Now that our youngest child is 9, we go to the late night Mass celebrated at 10 pm. Advent is about preparation and no Carols are sung during that time. The Church BEGINS the celebration of Christmas at this time in contrast to the retailers who END the season on this day. Our large choir led a full church in singing O Liitle Star of Bethlehem, The First Noel, Joy to the World and other carols. After Communion, the very moving and beautiful Silent Night was sung by a man and woman with the accompaniment of just a guitar by candlelight and it was very still and peaceful.
Although I like them all, my favorite Christmas Carol is:
O Holy Night
The stars are gently shining.
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth.
Long lay the world, in sin and error pining,
'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope,
The weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks, a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees,
Oh hear the angel's voices.
O night divine, O night, when Christ was born.
O night divine, O night, O night divine....
