The Symbolism of The 3 Christmas Masses

The Symbolism of The 3 Christmas Masses
copied from: www.catholiccompany.com/

December 20, 2017 By Gretchen Filz 5 Comments

Next to Easter, Christmas  is the holiest day of the year. And just as we celebrate Easter as a Triduum  of connected liturgies (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil), so at Christmas we have something like a triduum of Masses.

There are three Masses celebrated on Christmas Day: one at midnight, one at dawn, and one during the day. Each Mass is distinct and highlights a different aspect of the Christmas story.

MIDNIGHT: THE ANGELS’ MASS

According to tradition, Jesus was born in Bethlehem at midnight. (This tradition is recalled in the beautiful St. Andrew Christmas Novena.) The Church celebrates the first Christmas Mass at midnight to honor the very hour that our Savior came into the world to save us. The darkness at midnight also parallels humanity’s condition of spiritual darkness as the world awaited the radiant birth of the promised Messiah.

The Responsorial Psalm proclaims the joyful tidings of the Angel: “Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.” The Gospel reading for this Mass tells the first part of the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke, when Baby Jesus is born and the Angels herald the Good News to the shepherds tending their flocks. Therefore this Midnight Mass is traditionally referred to as “The Angel’s Mass.”

Gospel Reading for the Midnight Mass (Luke 2:1-14)

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I proclaim to you good news of great joy: today a Savior is born for us, Christ the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

. . . And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth  to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

DAWN: THE SHEPHERD’S MASS

The second Christmas Mass is celebrated at dawn. Sacred Scripture draws a parallel between Christ and the sun; as the sun begins to rise over the darkness of the land, it calls to mind how Jesus, the Light of the World, dispelled the darkness of sin and death at His birth.

The Responsorial Psalm highlights this theme: “A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.” The Gospel reading for this Mass continues the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke. After the Angel announces the Good News to the shepherds, the shepherds hasten to Joseph and Mary to worship the Christ Child. The shepherds then joyfully proclaim the Good News to others. Therefore Christmas Mass at Dawn is traditionally referred to as “The Shepherd’s Mass.”

Gospel Reading for the Dawn Mass (Luke 2:15-20)

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.

CHRISTMAS DAY: THE KING’S MASS

The final Christmas Mass is celebrated in the fullness of daylight, signifying that the promised Son of God has now been revealed to the whole world.

The Responsorial Psalm for this Mass declares this by saying: “All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.” The Gospel reading is a call for all people and nations to worship the newborn King of Kings. Therefore this Mass is traditionally referred to as “The King’s Mass.”

Gospel Reading for the Day Mass (John 1:1-18)

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
A holy day has dawned upon us. Come, you nations, and adore the Lord. For today a great light has come upon the earth.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.

But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.'” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

Saint Andrew Christmas Novena

St. Andrew Christmas Novena

The Feast Day of Saint Andrew, The Apostle, is celebrated on November 30^th . Unlike most novenas which are said for nine days or nine weeks this one is said for twenty-five days. One would start it on November 30^th,  Saint Andrews' Feast Day and continue to say it during the Advent season up till and including Christmas Eve, December, 24^th. It is known by a few different names; Saint Andrew's Novena, The Christmas Novena or the Advent Novena.

It is believed to have originated in either Ireland or Scotland over a hundred years ago. There are beads specifically for this novena consisting of fifteen beads connected in a loop onto a Saint Andrew medal.

It is a very simple one prayer repeated fifteen times over the course of a day. It is convenient to break it up into three segments such as before each meal or morning, mid day and night time. 

Some believe that reciting this prayer fifteen times a day until Christmas Eve that whatever favor requested will be granted. I prefer to think of it as a way to prepare ones heart and spirit to welcome the baby Jesus into the world. The spirit of Christmas is about the coming of Christ, Our Savior. 

THE PRAYER

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, O my God,to hear my prayer and grant my desires through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen.

Although Many Times

The opening paragraph of QUAMQUAM PLURIES an ENCYCLICAL OF POPE LEO XIII given on August 15th, 1889 is as relevant today as the day it was issued. Encyclicals are known by the opening lines, written in Latin, as this one became known. A literal translation of QUAMQUAM PLURIES into English is Although Many Times.

This encyclical is rather short, just seven paragraphs, which is directed at the subject of a devotion to Saint Joseph. The opening paragraph is what I find so significant today as it was 130 years ago.

“ Although We have already many times ordered special prayers to be offered up in the whole world, that the interests of Catholicism might be insistently recommended to God, none will deem it matter for surprise that We consider the present moment an opportune one for again inculcating the same duty. During periods of stress and trial - chiefly when every lawlessness of act seems permitted to the powers of darkness - it has been the custom in the Church to plead with special fervour and perseverance to God, her author and protector, by recourse to the intercession of the saints - and chiefly of the Blessed Virgin, Mother of God - whose patronage has ever been the most efficacious. The fruit of these pious prayers and of the confidence reposed in the Divine goodness, has always, sooner or later, been made apparent. Now, Venerable Brethren, you know the times in which we live; they are scarcely less deplorable for the Christian religion than the worst days, which in time past were most full of misery to the Church. We see faith, the root of all the Christian virtues, lessening in many souls; we see charity growing cold; the young generation daily growing in depravity of morals and views; the Church of Jesus Christ attacked on every side by open force or by craft; a relentless war waged against the Sovereign Pontiff; and the very foundations of religion undermined with a boldness which waxes daily in intensity. These things are, indeed, so much a matter of notoriety that it is needless for Us to expatiate on the depths to which society has sunk in these days, or on the designs which now agitate the minds of men. In circumstances so unhappy and troublous, human remedies are insufficient, and it becomes necessary, as a sole resource, to beg for assistance from the Divine power.”

Prayer to Saint Michael

Prayer to Saint Michael

On September 29, 2018 Pope Francis called upon Catholics to say the Rosary and at the end to recite a prayer given to us by the great Pope Leo XIII. On October 13, 1884, 33 years before Our Lady was to make her final visit to the three shepherd children at the Cova da Iria, in Fátima, Portugal. It was on October 13, 1917 that a crowd estimated to be as many as 100,000 witnessed what has been called “The Miracle of the Sun”. 

On Monday, October 13, 1884 Pope Leo XIII had just finished saying Mass in his private chapel.  Observers say that as he reached the bottom step of the altar he froze and stared as if in a trance for about ten minutes. When he finally was able he dashed to his office and wrote “The Prayer to Saint Michael”.

Saint Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into Hell, Satan and all the other evil spirits, who prowl throughout the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

On October 13, 1886 The Pope instructed that this prayer was to be said at the end of each Low Mass. It continued to be said up till 1964. Later Saint Pope John-Paul II would again urge Catholics to start reciting this prayer. Now we have Pope Francis again calling for us to recite this prayer at the end of Our Daily Rosary.

What PP Leo told of his vision can be found at this link:

https://www.michaeljournal.org/articles/roman-catholic-church/item/the-vision-of-pope-leo-xiii

Devotional Prayer for October to St. Joseph

Prayer to Saint Joseph for the October Devotion

In 1889 Pope Leo XIII to the encyclical QUAMQUAMPLURIESENCYCLICALOF POPE LEO XIII ON DEVOTION TO ST. JOSEPH ordered this special devotional prayer to be said to Saint Joseph during the month of October, the month of the Most Holy Rosary.

Prayer to Saint Joseph

To thee, O blessed Joseph, we have recourse in our affliction, and having implored the help of thy thrice holy Spouse, we now, with hearts filled with confidence, earnestly beg thee also to take us under thy protection. By that charity wherewith thou wert united to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God, and by that fatherly love with which thou didst cherish the Child Jesus, we beseech thee and we humbly pray that thou wilt look down with gracious eye upon that inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased by His blood, and wilt succor us in our need by thy power and strength.

Defend, O most watchful guardian of the Holy Family, the chosen off-spring of Jesus Christ. Keep from us, O most loving Father, all blight of error and corruption. Aid us from on high, most valiant defender, in this conflict with the powers of darkness. And even as of old thou didst rescue the Child Jesus from the peril of His life, so now defend God's Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity. Shield us ever under thy patronage, that, following thine example and strengthened by thy help, we may live a holy life, die a happy death, and attain to everlasting bliss in Heaven. Amen.

A MORE MODERN VERSION OF THE PRAYER, Shared by the Marian's:

To you, O blessed Joseph,
do we come in our tribulation,
and having implored the help of your most holy Spouse,
we confidently invoke your patronage also.

Through that charity which bound you
to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God
and through the paternal love
with which you embraced the Child Jesus,
we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance
which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood,
and with your power and strength to aid us in our necessities.

O most watchful guardian of the Holy Family,
defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ;
O most loving father, ward off from us
every contagion of error and corrupting influence;
O our most mighty protector, be kind to us
and from heaven assist us in our struggle
with the power of darkness.

As once you rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril,
so now protect God's Holy Church
from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity;
shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection,
so that, supported by your example and your aid,
we may be able to live piously, to die in holiness,
and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven.

Amen.

Novena in honor of The ASSUMPTION OF MARY

A Novena of Masses in honor of

The ASSUMPTION OF MARY

August 7 – 15:

TO BE OFFERED FOR THE INTENTIONS OF ALL CONFRATERNITY MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS

NOVENA:

The word Novena is rooted in the Latin word for nine. Over time, members of Roman Catholic faith began to associate novena with Christian themes. The Church Fathers also assigned special meaning to the number nine, seeing it as symbolic of imperfect man turning to God in prayer. The practice of novena grew by the Middle Ages to include pious prayers for nine days before a feast in honor of a saint identified on a liturgical calendar.

NOVENA PRAYER:

O Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God and Mother of men, we believe with all the fervor of our faith in your trimphal Assumption into Heaven, body and soul, where you are acclaimed as Queen of all the choirs of Angels, and the countless multitude of saints. We unite with them in thanking and praising God who has exalted you above all the heavenly hosts.

In your mercy, dearest Mother, look down upon our miseries and our sorrows, upon our struggles and our weaknesses. Help us to remain pure in mind and body, to bear the crosses of life, and to live and die in close union with your Divine Son. Intercede with Him on our behalf, and obtain the graces and favors we ask in this Novena.

(Here make your requests)

THE MEMORARE:

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful; O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petition, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

(Add your daily Rosary)

How to Pray the Rosary:

https://www.rosarycenter.org/homepage-2/rosary/how-to-pray-the-rosary/

The CONFRATERNITY OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY

The CONFRATERNITY OF

THE MOST HOLY ROSARY

,the members of which strive to pray the entire Rosary during the course of one

The Rosary Confraternity is a spiritual association of the Catholic Church, the members of which strive to pray the entire Rosary during the course of one week.

The CONFRATERNITY OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY brings its members under the special protection of Our Lady, QUEEN OF THE ROSARY, and places their spiritual welfare in her hands. Too, it enables them to share in the Masses, Prayers, Acts of Penance and Apostolic works of over 100,000 members of the Family of St. Dominic. To this is added the prayers of hundreds of thousands of members of the Rosary Confraternity throughout the world who pray for one another.
Speaking of this, Pope Leo XIII wrote: “Whenever a person fulfills his obligation of reciting the Rosary according to the rule of the Confraternity, he includes in his intentions all its members, and they in turn render him the same service multiplied many times over.” The Confraternity asks its members to pray the entire Rosary each week. This does not bind under sin.

Since the Holy Father St. John Paul II added the five luminous mysteries, it would seem that members of the Confraternity should strive to include that extra weekly Rosary. Those who recite only the fifteen traditional mysteries will continue to share in the benefits of the Confraternity until some official source declares the contrary.  Commenting on the great fruitfulness of the Rosary devotion, and on the “healing power” it possesses for the ills of society, Pope Leo XIII added: “these advantages will be secured in a higher and fuller measure by those who band themselves together in the Confraternity of the Rosary, and who are thus more than others united by a special and brotherly bond of devotion to the Most Holy Virgin. They are, so to speak, the battalions which fight the battle for Christ, armed with His sacred mysteries and under the banner and guidance of the Heavenly Queen.” 

The Rosary Center P.O. Box 3617 Portland, Oregon 97208 USA

www.rosary-center.org

Saying The Rosary on a One Decade Rosary

Saying The Rosary on a One Decade Rosary:

On a previous blog I wrote a number of reasons for using a smaller one decade rosary as opposed to the larger conventional Rosary. Every night before bed I say at least a complete five mystery Rosary but during the day just moving around in the world I like to have a smaller set of beads to say a decade when I have spare time on my hands, trying never to be idol.

Saying the One Decade Rosary is the same as saying it on a conventional pair of beads replacing the five beads on the tail with the one Our Father bead. On this one bead one would say The Our father, three Hail Mary's and The Glory Be.

After the preamble is completed then one would say the Rosary just as on a conventional pair of beads. Depending on which Mysteries one will be meditating on then start with the first; on Tuesday and Friday it would be the Sorrowful Mysteries, begin with Our Lord's Agony in The Garden. Say the Rosary as you would normally by starting with the large bead as The Our Father bead and the ten small beads are the Hail Mary beads. End the first Mystery with a Glory Be to The Father, then the Fatima Prayer and I always say a short prayer; Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us.

Now I am ready to start the second mystery; The Scourging at the Pillar. Then repeat the prayers just as the first Mystery. Repeat this until all five Mysteries are completed. I try to say the three conventional Mysteries every day; The Glorious, the Joyful and the Sorrowful. I occasionally meditate on the Luminous Mysteries but not as often.

Enjoy this gift of The Holy Rosary as a way to spend a few precious minutes with God. Always look at it as an honor and never a chore. One thing I always come away with from saying the Rosary is that God loves me and that he hears my prayers. Only I know how much trouble I have avoided and been saved from and I know it was because of His tender loving hands I have received so many blessings.

Lord, You know all things. You know that we love You. 

One Decade Rosary

SINGLE  DECADE  ROSARY

I first used a single decade rosary about a half century ago. More for convenience, I felt it better to say one good decade that I actually meditated on than the entire five decades that I would rush through. By the end of the day I often found that I had said the Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries. Not everyday, but very often. It wasn't difficult to find the time because I seldom watched television.

As I got older I continued to carry a single decade Rosary and found that while working as a policeman walking a beat I could easily carry a single decade Rosary and during those long lonely nights it would be comforting to take three or four minutes every now and then and say a single decade.

Having many grandchildren I've noticed that a conventional five decade Rosary does not really fit well in their little hands. As I teach them to say the rosary I talk to them about Joyful Mysteries first, read stories from “The Children's Bible” so that they will understand and then have them concentrate on one Mystery until they seem comfortable. I found that “The Nativity” is one that they find interesting and is a good starting point. Every child loves to hear how Christmas started.

Teaching twin 6 year old children is exciting. When they are ready they will ask about one of the other Mysteries. Eventually, after five weeks they know how to say “The Joyful Mysteries” and with a beautiful handmade single decade Rosary that fits perfectly in their little hands.

I don't believe that a child, or anyone else, has to say a particular Mystery because it falls on a certain day of week. I also feel that a child is more comfortable holding something smaller than a full size Rosary. A child does not have the attention span to say a full five decade Rosary.

Many adults also find it more convenient to carry a single decade Rosary. Many find them easier to manipulate because they are smaller. Many people just like having a smaller Rosary.

In addition to the size being perfect for a child's hand the amount of time it takes to say a single decade is only about three or four minutes. Most kids are able to concentrate for that small period of time.  

Saint John Paul One Decade Rosary, Police Rosary, Handmade Saint Michael Pocket Rosary, Vintage Swarovski Silver Rosary, Finger Rosary, Gift

St. Michael Rosary, Vintage Crystal Turquoise Blue Beads, Wire Wrapped Rosary, One Decade Rosary, Police Rosary, Holy Rosary, Catholic Gift

Photographing my Etsy images - Saint Benedict One Decade Garnet Rosary January Birthstone

As I was examining my photos for my Etsy store, as well as, watching videos on how to improve my store, I discovered that I needed to do something to improve the quality of the photos so that the customers would see the product as I saw it.  Previously, I would take each item outside into the natural light, as suggested, however, the light moves, of course, and the images were not consistent. So, I began to read about how to improve my images and found the Table Top Photo Photography Studio Lighting Light Tent Kit. It was a choice whether to make my own or purchase one premade.  I looked at many and found this one at a reasonable cost and purchased it. The premise is that you take each photo using a white background inside the tent using table top lights.  The final product is an image that is consistent, lighting is accurate, and you can replicate each image in a more precise manner.   This may seem obvious to a photography student but as a store owner who is focusing on the product, it is great to find how to make a better connection between your handmade items and your future customers.

Over a period of a week, I took ten photos (plus) of each item within my store and I am very happy with the outcome.  Now, rather than taking my items outside on a bright day, I can set up the lights on the table using the lighting tent and get more consistent photos that more closely show the details of my work.

Here is an example of the before and after photos of my Saint Benedict One Decade Garnet Rosary taken before using a tablecloth and the outdoor indirect lighting and afterward, two of my photos using the tent:

Handmade Garnet One Decade Rosary, Vintage Swarovski & Czech Beads, St. Benedict Crucifix, Devil Chasing Medal, January Birthstone, Rosary

I am super happy with the outcome.  For more examples of my photos, visit my Etsy store:
Let Our Light Shine

God Bless,
Jen