midnight
Maria 's thoughts were turning in another direction . `` If the roads are as bad as they were last year , '' said she , `` we shall not be able to attend the midnight mass . And yet I should so much have liked it this time , and father promised ... '' Through the little window they looked on the gray sky , and found little to cheer them . To go to midnight mass is the natural and strong desire of every French-Canadian peasant , even of those living farthest from the settlements . What do they not face to accomplish it ! Arctic cold , the woods at night , obliterated roads , great distances do but add to the impressiveness and the mystery . This anniversary of the birth of Jesus is more to them than a mere fixture in the calendar with rites appropriate ; it signifies the renewed promise of salvation , an occasion of deep rejoicing , and those gathered in the wooden church are imbued with sincerest fervour , are pervaded with a deep sense of the supernatural .