Three Masses today: the last Mass of Advent, Vigil Mass at 7pm for those who are too frail to make Midnight or have small children and the full-on incense laden Mass of Midnight. There is also the massively popular Christingle service at 4pm today – the first evensong of Christmas and for many in this community the point at which Christmas really begins…
Today is a really heavy liturgical day and emotionally challenging. I don’t think it’s quite as challenging as Good Friday, which leaves me more drained, but the excitement, the buzz and the expectation is uplifting: I love the semi-unscripted messing around which is Christingle and the glories of each different Mass today.
Yes, just like the video above: I encourage you to worship this Christmas-tide (in whichever way works for you, although I sincerely hope it’ll be the Mass) and wish you the peace of the Christ-child this Nativity…
May the eagerness of the shepherds,
the joy of the angels,
the perseverance of the wise men,
the obedience of Mary and Joseph,
and the peace of the Christ child
be yours this Christmas.
And the blessing of God Almighty,
+Father, Son & Holy Spirit be upon you
and those whom you love this Christmastide
and forever more.
Amen