![]() They often include some form of worship music along with scripture. However, candlelight Christmas Eve services–where the worship space is mostly dark and lit by candles–are more prevalent in other Christian denominations. The flicker of a candle light also signifies the presence of Christ in the tabernacle. ![]() Advent Candles mark our progression through the Advent season. They light our entry into the worship space during the Easter Vigil and welcome the newly baptized in the Church. SEE MORE: Christmas Eve Prayers Candlelight ServicesĬandles play an essential role in the Mass throughout the liturgical year. In 2021, Vatican Christmas Eve Mass began at 9:30 p.m., a trend that continued 2022 and figures to continue in 2023. Peter’s Basilica every year on Christmas Eve. The Vatican’s own YouTube channel broadcasts midnight Mass from St. Peter’s Basilica in order to accommodate the large crowd. Officially known as Holy Mass on the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, Midnight Mass at the Vatican takes place in St. The world’s most famous Christmas Eve liturgy is the Midnight Mass that the Pope celebrates each year. during the pandemic so attendees could return home before the local curfew. Pope Benedict moved the Mass time to 10 p.m., while Pope Francis has held it at 9:30 p.m. However, the Mass can take place at different times. The Mass During the Night (“Midnight Mass”) traditionally has taken place at midnight, and many Catholics have memories of the custom of attending the liturgy at this time. Mass at Dawn (sometimes called “Shepherd’s Mass”)Īttending just one of these Masses satisfies the obligation to attend Mass on Christmas (yes–Christmas is a Holy Day of Obligation!) Each Mass has different readings.Mass During the Night (unofficially called “Midnight Mass”).Including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, there are four Masses that kick off the Christmas season in the Church: Try Hallow for Free Different Christmas Eve Masses and Times Hallow breaks down everything you need to know about Christmas Eve in 2023. And not all Christmas Eve Masses are the same. This is sometimes called “Proclamation of the Birth of Christ.”īut Christmas Eve is an incredibly important liturgy. The most unique aspect of the Christmas Eve service is The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, an ancient text that is often read before the start of Mass. The white candles symbolize the joy and celebration of Jesus’s birth. The Advent wreath may still be in the worship space, but now with a large white candle in its center or with four white candles replacing the purple and pink ones lit during Advent. ![]() Jesus now will be present in the manger in the nativity scene. The most striking difference you’ll notice at Christmas Eve Mass–aside from the parking lot being more crowded than usual–is how the church is decorated, often with beautiful poinsettias and other flowers. After the priest’s homily comes the Liturgy of the Eucharist–where the priest consecrates the bread and wine and distributes the Eucharist to the parish. The service features an Old Testament reading, a responsorial Psalm, a New Testament reading and a Gospel. Unlike other key moments of the liturgical year, such as Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday or the Easter Vigil, the Christmas Eve Mass is not unlike liturgies that take place throughout the year.
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