The Nativity of Our Lord 24 December 2018

Transcription

1 The Nativity of Our Lord 24 December 2018 ST. MARK S LUTHERAN CHURCH 1900 ST. PAUL STREET BALTIMORE, MD Phone: Fax: On the web at: stmarksbaltimore.org Follow us on Facebook A Reconciling in Christ Congregation Staff Pastor Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Donnella II Administrator Stephen E. Kohler Cantor James Harp Deacons Clifford Andersson, Connie Lisch, Sexton Jeffry Spangler Sue Romanic MISSION STATEMENT The Mission of St. Mark s Church is to embrace diversity, practice hospitality, and make known Christ s presence in Word and Deed. PARTICIPATING IN THIS LITURGY: Presider Deacon Chalicist/Crucifer Torches Thurifer Lector Prayer Petitioner Greeters Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Donnella, II Rev. Ms. Connie Lisch Mr. Richard Spittel Audrey Huka, Louise Ricketts Woodland Pomeroy Charlotte Floyd Audrey Huka Caroline Bahr, Emily Bergstresser Christmas Eve œ œ œ œ

2 24 December 2018 The Nativity of Our Lord - Christmas Eve The first verse will be sung by Rebecca Wood, Soprano On a long winter evening we gather to proclaim the coming of the light. Isaiah announces that the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Paul reminds us that the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all. In the familiar account of Christ s birth, the evening sky is bright with the heavenly host singing, Glory to God in the highest. Amid our broken world we proclaim that the prince of peace is born among us. God comes to us in human flesh in Christ s body and blood so that we may be bearers of divine light to all the world.

3 Sir Christemas - The Assembly will please sit CHRISTOPHER HARTUNG, BARITONE William Matthias THE HOLY EUCHARIST Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell. Who is there that singeth so, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell? I am here, Sir Christemas. Welcome, my lord Sir Christemas! Welcome to us all, both more and less! Come near, Nowell. Dieu vous garde, beaux sieurs, tidings I you bring: A maid hath borne a child full young, The which causeth you for to sing: Nowell. Christ is now born of a pure maid; In an oxstall he is laid, Wherefore sing we all at a brayde: Nowell. Buvez bien par toute la compagnie, Make good cheer and be right merry, And sing with us now joyfully: Nowell. (Anonymous 16 th century) -The Assembly will please stand- Voices of the Sky HAKEEM HENDERSON, TENOR H. Alexander Mathews O lovely voices of the sky that hymned our Saviour s birth! Are ye not singing still on high, ye that sang Peace on earth? To us yet speak the strains, wherewith in days gone by, ye blessed the Syrian swains, O voices of the sky! O clear and shining light! Whose beams that house heaven s glory shed around the palms and o er the streams, and on the shepherd s head; be near, through life and death as in that holiest night of hope and joy and faith O clear and shining light! O lovely voices of the sky that hymned our Saviour s birth! (Felicia Hemans 1827) O Holy Night GABRIELLE DEMERS, SOPRANO Adolphe Adam O holy night! The stars are brightly shining, it is the night of our dear Saviour s birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining, til He appear d and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born. O night divine, O night, O night Divine. Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is peace. Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother; and in His name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, Let all within us praise His holy name. Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever, His power and glory evermore proclaim. (Placide Cappeau (1843), translated by John Sullivan (1855)

4 GREETING P. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. C. Those who live in a land of deep darkness on them has light shined! P. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the father and Christ Jesus, our Lord. C. Amen. A. Let us celebrate, beloved, the birth of Christ our Lord, raise our hearts and minds on high, and go in spirit to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord makes known to us. C. O come, let us adore! A. The Lord draws near, expectation of the nations, and salvation of the world. O city of Bethlehem, prepare the stable; shepherds and magi, make haste. Come, all you faithful, and see His glory; glory as of the only Son of the Father. C. O come, let us adore! PROCESSION TO THE CRECHE At this point a procession forms with the Deacon bearing the image of the Christ Child to be placed in the nativity scene at the side of the church. The congregation is asked to remain standing, and to join in singing the following hymn: Please refer to the following page. P. Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of the universe: thanksgiving, praise and glory be to you, who for our salvation gave your Son to be born poor and low, of Mary, His Mother, and your Holy Spirit. He came down among us that we may be raised on high. His birth is our peace and your good will, a new birth of human life. Let us become and remain partakers of this new life in Christ our Lord. C. Amen At this point the celebrant will sprinkle with water and incense the crèche.

5 P. Heaven and earth are joined. Christ is born! Our God has come to earth and humanity may rise up to heaven. Light shines in darkness, and the humble sing with the angels. CANTICLE OF PRAISE PRAYER OF THE DAY P. Let us pray: Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C. Amen. FIRST READING: Isaiah 9:2-7 -The Assembly will please sit- 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. 3 You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 4 For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His authority shall grow continually,

6 and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Lector: Assembly: PSALM SONG The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. are self-controlled, upright, and godly, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14 He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. Lector: Assembly: The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. -The Assembly will please stand- Candles will be lighted by the torchbearers. 1 Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright round yon virgin mother and child. Holy Infant, so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace. 2 Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight; glories stream from heaven afar, heav'nly hosts sing, alleluia! Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born! GOSPEL: Luke 2: Sing a new song to the Lord for He has worked wonders. His right hand and His holy arm have brought salvation. Antiphon. 2. The Lord has made known the salvation of our nations. He remembered His truth and love for the house of Israel. Antiphon. 3. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Shout to the Lord all the earth, ring out our joy. Antiphon. 4. Sing psalms to the Lord with the harp, with the sound of music. With trumpets and the sound of the horn acclaim the Lord. Antiphon. SECOND READING: Titus 2: The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, 12 training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that A. The holy gospel according to Luke. C. Glory to you, O Lord. 1 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over

7 their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors! A. The gospel of the Lord. C. Praise to you, O Christ. 3 Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love's pure light radiant beams from your holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at your birth, Jesus, Lord, at your birth. SERMON Text: Joseph Mohr, ; tr. John F. Young, Candles will be collected by the ushers. -The Assembly will please sit- -The Assembly will please stand- The First Noel 1 The first Noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; in fields where they lay, keeping their sheep, on a cold winter's night that was so deep. Refrain Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! Born is the King of Israel. 2 They looked up and saw a star shining in the east beyond them far; and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night. Refrain 3 And by the light of that same star three wise men came from country far; to seek for a king was their intent, and to follow the star wherever it went. Refrain 4 This star drew near to the northwest, o'er Bethlehem it took its rest; and there it did both stop and stay right over the place where Jesus lay. Refrain 5 Then entered in those wise men three, full rev'rently upon their knee, and offered there in his presence their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. Refrain CREED We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. Text: English traditional

8 He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Petition response: hear our prayer. PEACE OFFERING SENTENCE -The Assembly will please sit- ANTHEM Glory to God Georg Frideric Handel Glory to God, to God in the highest, and to His people: peace. Thus all the angels rejoiced, and sang: Glory to God in the highest! Amen, Hallelujah, Amen! (Paraphrase of the Gloria in Excelsis; Music adapted from Handel s Coronation Anthems by James Harp) -The Assembly will please stand- Please refer to the following page.

9 OFFERING PRAYER A. Let us pray: C. Good and loving God, we rejoice in the birth of Jesus, who came among the poor to bring the riches of your grace. As you have blessed us with your gifts, let them be blessing for others. With the trees of the field, with all earth and heaven, we shout for joy at the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. DIALOGUE and in whom you take delight. He is your Word, sent from heaven to a virgin s womb. He there took on our nature and our lot and was shown forth as your Son, born of the Holy Spirit and of the virgin Mary. He, our Lord Jesus, fulfilled all your will and won for you a holy people; he stretched out his hands in suffering in order to free from suffering those who trust you. He is the one who, handed over to a death he freely accepted, in order to destroy death, to break the bonds of the evil one, to crush hell underfoot, to give light to the righteous, to establish his covenant, and to show forth the resurrection, taking bread and giving thanks to you, said: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. In the same way he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me. For as often as we eat of this bread and drink from this cup, we proclaim the Lord s death until he comes. -The Assembly may kneel or continue to stand, or sit- THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE We give you thanks, Father, through Jesus Christ, your beloved Son, whom you sent in this end of the ages to save and redeem us and to proclaim to us your will. He is your Word, inseparable from you, through whom you created all things, Remembering, then, his death and resurrection, we take this bread and cup, giving you thanks that you have made us worthy to stand before you and to serve you as your priestly people. Send your Spirit upon these gifts of your church; gather into one all who share this bread and wine; fill us with your Holy Spirit to establish our faith in truth, that we may praise and glorify you through your Son Jesus Christ;

10 through whom all glory and honor are yours, almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit, in your holy church, both now and forever. INVITATION TO COMMUNION P. These are the gifts of God for the people of God C. Holy things for a holy people. LAMB OF GOD -The Assembly will please sit- LORD S PRAYER DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNION All are invited to partake of the sacrament of Holy Communion. Distribution of the bread will take place at the head of the center aisle (in front of the font), with a chalice of wine to either side. You may receive the wine from the common cup or by intinction. Please return to your pew by the side aisles. We ask that the Choir be allowed to commune first. œ œ

11 DISTRIBUTION MOTET O Magnum Mysterium Tomas Luis da Victoria O great mystery, and wonderful sacrament, that animals should see the new-born Lord, lying in a manger! Blessed is the Virgin whose womb was worthy to bear the Lord, Jesus Christ. Alleluia! (Ancient Roman Rite Responsorial Matins chant for the Nativity of Our Lord) Jesu, Jesu, Little Son SABRINA COLEMAN CLARK, SOPRANO Stanley Day Jesu, Jesu, little son, tiny baby, holy one, sleep while I sing. Gentle Saviour, shepherd King, sleep while I sing. Angels alleluias sing, Wise men call Thee newborn King, Sleep, holy babe. Shepherds come led by a star, o sleep holy babe. Jesu, Jesu, little son, tiny baby, holy one, sleep while I sing. (Elizabeth Cooper) -The Assembly will please stand- PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION A. Let us pray: Radiant God, with our eyes we have seen your salvation, and in this meal we have feasted on your grace. May your Word take flesh in us, that we may be your holy people, revealing your glory made known to us in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. C. Amen. BLESSING P. Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. C. Amen. œ œ

12 DISMISSAL A. Go in peace. Share the good news. C. Thanks be to God. VOLUNTARY from Variations on Adeste Fidelis, Finale Marcel Dupré Christmas Memorials & Honoraria The following persons have made contributions to the decoration of St. Mark s Church for the celebration of The Nativity of Our Lord. In Memory of: Copyright 2018 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. THE SCHOLA CANTORVM Harold S. Miller, Ano V. Miller, Gene Whipp, Eva Shipley by Gene Miller & Don Zimmerman My mother and grandmother, Brenda Hicks, and Inez Comer by James Hicks Gene and Perry Walston by Jeremy Walston Soprano: Jennifer Dailey; Gabrielle DeMers; Rebecca Wood; Contralto: Sabrina Coleman Clark; Connie Lisch, Leslie Procter; Suzi Surrey; Tenor: William Clark; Hakeem Henderson; Joseph Weeks Bass: Paul Lambert; John Lisch, Shawn MacDowell; Brad Schlegel; Peter Weitzmann Emilie Neusinger Welsh by Ralph R. Welsh Norman L. Hanson, Mary Reed Hanson, Anna Adkins Reed, Mary Carrol Ginno, Nancy Hanson Mayer, by Barbara Hanson Jeremy L. Parker, Nancy Browse, by Sara Jane Parker Wilfred Phillips, Julia Phillips, John Phillips, by Joan Phillips Hoyle Paul Britt, Civilian Casualties of War by Andrew Colletta Bobby, Nicky, Tony, and Joey Williamson by Nancy Nedwell The Sachs Family, David Klein and parents, P. Thomas Barry, by Harold R. Sachs Mildred and Ira Dwight Scott by Sylvia Lukemire Rev. B. F. Booher, my Dad, by Debrah Hunter Debbie Etheridge by Susan Surrey

13 Helen Hanzelman, Anna Farrell, The Arrington Family, The Reese Family, Dale Shain, The Appler Family by Louise Ricketts Harold and Donna Fink by Teri Lura Bennett Andrew Neale by Caroline & David Bahr Jack and Eunice LeBon, John and Dolores Romanic by Sue Romanic & John LeBon My brother-in-law, Gunnar Mengers, and my Aunt, Rachel Gray by Emily Bergstresser My grandmother, Eva Nancy Robinson, by Emanuel Nixon My mom, Marilyn G. Bernache, and dad, Phil Bernache by Debrah Hunter Thomas L. Gross, Carl & Markye Greenawald by John Carter Kimberly and Sam Yaple by Dorothy M. White People of St. Mark s by Audrey Huka Jason Wolf and Children, Jennifer Day and Children, Sheri Griesz, Linda Wagner and Children, Alyce Verville and Children by Lou Wolf. Stephen Kohler, Jeff Spangler, Jim Harp, St. Mark s Choir by Brad Schlegel Marie and Samuel Landenberger, Herbert White, Janet and Garad Yaple, The Lehr Family by Dorothy M. White Bram J. J.. Huka, Baron Enricho Huka, Kona Hendriks by Audrey Huka Eiko Matsuhashi Wolf, Toshiko Matsuhashi Kajita, Mildred I. Wolf, Louis C. Wolf, Sr., Noel Timothy Wolf, Joseph Dunnigan, George J. Buddy, by Lou Wolf Bill and Betty Schlegel, Brent Schlegel, Fallen Warriors, Jack and Elsa Jane Siegmund, Ross and Dorothea Kruse, Tom Clarke by Brad Schlegel In Honor of: My friends at St. Mark s; Suzanne Kayne, Brad Grant, by Andrew Colletta The Staff of St. Mark s by Nancy Nedwell My children and grandchildren by Harold R. Sachs The Flowers at the Altar are given to the glory of God by Charles Smith in memory of Gilbert Jenkins; and by John and Connie Lisch. Stephen Kohler, Gene Miller & Donald Zimmerman, Catherine Lukemire Radcliffe, by Sylvia Lukemire

14 The Proclamation of the Birth of Christ Today, the twenty-fifth day of December, unknown ages from the time when God created the heavens and the earth and then formed man and woman in his own image. Several thousand years after the flood, when God made the rainbow shine forth as a sign of the covenant. Twenty-one centuries from the time of Abraham and Sarah; thirteen centuries after Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt. Eleven hundred years from the time of Ruth and the Judges; one thousand years from the anointing of David as king; in the sixty-fifth week according to the prophecy of Daniel. In the one hundred and ninety-fourth Olympiad; the seven hundred and fifty-second year from the foundation of the city of Rome. The forty-second year of the reign of Octavian Augustus; the whole world being at peace, Jesus Christ, eternal God and Son of the eternal Father, desiring to sanctify the world by his most merciful coming, being conceived by the Holy Spirit, and nine months having passed since his conception, was born in Bethlehem of Judea of the Virgin Mary. Today is the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh. from the Roman Martyrology