Liturgy Lesson for Christmas: The Mass of Christ’s Day

December 25, 2007

Over the centuries, the liturgy of the church has developed a spirituality particularly for Christians during Advent. Both the Sunday liturgies and the daily Scripture readings have been designed to direct our journey into the Advent experience of the mystery of Christ. Our fathers in the faith have chosen Scriptures that accent three Advents: the Advent of Christ coming into our own lives, the Advent of Christ’s physical birth in Bethlehem, and the Advent of his second coming at the end of history. While the liturgies and daily readings of Advent begin with the second coming and move as in a funnel toward the first coming, we are called to a vital personal encounter with Christ through the readings and devotions of the season, leading us to Christmas.

Christmas, the Mass of Christ’s Day, is incomplete without the Holy Eucharist. We’ve prepared for Christ’s Coming and Return in Advent and embrace His birthing in our hearts. The faithful traditionally gather in the parish passing the hours in song and prayer, listening to homilies and waiting for the Great Day. Christmas is a feast of light. We’ve also brought flowers and the Gloria in Excelsis back to worship, celebrating Jesus’ arrival in our lives, bringing us light and life—and when we sing this ancient praise, we join the angels in proclaiming His Kingdom.

Posted by Father Chip | Filed Under Liturgy Lessons