Midnight Mass

Since my first introduction to midnight mass, I had always attempted to “sneak off” every Christmas Eve to attend the traditional midnight services. Raised a Catholic, I made every effort to attend the services to first and foremost celebrate our Saviour’s birth but to also memorialize my great-grandparents. It was they who showed me the true meaning of Christmas.


Since my glorious baptism into Christianity, I had forgotten most of the service proceedings I had performed growing up; mainly the recitations preceding the Eucharist. The church I went to also did not have candles available with which to light the memorial.

Nevertheless, the priest presented his awe-inspiring sermon of Jesus’ birth.
Just before the end of mass, the priest told of a woman who came to him one year ago during Christmas mass.
She had asked him to pray for her son who was serving a tour in Iraq. She was sad that her son was not able to spend the holidays with his family.
Now one year later, she came to the priest again, asking him to pray for her son’s family.
Her son had come home a few days prior… home to paradise.

Despite my loneliness, despite all the sadness I feel from my separation with my children, I am very blessed to have them in my life. There may be far and few in between, but --- thanks to our troops, their families, and the sacrifices made each day--- I can always look forward to seeing my children and hearing those wonderful voices say “I love you, Daddy.”

God bless you.