Midnight mass, the nativity and Arlita Schneider singing “Oh Holy Night” from the church balcony.

These are among my most powerful memories of Christmases past. I can close my eyes and recall with vivid detail this trio of images experienced during my childhood.

I’ll bet you too have Christmas memories or moments that have helped shape your feelings about the holiday.

I consider myself blessed to have been raised in a Christian home, where the birth of Jesus is the focal point of Christmas.  Sure, there was plenty of crass commercialism during the “shopping season”.  Granted, it may be worse today, but it was evident back in the day as well.

The excitement of Santa, giving presents, decorating the tree, holiday foods, family time, Christmas cards and everything else was enjoyed and appreciated to be sure. But the birth of Jesus was still King of Christmas.

My upbringing in the Catholic church is responsible for those three powerful memories I mentioned at the start. The primary responsibility for my religious and faith upbringing fell to my father, the Catholic.  When the doors of the church were open, my siblings and I were there. No excuses. No need to even try.

Admitedly, I appreciate that strictness of “keeping the Sabath” far more today than during the ignorant bliss of childhood when it seemed sleeping in or playing with friends should hold sway over heading for Church each and every Sunday morning. (and Holy Days of course)

My mother, the United Church of Christ Protestant, also took us to “her church” on occasion. Vacation bible school experiences are the fondest memories from the Protestant influence. But we were “Catholic kids” to be sure.

And that’s how we came to enjoy the tradition of midnight mass.

You can imagine, for young children, the thrill of getting to stay up so late.  I really looked forward to it, though I seem to recall there were times it was tough to stay awake so long past my bedtime.

But the experience of that late night-early morning Christmas eve service was something special indeed. The church was always decorated with wreaths and lights and trees and the nativity scene.

Midnight mass was apparently a tradition for most of the families at our country church. I recall the large crowd every Christmas and the ushers having to arrange rows of chairs once the wooden pews filled up.  Dim lighting, small Christmas bulbs around the nativity, an abundance of live Christmas trees, seasonal candles and incense all added to the holy, sacred atmosphere. This was indeed a special night to celebrate the birth of the King of Kings.

Catholics too often take a bad rap for the ritualistic nature of their services. Too bad.  Yes, you can get so wrapped up in ritual you miss the deeper aspects of faith. However, I recall that ritual simply amplifying the holiness of the celebration. It helped foster faith and reverence and respect.

I recall leaving those special late night Christmas services awe inspired. It was an experience of the season I would trade for no other. Sure, the early morning opening of gifts was fantastic and also memorable. However, with the benefit of maturity and the passing of years, I’d prefer to re-live one of those special midnight mass experiences.

The nativity scene was a part of those early Christmas celebrations in three ways.  There was a big nativity scene inside our church. The front corner that usually was home to a beautiful statue of Mother Mary was transformed into “Christmas corner”.  Live Christmas trees provided an appropriate, colorful and wonderful scented backdrop for the fairly large nativity set up.

It was a focal point of the midnight mass celebration.  The baby Jesus, missing in earlier Advent Sundays, was finally at home in the manager that holy night.  Christmas was complete. The Chirst child had arrived for everyone to admire and love.

There was a second nativity scene set up outside the front door of our rural church. It was always impressive, particularly when lighted at night.  The perfect spot to ponder the miracle birth or pause for a moment of prayer on an otherwise cold late December night in central Illinois.

The third nativity scene was a part of our home Christmas decorations.  It was simple, but treasured. I have nothing but fond memories of that set occupying a place of honor in our living room among the live tree, lights, presents and various seasonal decorations.

Finally, I can thank Mrs. Arlita Schneider for making “Oh Holy Night” my alltime favorite Christmas song.  I’ve always enjoyed singing and became a part of our midnight mass choir when I was old enough. 

For more years than I can remember, the musical highlight was her beautiful rendition of “Oh Holy Night”. Her high voice soared above the sanctuary. I remember multiple chills up my spine when she’d hit the high notes.  I was prepared to cringe if she missed a note.  She never did.

That song was always an inspiring highlight of the Christmas celebration at midnight mass.  I know she looked forward to the tradition of singing “Oh Holy Night” each year, but no more than I looked forward to hearing her sing it.

Wonderful Christmas memories.

I’m confident you have at least a few.

It’s my prayer that you are helping create similar traditions and loving memories for your own children.

Merry Christmas.

-Steve

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