We are blessed to be a parish whose situation allows its parishioners and guests a choice of when to participate in Mass on the weekends and holydays.  Over the past 20 years or so, I have been saddened by a trend of more and more people choosing to participate in the Christmas "Vigil" Mass on Christmas Eve, rather than the Midnight Mass or Mass on Christmas Day.  I, like many who are reading this pastor's corner, remember the time when the first Mass on Christmas was the Midnight Mass.  When you think about it, it was surely the case that those who participated in this Mass, or a Christmas morning Mass, were "Keeping Christ in Christmas" in the most beautiful and meaningful of ways, by firstly celebrating Mass with members of their faith family.  Everything else done to celebrate Christmas on Christmas Day then found its proper and, rightly, secondary place.  With so many now participating in Mass on Christmas Eve, my concern is that Christmas Day for too many, is lacking or even devoid totally, of the "religious" aspect of the day in favor of secular activities.  I would, therefore invite you to reflect on this, and consider prioritizing your Christmas Day by coming to Mass either at Midnight or on Christmas Day at 9:00 a.m. if you are staying here for Christmas.  In case you're wondering, after reading this pastor's column so far, we will be offering a Christmas Vigil Mass at 4:00 p.m.  I will be happy to see you at whatever Mass you choose to attend for Christmas (maybe just a little happier if I see you at Midnight or on Christmas morning.)  Please note, however, that if you choose to participate in the Vigil Mass on Christmas Eve, know that the prayers and readings that the Church provides for that Mass, and therefore the music that we will sing, indicates that we are "not fully there yet."  So don't be upset if you don't hear and sing at that Mass "O Come, All Ye Faithful" since the second verse says "Yea, Lord, we greet thee, BORN THIS HAPPY MORNING."