Archdiocese of San Francisco
The celebration of Christmas is unique. For the Nativity of the Lord, the Church gives us four different Masses to celebrate: the vigil Mass and the three traditional Masses of Christmas Day – “Mass during the night,” “Mass at dawn” and “Mass during the day.”
A glance back at Christmas one year ago, and a careful scrutiny of where we are now in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic – this is the atmosphere in which we find ourselves this month. Things continue to “open up” and life is more normal than one year ago, but we are cautioned to be prudent and maintain our vigilance. We are all like people walking on a frozen lake, gingerly touching the surface at each step before putting our full weight down. We long for less “virtual” encounters, more human, three-dimensional interactions. And yet we must keep our guard up.
The list of artists who have performed the most powerful of the Christmas hymns, “O Holy Night,” is extensive. Go down the YouTube rabbit hole, and you’ll find there’s even a heavy metal version, not to mention countless other artists who have dared to take it on, to varying results.