Midnight Mass–A Moment of Divine
My boys wanted to know what I wanted for Christmas. What I wanted was to watch the Nativity movie as a family and to attend Midnight Mass. My husband was not thrilled with my choice of gifts. I think I could have asked for some very expensive things in exchange. But that was what I wanted.
My boys, quick to pick up on any division, asked if they really had to go. I told them to ask their dad. Yup, he was going, so therefore they were going. Oh goody…three boys dragging their feet.
We attend a rather large parish and I mentioned that we should probably go early. As in arriving at least a half hour early. But earlier would really make me happy. My husband managed to get us there forty-five minutes early. I am so, so glad he did.
The full choir, with all musicians and bell choir were already performing. The church was gloriously decorated—it is a lovely church and the Christmas decorations were so well done. The boys perked right up. Even my husband was smiling by the time we sat down.
My children are so well behaved at church most times. I am ever so grateful for that. I was frustrated that the twenty-something children behind me could not have been so well behaved, But I remembered what I had read on someone else’s blog, reminding us we are the face of the Church and how we act is how visitors view Christianity in general and Catholicism specifically. So I prayed. And maybe sighed a couple times and prayed some more for their hearts to be open and for my heart to be softer. And somehow it didn’t matter any longer.
As always, Father was able to share a homily that reached out and drew people in. As always, he was timely and relevant.
On the way home the boys were planning our Midnight Mass venture for next year. My husband commented that it was a nice thing that we went. I think my present had a bow on it.
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