With the decline in coronavirus cases and the easing of restrictions, more parishioners are expected to attend the Misa de Gallo (Christmas Eve Mass) Friday, Dec. 24, the culmination of the nine-day ‘Simbang Gabi’ novena masses.
The Christmas Eve Mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary that began last Dec. 16 will be celebrated in all Catholic churches shortly before midnight or earlier in some parishes.
Church rites will include the lighting of the white center candle – the Christ candle -in the Advent wreath to herald the Birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. The Belen will also finally be complete with the addition of the Baby Jesus, which has been conspicuously missing in some mangers since it was set up.
Traditionally, the Christmas Eve Mass is held at midnight following the belief that Jesus was born at night (Luke 2:6-8). This is also reflected in reference to Christmas Eve as the Holy Night, or “Heilige Nacht” in German, and Good Night, which is Noche Buena in Spanish, and in widely popular Christmas songs like Silent Night and Oh, Holy Night.
Meanwhile, Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown reminded the faithful “to make Christ the center of all celebrations this Christmas.”
“Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman, these things are nice, but they are completely secondary, in putting charitably to the message of Christmas. It’s not about Rudolph the red nose reindeer, but the birth of the baby Jesus in Bethlehem,” said the Papal Envoy over Radio Veritas.
The Church leader cited the strong faith and adherence to tradition manifested by Filipinos amid the pandemic with the majority observing Christmas traditions such as setting up a Belen and hanging Christmas lanterns.
“Let us celebrate Christmas with gladness and thanksgiving in our hearts, by sharing and giving and keeping traditions alive. Let us keep our focus on the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ,” Brown said.