Midnight Christmas Mass has its own unique characteristics and "feel". Of course, we rejoice tonight at the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. And the "theme" of every Mass is the death and resurrection of Christ. At the same time, this is a vigil, and thus we gather tonight at this hour of darkness to wait together. We join our ancestors who waited in the darkness, and we join our brothers and sisters today as we wait in joyful hope for Christ's triumphant return. On this night we would do well to reflect on the words of the hymn, "O Holy Night", especially the lines: "Long lay the world in sin and error pining, 'til He appeared and the soul felt its worth". Our life makes complete sense in light of the Incarnation. As we wait, we rejoice tonight!
