Keeping vigil.

A vigil, from the Latin vigilia meaning wakefulness (Greek: pannychis,^[1] παννυχίς or agrypnia^[2] ἀγρυπνία),^[3] is a period of purposeful sleeplessness, an occasion for devotional watching, or an observance. ( Wikipedia) 

Keeping vigil has always been a spiritual practice in Catholicism. This is what we are essentially doing by attending any “Vigil” mass, we wait in joyful hope for the coming of the Saviour.

There is also a Biblical reference here that can be included. The Shepherds in Luke’s infancy narratives in his Gospel were keeping watch over their sheep on the nightly vigil. In a sense, we are the same shepherds today and we are entrusted to keep watch over one another. While we wait for God during Advent, it’s also important to note that God also keeps Vigil for us. Many people “come home” at Christmas and find God welcoming them back home once again. We pray that they find our church to be a welcoming place and that we show them the love that God always offers to us. In doing so, we have the opportunity to continually welcome them home each week and pray that they will be part of our community regularly.

The Sanctuary is ready and the first of the Holy Masses for Christmas may begin.

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Posted by 1catholicsalmon on December 26, 2013

https://1catholicsalmon.wordpress.com/2013/12/26/keeping-vigil/