Word to the Wise
Friday, December 25, 2020 - Christmas: Mass at Midnight - ABC
[Isa 9:1-6; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14,]For a child is born to us, a son is given us! [Isaiah] The grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age....[Titus[ "Do not be afraid; for behold I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born to you who is Christ and Lord!" [Luke]
DECEMBER 25 THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD [Mass during the Night]
There are four different sets of scriptures for the liturgical observance of the Nativity of the Lord! There is the Vigil (very likely the "Children's Mass in many parishes), Mass During the Night (Midnight Mass - or whenever it starts), Mass at Dawn (depending on how early the kids open the presents) and Mass During the Day (for those who need to get away from the happy chaos and "go to church"). The basic story for all four liturgies is the same: CHRIST IS BORN!
Each year I make the humble plea to at least give that proclamation a place in our Christmas observance outside of going to Mass. If there is a nativity scene in our home, can we pause in front of it FIRST and acknowledge the power and importance of the birth of Jesus Christ? Why should we do this? I find the inspiration for us in the words of one of the older Christmas "prefaces" for the Mass: In the wonder of the incarnation your eternal Word has brought to the eyes of faith a new and radiant vision of your glory. In him we see our God made visible and so are caught up in love of the God we cannot see.
Can we be "caught up in the love of God" and move beyond Christmas Day with the good news of "our God made visible?" Can we resolve to live "temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age?" Can there be in us the "wonder of the incarnation?" There is nothing in the pandemic to prevent us from doing this and proclaiming to one another: CHRIST IS BORN! AMEN
To each and every one of my Beloved Congregation, I first say, CHRIST IS BORN! and then wish you all a Merry Christmas and Healthy New Year!