On Christmas Eve all over the world, Catholics leave the warmth and safety of their homes to travel through the darkness to gather for Midnight Mass.  This old custom of the Church,  dating back to the first few centuries, is a special way of welcoming the birth of our King, unlike the celebrations for any other feast, except Easter.

Midnight Mass does not have to be at midnight, but rather is just supposed to be the “Mass during the night.”  It reminds us that though outside the darkness surrounds us, Christ has been born to be a light to the world. “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned” (Matt. 4:16).

My family attended Midnight Mass for the first time four years ago when our Polish priest strongly encouraged it. He came from a small village in Poland where everyone always went to Midnight Mass.  He could not imagine a Christmas celebration without that special Mass during the night!   With his prompting, my family and many others came to Midnight Mass for the first time.  It completely captured our hearts and we have now gone every year since. I honestly cannot adequately describe how beautiful an experience it is, but I will try.

The unusualness of getting up and dressing for Mass in the middle of the night, entering the church in the dim light, the choir singing heavenly hymns as everyone prepares for the Infant Jesus, really sets the Christmas celebration apart from any of the others. Then the whole special liturgy, with extra bells, candles, incense, the lights coming on during the Gloria, highlights what a profound feast we are celebrating.  After attending this Mass, I could truly see why our pastor had so strongly encouraged this among his parishioners.

Now obviously, it is much more difficult for families with younger children to take part in a  Mass at this time. When my family started doing this, my youngest brother was nine years old. Some families leave one parent at home with the younger children, but others bring the little kids and have them sleep in the pews. I think it really adds to the significance of the Christmas occasion, and shows children that the focus at the very beginning of Christmas Day should be on Jesus, instead of opening presents.

Midnight Mass is truly a beautiful tradition. It is an invitation to come to church, at a time when most people would rather be in bed, to celebrate the birth of our Savior on this most Holy Night.  Thus, you are welcoming the Day of Christmas in the best way possible: with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. If you have never been to Midnight Mass before, I strongly encourage you to attend if possible. You will not regret it.

Merry Christmas!