Why does Christmas mass usually take place at midnight?

Answer 1

Keeping vigil is an idea familiar to the Scriptures and the Tradition of the Church. Since early times, it has been customary to celebrate Masses late at night or early in the morning for Christmas and Easter as a way of keeping vigilant and waiting for the Lord. In the case of Christmas Eve Mass, it is to wait for Him to be born, which Tradition says occurred at night. In the case of Easter Vigil Mass, it is a way of joining the many generations of the holy ones of the Old Testament in awaiting the Resurrection of the Lord.

Additionally, the Midnight Mass reading (Luke 2:1-14) indicates that the shepherds the angel appeared to were on their nightly vigils watching the sheep.

Answer 2

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Some Catholics attend Mass on New Year's Eve, because New Year's Day (Jan 1) is also the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, A Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics. Holy Days of Obligation are days, in addition to Sundays, that Catholics are obliged to attend Mass. Since Catholics can satisfy the obligation by attending Mass on the evening (i.e., after 4pm) of the day preceding, some Catholics would attend Mass on New Year's Eve. This would allow them to fulfill their obligation and still spend the night "watching the ball fall", as it were.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Christmas mass usually takes place at midnight because it signifies the turning point from Christmas Eve into Christmas Day. With mass taking place at midnight it is the first thing that happens on Christmas Day.

Answer 4

To celebrate the coming of Our Blessed Savior into the world to free us from our sins and from hell.