Midnight Mass

A church awash with many candles, sending darkness on its way
With their flames so gently glowing, it appears they wish to say:
"Here is light, you need no other; listen to the message brought
To the people then in darkness, which today is still being taught."
All the old familiar carols, as the church begins to fill,
Words that first were learned in childhood and are all remembered still.
And the atmosphere's augmented, as so many people find
Just how many happy memories once again are brought to mind.
There are constant new arrivals, filling seating to the brim
By the time that Mass commences with the rousing opening hymn.
No matter if outside it's pouring, or the snow lies on the ground,
In the church it's warm and cosy, heightened by the joyous sound
As the people join the worship, which expresses once again
A welcome to that tiny baby who came down to earth to reign.
There's a feeling of excitement, growing as the Mass proceeds,
And the world with all its troubles from the people's minds recedes.
This is real, for God is present in his people gathered here
Who contribute by their presence to the holy atmosphere.
At the end, the small bambino is within the manger laid,
Showing in a graphic fashion what the Gospels have portrayed.
Mary looks in adoration at her first-born lying there.
On the other side is Joseph in an attitude of prayer.
The final hymn ends with a greeting sung to Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Who is worthy of all worship and now especially adored.
The Mass is ended; "Merry Christmas" indicates it's Christmas Day,
As the people greet each other and all homeward make their way