Service of Lessons and Carols For Christmas. Sunday, December 17, :30am. Christ Church, Belleville

Transcription

1 Service of Lessons and s For Christmas Sunday, December 17, :30am Christ Church, Belleville Rev Michael Rice Incumbent Alex Pierson Director of Music

2 History of the service While the Service of Nine Lessons with s is very much associated with King s College, Cambridge, it did not originate there. The Service was first drawn up by Archbishop E. W. Benson in 1880 when he was Bishop of Truro (England), for use in that Cathedral. His son, A.C. Benson recalled: My father arranged from ancient sources a little service for Christmas Eve nine carols and nine tiny lessons, which were read by various officers of the Church, beginning with a chorister, and ending, through the different grades, with the Bishop. The suggestion had come from G.H.S. Walpole, later Bishop of Edinburgh. It was later simplified and modified for use in King s College Chapel in Cambridge and was first held in It was planned by Eric Milner-White, who at the age of thirty-four had just been appointed Dean of King s after experience as an army chaplain which had convinced him that the Church of England needed more imaginative worship. (He also devised the Advent Service in 1934, and was a liturgical pioneer and authority during his twenty-two years as Dean of York.) The music at King s was then directed by Arthur Henry Mann, Organist The choir included sixteen trebles as laid down in King Henry VI s statutes, but until 1927 the men s voices were provided partly by Choral Scholars and partly by older Lay Clerks, and not, as now, by fourteen undergraduates. A revision of the Order of Service was made in 1919, involving rearrangement of the lessons, and from that date the service has always begun with the hymn Once in royal David s city. In almost every year some carols have been changed and some new ones introduced by successive Organists: Arthur Henry Mann; Boris Ord, ; Harold Darke (his substitute during the war), ; Sir David Willcocks, ; Philip Ledger, and, from 1982, Stephen Cleobury. The service this morning includes music by Ord and Willcocks. The backbone of the service, the lessons and the prayers, has remained virtually unchanged. Almost immediately after the first service, other churches adapted the service for their own use. A wider fame began to grow when the service was first broadcast in 1928 and, with the exception of 1930, it has been broadcast annually, even during the Second World War, when the ancient glass had been removed from the King s College Chapel and the name of King s could not be broadcast for security reasons. Sometime in the early 1930s the BBC began broadcasting the service on overseas programmes. It is estimated that there are millions of listeners worldwide. In recent years it has become the practice to broadcast a digital recording on Christmas Day, and since 1963 a shorter service has been filmed periodically for television. Recordings of carols by Decca and EMI have also served to spread its fame. The service is also available on the Internet. Visitors from all over the world are heard to identify the King s College Chapel as the place where the s are sung. While still strongly associated with King s College Chapel, the service has very much become public property, with the tradition having spread globally. The Service has a long tradition at Christ Church, Belleville as well, dating back to the days of Dr George Maybee. The choir is pleased to share and continue this wonderful choral and liturgical tradition.

3 Prelude The Holy Boy, A of the Nativity (John Ireland) Hymn Once In Royal David s City (Irby, descant Willcocks) Solo: Choir: Once in royal David s city Stood a lowly cattle shed, Where a mother laid her baby In a manger for his bed: Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ her little child. He came down to earth from heaven Who is God and Lord of all, And his shelter was a stable, And his cradle was a stall; With the poor and mean and lowly Lived on earth our Savior holy. The procession begins (please stand). All: And through all his wondrous childhood He would honor and obey Love and watch the lowly maiden, In whose gentle arms he lay: Christian children all must be Mild, obedient, good as he. For he is our childhood s pattern, Day by day like us he grew, He was little, weak, and helpless, Tears and smiles like us he knew: And he feeleth for our sadness, And he shareth in our gladness. And our eyes at last shall see him, Through his own redeeming love, For that child so dear and gentle Is our Lord in heaven above; And he leads his children on To the place where he is gone. Not in that poor lowly stable, With the oxen standing by, We shall see him; but in heaven, Set at God s right hand on high; When like stars his children crowned All in white shall wait around.

4 Lighting of the Advent Wreath; Advent 4 - Love Voice 1 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Voice 2 Those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. The lights that we have kindled each week light the way to the coming Christ. The candles of Hope, Preparation, and Joy glow brilliantly. Today, we light the candle of Love. The coming Lord is forever faithful. The never-ending affection and tenderness the Christ has for us is a gift that unequalled. Praising the God who cares so deeply for all creation, we light this candle. Together, we will demonstrate and share the love of Christ. Advent Wreath Lighting - congregation joins in Love, love, love The heart of Christ is love! On all who come He pours his presence Life and love in holy essence Love, love, love The heart of Christ is love! Children s Time Bidding Prayer Officiant: My sisters and brothers in Christ, in this season when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let it be our duty and delight to hear once more the message of the angels and go in heart and mind to Bethlehem to see the Son of God lying in a manger. As we hear the reading of God s holy word, let us rejoice that the glory of the Lord has been revealed. Let us find new hope in the promise that God is with us. Let us join with Mary, the favored handmaid, and offer ourselves in service to God s holy and saving purpose for the world. Let us bless the name of the God of our salvation who brings the dawn of forgiveness and salvation to those who live in the shadow of death and despair. Let us raise our voices with the messenger who announces good news of great joy to all people. And let us give thanks to the one whose power has made us the children of God. As we mark once more the mystery of the Word made flesh, let us join with the song of angels and saints and make this place ring with our carols and hymns of praise. But first, let us remember the poverty of the birth of the Prince of Peace, and pray for the poor, the cold, the hungry, and those among us who find that there is no room for them at the inn. Let us remember the flight of the Holy Family into Egypt, and pray for the oppressed, refugees, the isolated, and those on the edges of our society. Let us remember that the Lord of Glory experienced the pain of life and death, and pray for the sick, the anxious, the weary, and the bereaved. And remembering the promise that he shall reign for ever and ever, Let us pray for the rulers of the nations, For peace and justice on earth, For the unity and mission of the Church, That we may be a sign that God s rule on earth has already begun. And now, to sum up all these petitions, let us pray in the words which Christ himself has taught us, saying:

5 The Lord s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Officiant: With joy in our hearts, let us hear again the story of the birth of Christ, and join with Mary and Joseph, with shepherds and wise men, and with all our forbears in faith in offering our worship. Please be seated. FIRST LESSON: God Announces in the Garden of Eden That the Seed of Woman Shall Bruise the Serpent s Head Genesis 3 Reader: Alexa (Sunday School) And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. And the Lord God called unto Adam and said unto him Where Art Thou? And he said I heard thy voice in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself. And the Lord said Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree and I did eat. And the Lord God said unto the woman What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said The serpent beguiled me and I did eat And the Lord God said unto the serpent Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle and above every beast of the field; Upon thy belly shalt thou go and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life; and I will put enmity between thee and the woman and between thy seed and her seed; It shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel Adam Lay YBounden (Boris Ord)

6 SECOND LESSON: Isaiah 9 Christ s Birth and Kingdom are Foretold by Isaiah Reader: Gerry Bongard (Choir) The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. Hymn Up! Good Christian Folk, And Listen (Tune from Piae Cantiones, arranged G. Woodward) Unto Us Is Born a Son (Tune from Piae Cantiones, arr Willcocks) Unto us is born a Son King of quires supernal See on earth his life begun Of lords the Lord eternal, Of lords the Lord eternal. Christ, from heav n descending low Comes on earth a stranger Ox and ass their owner know Becradled in the manger, Becradled in the manger. This did Herod sore affray And grievously bewilder So he gave to word to slay, And slew the little childer, And slew the little childer. Of his love and mercy mild This the Christmas story And O that Mary s gentle Child Might lead us up to glory, Might lead us up to glory. O and A, and A and O Cum cantibus in choro Let our merry organ go Benedicamus Domino, Benedicamus Domino.

7 THIRD LESSON: The Peace That Christ Will Bring is Foreshown Isaiah 11: Reader: Gail Anderson (Choir) And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots: and the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; and shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord. With righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. Long Ago, Prophets Knew (Tune from Piae Cantiones, arr Archer) FOURTH LESSON: The Prophet Micah Foretells the Glory Of Little Bethlehem Micah 5 Reader: Jacqui Gilbert (Altar Guild) But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel. And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth. Hymn All My Heart This Night Rejoices (Johann Ebeling) 145 Good King Wenceslas (Melody Piae Cantiones; arr Willcocks) Ladies/Girls please sing the Page Parts Gentlemen/Boys please sing the King parts

8 FIFTH LESSON: The Angel Gabriel Salutes The Blessed Virgin Mary Luke 1 Reader: Pam Park (ACW) And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. CAROL: The Seven Joys of Mary (Traditional English Melody, arranged P. Dreamer) SIXTH LESSON: St Luke Tells of the Birth of Jesus Luke 2 Reader: Alex Pierson (Director of Music) And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David which is called Bethlehem (Because he was of the house and lineage of David): to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she would be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Hymn Rocking (Czech, arranged Martin Shaw) 126 Away In a Manger (Cradle Song, arranged Willcocks)

9 SEVENTH LESSON: The Shepherds go to the Manger Luke 2 Reader: Lloyd Lewis (Warden) And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. Hymn O Leave Your Sheep (French Traditional, arr. Rutter) 136 While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks (Winchester Old) EIGHTH LESSON: Jesus Receives His Name and is Presented to Simeon Luke 2 Reader: (Lay Reader) And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord s Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance Flowing (French, arr Willcocks) Hymn 128 The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy (West Indian )

10 NINTH LESSON: The Wise Men are led by the Star to Jesus Matthew 2 Reader: Reverend Michael Rice (Incumbent) Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him and all Jerusalem with him And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him; In Bethlehem of Judaea; for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda; for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and lo, the star which they saw in the east went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him; and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts: gold and frankincense and myrrh. How Far Is It to Bethlehem? (Geoffrey Shaw) Offertory Hymn 135 Shepherds in the Field Abiding (Iris) Please kneel. The Collect for Christmas O God, who makest us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of thy only son, Jesus Christ: Grant that as we joyfully receive him for our Redeemer, so we may with sure confidence behold him, when he shall come to be our judge; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen. Prayers of the People Shirley Dewey Let us pray to the Lord who has brought salvation to all who will hear his word. Rejoicing with Mary that the word comes among us, let us offer to God our prayers, saying Lord, hear our prayer. Bless all the places where your people meet for worship, but keep us from valuing them more highly than the knowledge that you are present everywhere. In the Worldwide Anglican Communion, we remember especially The Episcopal Church of Wyoming, and The Right Reverend Ali Buba Lamido. In our diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for the Parish of of Wolfe Island, Church of the Trinity, Christ Church, and The Rev. Gerry Moore. Bless those whom you have called to be priests and ministers in the Church remembering especially Michael our Bishop, Michael our priest and Kate Ann our Deacon. Grant them all the faith and trust that was in Mary, to always be ready to receive your word. We pray saying Lord, hear our prayer.

11 By the Holy Spirit who came to Mary, bring peace and good will among all the nations remembering especially Elizabeth our Queen, Justin our Prime Minister, Kathleen our Premier and Taso our Mayor. Lead these rulers to acknowledge your lordship and to exercise their power in the obedience of faith. We pray saying Lord, hear our prayer. May we discover in true spiritual virginity the richness of what God alone can do to make Christ come alive in Mary, in us, and in all the world. We pray saying Lord, hear our prayer. Give to us, our families and friends, ears eager to hear you and eyes open to perceive you. In our Parish cycle of prayer, we pray for Helen Burkitt, Barbara & Charles Burnett, Jean & Peter Calberry, and their families. We celebrate this week with Richard Bly on his upcoming retirement. May he be blessed and guided by the Holy Spirit during this time of transition in his life. We also celebrate with Bishop Michael, Shirley Bongard and Joan Ford on their birthdays this coming week. The week after Christmas we celebrate with Ron Akey and Matthew Akey on their birthdays and with Sam and Rani Jeeva on their anniversary. May our assembly of disciples be a place for the shaping of Christ by God s power, so that we may give birth to Christ from the womb of not just our community, but for the world. We pray saying Lord, hear our prayer. May we remember before God all who are in any need and who cry for the presence of God remembering especially Jeanie Oulton, Dorothy & Orval Thornton, Brenda Ryan, Gwenda McBayne, Marie, Eva, Susan, yn, Bob, Maddy, Dale, Peter, Vera Kelter, Joy Sills, Marjorie Spencer, Flo Fyfe and Michael Schuab. Bless and comfort them and give them strength to persevere, in the knowledge that You are working in all things. We pray saying Lord, hear our prayer. We pray for those who have died. Give them rest in the heavenly home where in our mercy there is peace for all. We pray saying Lord, hear our prayer. May our deepest hearts find strength in the gift of blessed hope that what God has begun to do in our world and in all our persons by Christ s saving work will be brought to its fullness by the birth of our Saviour. Call us to yourself, O God, as you called Mary, that we may be formed into a dwelling of holiness, giving life to all the peoples of the world through Mary s son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen The Blessing May he who by his Incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, grant you the fullness of inward peace and goodwill; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be amongst you and remain with you always. Amen. The Dismissal Lay Reader: Response: Let Us Go Forth in Peace In the Name of Christ. Amen Hymn 148 See Amid The Winter s Snow (See Amid; descant Willcocks) Voluntary Postlude on Regent Square (A.L. Page)

12 Prayers Anglican Cycle of Prayer: Please pray for The Episcopal Church of Wyoming, and The Right Reverend Ali Buba Lamido. Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Please pray for The Parish of Wolfe Island, Church of the Trinity, Christ Church, and The Rev. Gerry Moore. In our Parish Cycle of Prayer: Please pray for Helen Burkitt, Barbara & Charles Burnett, Jean & Peter Calberry, and their families. We celebrate this week with Richard Bly on his upcoming retirement. May he be blessed and guided by the Holy Spirit during this time of transition in his life. We also celebrate with Bishop Michael. Shirley Bongard and Joan Ford on their birthdays this coming week. The week after Christmas we celebrate with Ron Akey and Matthew Akey on their birthdays and with Sam and Rani Jeeva on their anniversary. Please pray for: Jeanie Oulton, Dorothy & Orval Thornton, Brenda Ryan, Gwenda McBayne, Marie, Eva, Susan, yn, Bob, Maddy, Dale, Peter, Vera Kelter, Joy Sills, Marjorie Spencer, Flo Fyfe and Michael Schuab. Announcements Propers for next week: Christmas Eve - Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Luke 2: 1-20 We still have some National Church Calendars available from the office. The cost remains the same at $5.00 per calendar. Evensong and Bishop s New Year s Levée at Christ Church Chapel Royal, Tyendinaga on Sunday, December 31 st at 5 p.m. Reception to follow. Bishop Michael Oulton will preside as the Bishop Ordinary of the chapel. Worshipers are welcome to arrive 45 minutes early to take part in the music rehearsal. Please note that the Office will be closed December 25,26, 27. Upcoming Services Wednesday, December 20 10:15 a.m. BCP Sunday, December 24 Christmas Eve Please note there are no morning services Family Service - 4:30 p.m. Traditional Service 10:00 p.m. Christmas Day - Sunday, December 25 th, 10:00 a.m. no service Wednesday December 27 th New Year s Eve Sunday, December 31 st 10:00 a.m. Retirement and Nursing Home Services Tuesday Dec. 19 2:00 p.m. Richmond Retirement Thursday Dec. 21 2:00 p.m. Bayview Retirement Friday Dec :30 a.m. Eden Place