December 16 to 24
Simbang Gabi: nine Masses before Christmas
Siyam na madaling-araw na Misa, bago ang Pasko.
Simbang Gabi means “night Mass.” It is the Filipino tradition of nine Masses in the days before Christmas, from December 16 to 24. In the Philippines the Masses are held before dawn. Many Filipino families finish with a simple meal together, such as bibingka and puto bumbong, and hang a parol in the window.
Far from home, the same tradition lives on. Many Catholic parishes with Filipino communities hold Simbang Gabi, often in the evening so that people can come after work. Some parishes start a day or so earlier, so check the schedule where you live.
How to keep it, wherever you are
- Find a parish near you that holds Simbang Gabi. Ask a Filipino ministry or check the parish website.
- Try to go to as many of the nine Masses as you can. Many families bring the children.
- Hang a parol and make one dish together, even if you cannot cook it all.
- On the days you cannot attend, read the verse below and pray quietly for your family.
A verse for each day
Day 1, December 16
Ang bayan na lumalakad sa kadiliman ay nakakita ng dakilang liwanag: silang nagsisitahan sa lupain ng lilim ng kamatayan, sa kanila sumilang ang liwanag.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. The light has shined on those who lived in the land of the shadow of death.
Isaiah 9:2
Day 2, December 17
Kaya't ang Panginoon nga ay magbibigay sa inyo ng tanda; narito, isang dalaga ay maglilihi, at manganganak ng isang lalake, at tatawagin ang kaniyang pangalan na Emmanuel.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin will conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14
Day 3, December 18
At pumasok siya sa kinaroroonan niya, at sinabi, Magalak ka, ikaw na totoong pinakamamahal, ang Panginoon ay sumasa iyo.
Having come in, the angel said to her, “ Rejoice, you highly favored one! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!”
Luke 1:28
Day 4, December 19
At sinabi ni Maria, Narito, ang alipin ng Panginoon; mangyari sa akin ang ayon sa iyong salita. At iniwan siya ng anghel.
Mary said, “ Behold, the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
Luke 1:38
Day 5, December 20
At mapalad ang babaing sumampalataya; sapagka't matutupad ang mga bagay na sa kaniya'y sinabi ng Panginoon.
Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!”
Luke 1:45
Day 6, December 21
At sinabi ni Maria, Dinadakila ng aking kaluluwa ang Panginoon,
Mary said, “ My soul magnifies the Lord.
Luke 1:46
Day 7, December 22
At sinabi sa kanila ng anghel, Huwag kayong mangatakot; sapagka't narito, dinadalhan ko kayo ng mabubuting balita ng malaking kagalakan, na siyang sasa buong bayan:
The angel said to them, “Don’ t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.
Luke 2:10
Day 8, December 23
Sapagka't ipinanganak sa inyo ngayon sa bayan ni David ang isang Tagapagligtas, na siya ang Cristo ang Panginoon.
For there is born to you today, in David ’ s city, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11
Day 9, December 24
At nagkatawang-tao ang Verbo, at tumahan sa gitna natin (at nakita namin ang kaniyang kaluwalhatian, kaluwalhatian gaya ng sa bugtong ng Ama), na puspos ng biyaya at katotohanan.
The Word became flesh and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the only born Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
Tagalog: Ang Dating Biblia. English: World English Bible. Both are in the public domain.
Track your nine Masses in Gabay
Gabay is a free Bible and prayer app in Tagalog, English and Taglish. Its Simbang Gabi tracker lets you tick off each of the nine Masses you attend, privately on your own device. You can also read the daily Mass readings and the Rosary, and send a blessing card to Nanay.
Gabay is free to use, with an optional paid plan for a few extras.