IRONY: The Criticisms of the Catholic Mass are all the things people love about Christmas

There are several things that the Catholic Mass is criticized for.  It is these same things that Christmas is actually typically LOVED for.

The Catholic Mass has a bunch of trimmings (vestments, incense, chant, altar, Churches, etc.) that have become attached to it that are a far cry from the original event (Last Supper)

Christmas has a bunch of trimmings (electric lights, trees, wreaths, ornaments, presents, etc.) that have grown up around it that are a far cry from the original event (Bethlehem stable)

The Catholic Mass has a particular style of music that is appropriate to its celebration (chant)

Christmas has a particular style of music that is appropriate to its celebration (canon of Christmas music.  There is no such thing as folk/rap/heavy metal Christmas music)

The Catholic Mass continues to reread the same readings over and over again

At Christmas we continue to reread/watch the same readings over and over again (A Christmas Carol, Grinch, Home Alone, It’s a Wonderful Life, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, etc.)

The Catholic Mass is surrounded by lots of statues (Saints, Joseph, Mary, Angels)

Christmas is surrounded by lots of statues (Joseph, Mary, Angels, Nativity scenes)

The Catholic Mass calls forth and prays for the dead

Christmas is a time that reminds us of our deceased family/friends/loved ones

The Catholic Mass has a bunch of rituals that look strange to outsiders

Christmas for many families involves lots of rituals that look strange to outsiders

The Catholic Mass often has bells ringing at interesting times

Christmas celebrations and music often have bells as part of the Christmas season

The Catholic Mass has the strange but intriguing smells of incense

Christmas has the strange but intriguing smells of pine in people’s homes

A central aspect to the Catholic Mass is the centrality of a meal

Christmas for most people sees a meal as being a central part of the celebration

The word “Christmas” is two words put together – “Christ’s Mass” – what we love about Christmas is available at every Mass because EVERY Mass is actually “Christ’s Mass”.

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