Christmas An Obligation?

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Angel7

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Christmas is on December 25th right?
So would the day before Christmas (Christmas Eve, I think) be an Obligation as well? December 24th?
 
To answer your specific question, no, but often going to a Christmas Vigil Mass on the 24th fulfills the Christmas Holy Day of Obligation for the 25th. That’s the case with every Sunday and Holy Day off the top of my head, but since this is the Traditional Catholic forum, usually vigil Masses are fewer in the old liturgy.
 
Thanks. So how do you prepare during Advent? Do you fast and pray often? Or do you live like any other day? Should you always have the Nativity, and The Lord close to your heart?
 
Angel7 said:
Christmas is on December 25th right?
So would the day before Christmas (Christmas Eve, I think) be an Obligation as well? December 24th?
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The VIGIL for Christmas takes place on Dec. 24th. It would satisfy the condition of going to Mass on Christmas Day.
 
Angel7 said:
Thanks. So how do you prepare during Advent? Do you fast and pray often? Or do you live like any other day? Should you always have the Nativity, and The Lord close to your heart?
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Yes to all of those. But you should always pray and keep the Lord close to your heart!
 
Those are good questions to remember. I’ve been a little lazy this Advent, but I’m fasting and praying today. Come Lord Jesus! Sooner is better than later, but it is never too late to re-center our hearts on Christ.

Your sig reminded me of this quote from Saint Thomas More (in the Sadness of Christ):
“Nevertheless, such is God’s kindness that even when we are negligent and slumbering on the pillow of our sins, He disturbs us from time to time, shakes us, strikes us, and does His best to wake us up…”
and also our Lord’s words in Mark 2:11:
I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
I hope your Christmas is blessed and joyful.
Angel7 said:
Thanks. So how do you prepare during Advent? Do you fast and pray often? Or do you live like any other day? Should you always have the Nativity, and The Lord close to your heart?
:angel1: “Evil conquers when Good lays Dormant” :angel1:
:highprayer:!PENANCE! PENANCE! PENANCE!:highprayer:
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So should Sundays, and Holy Days of Obligation be dedicated completely God? Like Praying, and Fasting? I know that we aren’t supposed to Work on These Holy Days eaither. What about having fun, like playing video games, etc? Is it all prayer, and self sacrifice?
 
Angel7 said:
But the 24th is not A Holy Day, Correct?
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December 24th is NOT a holy day. December 25th IS a holy day.
However, if you attend the Christmas Vigil Mass on the 24th, your obligation for Christmas Day on the 25th is complete.
 
Angel7 said:
Thanks. So how do you prepare during Advent? Do you fast and pray often? Or do you live like any other day? Should you always have the Nativity, and The Lord close to your heart?
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It is the custom in Byzantine Churches, Catholic and Orthodox, to fast and abstain for the 40 days before Nativity according to one’s strength. The exact details vary from place to place, but all agree it is NOT as strict as that of Great Lent, except on Wednesdays, Fridays, and the last few days, starting on 20 December.

I would guess that other Eastern Churches have comparable customs.

In the Slavic traditions (which many Orthodox in the USA observe, regardless of their ethnic background), Christmas Eve is a day of strict fasting, with nothing but water, and maybe a little bit of bread, taken. When the first star comes out, the Holy Supper, aka Shepherd’s Supper is eaten. This consists of 12 strict vegetarian dishes for the 12 Apostles. Some say fish is permitted, some disagree.

About the services leading up to the Nativity:

Advent is not as liturgically developed. There are little hints and occasional stichera scattered throughout the 40 days. The last two Sundays have their own special commemorations of the Holy Fathers and then the Geneology of Christ.

Starting on 20 December, the Divine Office is modelled after that of Holy Week, with some of the same hymns sung.

The full parochial observance on Christmas Eve usually consists of the Royal Hours celebrated in the morning. The Little Hours of Prime, Terce, Sext, and None are expanded with special hymns and readings. A Vesperal Divine Liturgy (usually completed by 1 pm) follows, with many lessons, culminating with the Nativity according to St. Luke. This parallels the Vesperal Liturgy on Holy Saturday.

Vigil (usually Great Compline and Matins) starts any convenient time of night. At Matins, the Nativity according to St. Luke.

The Christmas Liturgy is technically celebrated in the day, but some places do it at midnight after the Vigil. The Gospel is that of the Adoration of the Magi.
 
Angel7 said:
So should Sundays, and Holy Days of Obligation be dedicated completely God? Like Praying, and Fasting? I know that we aren’t supposed to Work on These Holy Days eaither. What about having fun, like playing video games, etc? Is it all prayer, and self sacrifice?
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Fasting (aside the Communion fast, if one is receiving) is inappropriate on a feast day.

Recommend: Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2184-2188.

tee
 
Oh, so Advent is really a time of Fasting like Lent is right?

But should it still be thought of as a Special season? Or is it like any other day? Sadly I didn’t prepare that much during Advent.
 
Angel7 said:
Oh, so Advent is really a time of Fasting like Lent is right?

But should it still be thought of as a Special season? Or is it like any other day? Sadly I didn’t prepare that much during Advent.
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Sorry typo, "Advent isn’t a time of Fasting Like Lent.
 
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