![]() We rejoice in His governing power and wisdom in the Introit. In this Mass, our attention is directed towards the divinity of the Child born in Bethlehem. She continues her worship with a third, the Mass of the Day. (See The Christ-Candle for explanation of the candle.)īecause the feast of Christmas is so great, the Church does not stop rejoicing after one or even two special Masses. Over and over in the Mass texts light is mentioned: The Introit begins, "A Light shall shine upon us this day for the Lord is born to us." These words can be read again at home, perhaps at the lighting of the Christ-Candle. In Bethlehem the Light is manifested to a few more men. Outside, the natural light is increasing. The theme of light is prominent in this Mass. Just as the shepherds went eagerly to the crib to adore the Lord and to receive His great gift of light, so we also go to the altar where the same Lord comes just as truly to us. The second Mass of Christmas Day is the Mass at dawn, traditionally called the Shepherds' Mass. This time after Mass also lends itself to the singing of carols and the quiet re-explanation of the Christmas story which children never tire of hearing. Other families place the Christ-Child in the crib on their return, and often the head of the family reads the Gospel aloud at the crib or at the breakfast table. The French are especially fond of this night meal or reveillon, and serve their own traditional dishes. Some member of the family dressed as an angel and carrying a lighted candle, goes to each bed and sings a carol.Īfter Mass many people share a special breakfast with their family. There is, for instance, one delightful way of waking the younger children for Mass. The Midnight Mass is surrounded by family traditions which vary according to national heritage or personal preference. Secondly, from the material darkness around us, we are reminded of the spiritual darkness in the world which only Christ the Light can dispel. In the first place it corresponds with the traditional belief that Christ was born at midnight. Having this first of the Christmas Masses in the middle of the night is an old custom in the Church and is full of significance. Although some of the references refer to the pre-Vatican II readings of the Mass, most are still the same and still applicable.Ĭhristmas Day begins in a very special way with the Midnight Mass. ![]() It does not store any personal data.This explains the different Christmas Masses, such as the Midnight Mass and Mass at Dawn, and some traditions attached to these celebrations. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". ![]() ![]() This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly.
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