reflects the dual teachings for today on Mary and peace. Option 1, the shorter antiphon. honors Mary: “Hail, Holy Mother, who gave birth to the King who rules heaven and earth forever.”
Entrance Chant Joy to the World (Traditional; arr. by Dean Baskerville)
Spirit & Song #147; Never Too Young #161; Breaking Bread 2026 #90
The window is rapidly closing on our opportunity to sing the cherished Christmas carols. Let’s begin the New Year by singing “Joy to the World” as we pray for world peace.
Responsorial Psalm May God Bless Us in His Mercy (Curtis Stephan)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 58
Curtis Stephan’s verbatim setting of Psalm 67 is an apt response to the blessing prayer of the First Reading.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of the Desert (Tom Booth)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 60
“God speaks to us through the Son.” Let us listen attentively to this first Gospel of the New Year.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts What Child Is This (Traditional; arr. by Tom Booth)
Spirit & Song #153; Never Too Young #163; Breaking Bread 2026 #101
A beloved song of our Blessed Mother as she cradles her holy Child in her arms.
Mary Mother of God Communion Antiphon Jesus Christ Is the Same, Yesterday, Today and for Ever (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart, Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #27
This Christ-centered antiphon from Hebrews helps us to put the New Year in proper perspective.
Communion Chant Ave Maria (Mary, Sing with Joyful Heart) (Steve Angrisano)
Breaking Bread 2026 #696
Steve Angrisano’s lovely Marian ballad works in harmony with today’s Communion Antiphon. Although a relatively new song, the easily learned refrain makes it very accessible as a Communion processional.
Song of Praise Grant Us Peace (Ken Canedo)
Spirit & Song #304; Never Too Young #277
The simplicity of this anthem’s refrain underscores the sincere peace petitions of the verses.
Sending Forth O Come, All Ye Faithful (Traditional; arr. by Tom Booth)
Spirit & Song #150; Never Too Young #162; Breaking Bread 2026 #102
We go forth from this New Year’s liturgy singing the Christmas story.
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
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