December 29 Fifth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord [Christmas] 3 16 God so loved the world that he gave his Only Begotten Son, so that all who believe in him may not perish, but may have eternal life. Dicitur Glória in excélsis. Almighty and invisible God, who dispersed the darkness of this world by the coming of your light, look, we pray, with serene countenance upon us, that we may acclaim with fitting praise the greatness of the Nativity of your Only Begotten Son. Receive our oblation, O Lord, by which is brought about a glorious exchange, that, by offering what you have given, we may merit to receive your very self. Præfatio de Nativitate, Quando adhibetur Canon romanus, dicitur Communicántes proprium. 1 78 Through the tender mercy of our God, the Dawn from on high will visit us. Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, by the power of these holy mysteries, our life may be constantly sustained.