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Meeting God in the Stillness of Christmas
There is a stillness to be met in the late hours of Christmas Eve when the air is teeming with anticipation. It is a joyful expectation set apart from that of the world, as it is not things that are awaited but the One for whom Advent-weary hearts have been longing. Breaking into the silence during midnight Mass is the most affecting Gloria of the liturgical year because of its former absence — the most notable Gloria, with the exception of the very first proclamation of Christ’s birth.
The tale of the first Gloria sung by the angels that we recite at Christmas is one that faithful and secular alike have become accustomed to: “shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night, when suddenly, an angel of the Lord came upon them …” (Luke 2:8).
The familiarity of this narrative causes its significance to be overlooked. In relegating this story to a place of inconsequence, an opportunity is missed to grasp the richness surrounding Christ’s birth. While many questions could be posed, one always remains: Why should it be that shepherds were the first to be informed?
The Martyrology of Christmas proclaimed at the beginning of midnight Mass points toward a conclusion. As these words are sung, the fidelity of God the Father is manifest in the recounting of his marvelous deeds worked through men like Abraham, Moses and David — all of whom were shepherds.
Continued below.
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There is a stillness to be met in the late hours of Christmas Eve when the air is teeming with anticipation. It is a joyful expectation set apart from that of the world, as it is not things that are awaited but the One for whom Advent-weary hearts have been longing. Breaking into the silence during midnight Mass is the most affecting Gloria of the liturgical year because of its former absence — the most notable Gloria, with the exception of the very first proclamation of Christ’s birth.
The tale of the first Gloria sung by the angels that we recite at Christmas is one that faithful and secular alike have become accustomed to: “shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night, when suddenly, an angel of the Lord came upon them …” (Luke 2:8).
The familiarity of this narrative causes its significance to be overlooked. In relegating this story to a place of inconsequence, an opportunity is missed to grasp the richness surrounding Christ’s birth. While many questions could be posed, one always remains: Why should it be that shepherds were the first to be informed?
The Martyrology of Christmas proclaimed at the beginning of midnight Mass points toward a conclusion. As these words are sung, the fidelity of God the Father is manifest in the recounting of his marvelous deeds worked through men like Abraham, Moses and David — all of whom were shepherds.
Continued below.
Come to the Crèche: Liturgical Living Tips for a Catholic Christmas
Meeting God in the Stillness of Christmas
