Homily for the Dawn Mass of Christmas

Fr. Timothy W. Castor

Of all the feasts of the Church year, only the Solemnity of Christ’s Birth is honored with three distinct Masses and a vigil Mass. Why? Because the Incarnation is a mystery so profound and so rich, that the readings and prayers of just one Mass could not possibly do it justice. And so, Holy Mother Church gradually unfolds this mystery to her children over the course of four different liturgies.

The first of these, the Vigil Mass, forms a bridge between Advent and Christmastide. The theme at this liturgy is the birth of Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and promise. But the birth has not yet taken place: we are still looking ahead to the great event itself.

At midnight - as if the Church could wait no longer - the birth of Jesus is proclaimed and the Eternal Sacrifice is renewed once more. This Mass focuses on Christ’s birth in time. We are mystically present with Mary and Joseph in the stable in Bethlehem as the Christ-child is born. Then, in the shepherd’s field, we hear the great proclamation of the angels: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." Through this liturgy, we are reminded that, when speaking of the Incarnation, we are not contemplating a mere theological abstraction. We will, in fact, delve more deeply into this theology at the Mass during the day when we meditate upon St. John’s sublime prologue to his Gospel. But for now, Holy Church wishes to impress upon us that the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity became man in the most ordinary of circumstances: A Baby is born at a particular point in history in a particular spot on the globe. Yet the angels are present, as if to tell us that there is more to this everyday occurrence than meets the eye. This seemingly ordinary childbirth is, beneath the outward poverty and squalor of a stable, a supernatural event of divine proportions.

The shepherds make their first appearance at midnight. Yet it is this Mass at dawn which traditionally bears the title, "The Shepherds’ Mass" because, in the Gospel we have just heard the shepherds are the main characters. Here we learn of their response to the sublime message they have received from the angels: "Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us."

It’s rather comical, really, to think that, of all the people in and around Bethlehem to whom God could have sent His angels, He chose, instead, this motley band of shepherds; It wasn’t to Herod in his palace that the angels appeared, nor to the priests in the Temple, nor to the Pharisees who sat in Moses’ seat. The heavenly choir didn’t sing before the rich and powerful living in big cities and fine houses. Rather, they went out into the wasteland, to a few poor ranch hands, and proclaimed the greatest message ever heard by human ears.

Upon further reflection, however, it is fitting that God should choose these simple folk. After all, they are truly representative of the vast majority of the human race – those whom Christ came to redeem – you and me. Undoubtedly, most of us can readily identify with these hardworking, uncomplicated people. And so, with them we go to Bethlehem, to join them in their simple yet profound act of faith.

No gifts are mentioned here, as they are in the story of the Wise Men who are to come later. It would seem that the only present the shepherds have to give is their praise and adoration. But then, it is they who receive a gift – the Gift of God’s only Son who was to live and die and rise again for their salvation—and for ours. As the shepherds approached the manger, their hearts filled with joy and holy fear, so those of us who are properly disposed may now approach this sacred altar to receive this same gift in an even more intimate way: the very Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ as our spiritual food and drink.

As you approach, do so with the same sentiments of joy and holy fear. And—though it is a poor exchange—offer to the Infant King your heart, your mind, your very self. Like the shepherds, may God help each one of us to "make known to all the message we have heard about this Child." And, like Mary, may we never fail to keep in our hearts the joyful mystery of our salvation.

© 2002, Rev. Timothy W. Castor