The readings for Christmas midnight Mass are a liturgy in poetry that has shaped Christmas devotion through the ages A mood of joyful surprise runs throughout Upon those who dwell in the land of gloom a light has shone the grace of God has appeared saving all I proclaim to you good news of gre

For seven years I taught in Nashville which is known not only for its rich musical tradition but also as a place where biblical religion was vital in peoples rsquo lives Riding along one day I saw on a church bulletin board the Sunday sermon announced Repent for the End Is Near The topic for

The readings today throb with a sense of joyful expectation The prophet Baruch echoes a hope for release from exile and oppression by portraying Lady Jerusalem as a priest who takes off the robes of mourning and puts on the cloak of God rsquo s justice and the miter that displays the glory of God r

As we prepare to celebrate the first coming of Jesus in history, the readings remind us that Christians should shape their faith in terms of hopes as well as of memories.

This celebration is especially appropriate at the beginning of Advent when we recall the two great figures of expectation who prepared for the coming of Christ John the Baptist and Mary Forming a virtual liturgical Ode to Joy the readings resound with affirmations of the gracious love of God sho

To celebrate Christ as king is to enter into the deepest mysteries of faith.