Posted on 12/24/2019 8:05:15 AM PST by Antoninus
As Christmas approaches, it is well to remember that many of the traditional Nativity practices of the Church were instituted deep in antiquity. One such is the celebration of Mass at midnight on Christmas eve. There is evidence that this tradition began as early as about AD 130 and was instituted by Pope Saint Telesphoros. We find the following passage in the Liber Pontificalis which was likely first compiled in the 5th or 6th century:
"[Telesphoros] appointed that at the season of the nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, masses should be celebrated during the night, for in general no one presumed to celebrate mass before tierce, the hour when Our Lord ascended the cross. And that at the opening of the sacrifice, the angelic hymn should be repeated, namely: 'Gloria in Excelsis Deo' etc. but only upon the night of the Lord's nativity." [Taken from Loomis: Liber Pontificalis (Book of the Popes), p. 12]
In her notes, Loomis says that this passage is the earliest mention of midnight Mass at Christmas in the extant literature, though she remains skeptical about the passage's accuracy.
As for the institution of the Gloria, it should be kept in mind that the earliest language of the Roman Church was likely Greek, and that the Liber identifies Telesphoros himself as Greek by birth and an anchorite. Therefore, the Gloria was probably incorporated into the Christmas Liturgy in its Greek form. According to tradition, the hymn was not translated into Latin until the time of Saint Hilary of Poitiers around AD 350. But the provenance is confused. A good attempt at clarification may be found here.
In a further note, Loomis says that the Gloria would later be incorporated into Pontifical Masses, and until the Middle Ages, none but the Pope were permitted to include it.
According to the Liber, and confirmed by Irenaeus and Eusebius, Pope Telesphoros died a martyr during the reign of either Hadrian or Antoninus Pius. His feast day is January 5.
For a related post on the earliest sources for the dating of Christmas, see:
• "Eight Days Before the Kalends of January" ~ The Earliest Sources for the December 25 dating of Christmas
On This “Little Christmas”
January 6th from my The First Book Of Moses poetry page
L.J.Keslin
On This “Little Christmas”
January 6th
Once Upon a Time and not too long ago
The Twelfth Night Of Christmas
was celebrated with a ball
From the Day of Babes Birth
and the 11 thereafter
kith and kin were paid a visit
and friends from far and near
once were paid a call
So on this day I pray in the spirit that this date recalls
Let the gift of homage of kings gain
in the spirit of the days this season yet remain
ere it wane
Be thine Blessings Great
and misfortunes thee none befall
This is an abbreviated version that and how this season was observed by Catholics prior to the Vat 2 changes plus other changes is offered here
http://www.theusmat.com/natdesk.htm
Ping
Thank you for the post and Merry Christmas. I’ll be reading the link “The Earliest Sources for the December 25 dating of Christmas” as well.
I didn’t know anyone quibbled about December 25th as Christ’s birthday until reading it here on FR. The Bible says he was born in winter (likely early winter) so December 25th seems like a very good date.
Thank you. My intentions are for certain friends struggling with unemployment, homelessness, and depression. One is a priest.
I’ll remember your intentions as well. Merry Christmas.
A specific time is not required.....just go to church!
ALL wise men hope and pray that Light be brought into the World.
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