What is ad orientem and why is it important?

Pope Francis celebrating Mass ad orientem
Pope Francis celebrating Mass ad orientem.

The sacrifice of the Mass is not about us or how we feel. The Mass is about God and how we worship Him. This video is an outstanding explanation of ad orientem — what it is and why it is important.

For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
— Jesus Christ, Matthew 24:27