Nativity of the Lord Year A
Isaiah 9:1–6
Psalm 96:1–2, 2–3, 11–12, 13
Titus 2:11–14
Luke 2:1–14
Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord! Christmas comes, and we acknowledge the greatest truth of human history, that a Savior has come to live among us to bring about our salvation. Heaven and earth exult together to proclaim this joyful news.
In days of old, our churches were full at many different hours. A Vigil Mass Christmas Eve was comfortably full. Midnight Mass took place with a sense of wonder and awe, and those who attended could look forward to at least a gift or two being opened along with traditional food and drink prepared for the wee hours of the morning of Christmas.
Just as full were the Mass at Dawn and Mass at Day. People wore their Christmas best and enjoyed the beauty of the churches and choirs that had prepared all year for these celebrations.
In recent times, but before COVID time, the attendance was less at later Christmas Masses, but the Vigil Mass of Christmas had become the domain of families with children. Churches filled, sometimes requiring simultaneous Masses across church campuses, for the Vigil, and then the other Masses had fewer and fewer as the day moved along.
Many parishes moved “Midnight Mass” to an earlier hour and chose to celebrate only one Mass on Christmas Day.
This year, we wonder what will happen. Will the crowds return? Bumper stickers often remind us to “Keep Christ in Christmas.” Perhaps we also need a campaign to put “Mass back into Christ-Mas.” The Incarnation that was made known on that first Christmas night continues in the Eucharist, Jesus Christ Who IS Emmanuel, God-with-us.
The readings of the Missa in Nocte, the Mass at Night, remind us that we have seen a great light. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you. …”
Shepherds who were keeping watch at night were given the good news of the birth of the Savior by a choir of angels: “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 for you who is Christ and Lord.”
The proclamation of Christmas traditionally offered before the Mass at Night places the Nativity of the Lord in the context of human history, calling on all who hear to respond in wonder to the gift of the Savior.
Our world has often chosen to continue to live in darkness. We are called to be a people of light, who know the truth of God’s Presence in our midst and who seek to share the Good News. We are invited to share heaven’s joy: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the desire of nations. Our hearts, filled with Christmas joy, free us to respond to the love of God and to welcome Him among us. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord!