The Nativity

The Third Joyful Mystery  ·  The Joyful Mysteries, prayed on Monday and Saturday

¹And it came to pass that in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. ²This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria. ³And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city. ⁴And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because he was of the house and family of David. ⁵To be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child. ⁶And it came to pass that when they were there, her days were accomplished that she should be delivered. ⁷And she brought forth her first born son and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger: because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:1–7, Douay-Rheims (Challoner)

In painting

More paintings: The Nativity in painting

Pray this decade

1. The Our Father, once.
   Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
2. The Hail Mary, ten times.
   Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
3. The Glory Be, once.
   Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
4. The Fatima Prayer, often added after the Glory Be.
   O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy. Amen.

How the whole Rosary is prayed