Vigil of Christmas Homily (Extraordinary Form)

Today we observe the Vigil of Christmas.

This word “vigil” is familiar to many of us. The word “vigil” is still used by the Church, but its application here is different then it’s modern day understanding.

In the new Missal a vigil is celebrated the evening before as an anticipation of the feast. Therefore, later today we will celebrate the Vigil Mass of Christmas at 5pm and this Mass will count as one’s attendance for Christmas.

What we observe today is different than this understanding. A Vigil in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite is a preparation for the feast. Therefore, this Vigil of Christmas is made in preparation for the feast which is Christmas. This day is penitential in nature for it is preparing us for the feast which we will soon celebrate.

At this moment we continue to anticipate the coming of the Messiah. As we were instructed in our Alleluia verse, “Tomorrow shall the iniquity of the earth be abolished: and the Savior of the world shall reign over us.” As will be said in the Secret to this Mass, “that as we anticipate the adorable birthday of Thy Son. So may we joyfully receive His eternal gifts.”

Here we look outward to what is to come. As we look outward towards this gift of God made Flesh we must reflect upon the ways in which we remain closed to Him. If we are to “joyfully receive His eternal gifts” we must make room in the inn of our heart for Him to come and dwell with us. This season of Advent, as well as this vigil, remind us of this need to be found prepared for such an encounter.

There are many who will wake up tomorrow, open presents, eat with family, and give what is truly important to this feast no other thought. For us we do not rush into the feast, but prepare for our encounter with it. Hopefully, there will be none here who simply wake up and forget that Christ is the reason for the season. Not only is He the reason for the season, but we must be found receptive of Him and His Divine truths.

As we are told in the Gospel of Saint John, “I am the bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the desert, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that if any man eat of it, he may not die.” This verse is important for our reflection because the Lord came down from Heaven as the Word made Flesh. We must now be found prepared to receive Him in order that we may live.

Let us continue our preparations for Christmas that our life may always be ordered towards the Lord in order that we may be found receive of Him in all things.