The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ Christmas Day Tuesday, December 25, 2018, 10:00 AM Prelude Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Hymnal 87 (Verse 1) Hark! the herald angels sing glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled! Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies; with the angelic host proclaim Christ is born in Bethlehem! (Refrain) Hark! the herald angels sing glory to the newborn King! (Verse 2) Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord; late in time behold him come, offspring of the Virgin s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail the incarnate Deity. Pleased as man with man to dwell; Jesus, our Emmanuel! (Refrain) (Verse 3) Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die, born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth. Risen with healing in his wings, light and life to all he brings, hail, the Sun of Righteousness! hail, the heaven-born Prince of Peace! (Refrain) Christmas Greeting & Announcements Hymn in Procession Joy to the world! The Lord is come Hymnal 100 (Verse 1) Joy to the world! The Lord is come: let earth receive her King; let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing. (Verse 2) Joy to the world! The Savior reigns; let us our songs employ, while field and floods, rocks, hills and plains, repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy. (Verse 3) No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground; he comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found far as, far as the curse is found. (Verse 4) He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness, and wonders of his love, and wonders of his love, and wonders, wonders of his love. 1
Opening Acclamation (All standing, the Celebrant says) Alleluia. To us a child is born: Come let us adore him. Alleluia. Collect for Purity Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Christmas Carol of Praise O Little Town of Bethlehem Hymnal 79 (Verses 1 & 5) (Verse 1) O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by; yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light; the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. (Verse 5) O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel! Collect of the Day (Please stand or kneel as is your custom.) BCP p. 213 The Lord be with you. And also with you. Celebrant: Let us pray. Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born this day of a pure virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. First Reading Isaiah 9:2-4, 6-7 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. 3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. 4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Reader: The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. 2
Psalm 96: 1-4,11-12 (spoken) 1 Sing to the LORD a new song; * sing to the LORD, all the whole earth. 2 Sing to the LORD and bless his Name; * proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations * and his wonders among all peoples. 4 For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; * he is more to be feared than all gods. 11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea thunder and all that is in it; * let the field be joyful and all that is therein. 12 Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy before the LORD when he comes, * when he comes to judge the earth. Second Reading Titus 2: 11-14 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Reader: The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Holy Gospel Luke 2:1-14 Reader: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. Glory to you, Lord Christ. 2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths 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, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased! Reader: The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ. Sermon Blessing of the Gifts The Rev. Stephen E. Davis., Assistant Rector 3
Nicene Creed BCP p. 326 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: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. 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. 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. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He 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 the People (Please stand or kneel as is your custom.) As we join the shepherds and celebrate with joy the birth of Jesus Christ, let us offer prayers to God who shines the light of Christ on all creation. By the birth of the Jesus Christ in the womb of the Virgin Mary. Glory and praise to you, O Lord, Emmanuel. For Foley, our archbishop, Mark, our bishop; Ron, Stephen and Dana, our priests and all who minister in Christ, and for all the holy people of God. Glory and praise to you, O Lord, The Good Shepherd. For all believers who put their trust in the incarnate Son of God. Glory and praise to you, O Lord, Wonderful Counselor. For President Trump and all the leaders of the nations and all in authority, and for peace and justice. Glory and praise to you, O Lord, Prince of Peace. For the conversion of the whole human race to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Glory and praise to you, O Lord, Messiah. For travelers, for the sick and the suffering, for the hungry and the oppressed, for those in prison, and for the dying and the dead. Glory and praise to you, O Lord, Immanuel. For our deliverance from all affliction, strife, and need. Glory and praise to you, O Lord, The Bread of Life. Remembering all the saints, let us offer ourselves and one another to the living God through Christ. To you, O Lord, King of the Universe. Source of light and gladness, accept the prayers we offer on this joyful feast. May the life of Christ spread across the world and brighten all humanity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 4
Confession of Sin We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. (Please stand or kneel as is your custom.) Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; in your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone; and so uphold us by your Spirit that we may live and serve you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Absolution Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen. Peace The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you. Then the Ministers and the People may greet one another in the name of the Lord. Offertory God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen Hymnal 105 (Verse 1) God rest you merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay; remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day, to save us all from Satan s power when we were gone astray. (Refrain) O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy; O tidings of comfort and joy! (Verse 2) From God our heavenly Father a blessèd angel came and unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same: how that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by name. (Refrain) (Verse 3) Fear not, then, said the angel, Let nothing you affright; this day is born a Savior of a pure virgin bright, to free all those who trust in him from Satan s power and might. (Refrain) (Verse 4) Now to the Lord sing praises, all you within this place, and with true love and charity each other now embrace; this holy tide of Christmas doth bring redeeming grace. (Refrain) At the Offertory At the Presentation of the gifts, all stand and say All things come from You, O Lord, and of Your own have we given You. Amen. 5
Great Thanksgiving: Eucharistic Prayer A BCP p. 361 The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise. It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. Because you gave Jesus Christ, your only Son, to be born for us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, was made perfect Man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; so that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin, and receive power to become your children. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. (Please stand or kneel as is your custom) Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world. On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me. Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith: Leader and People Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom. All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN. 6
The Lord s Prayer BCP p. 364 And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say, People and Celebrant 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, forever and ever. Amen. Breaking of the Bread BCP p. 364 Alleluia! Christ, our Passover was sacrificed for us Therefore, let us keep the feast. Alleluia! The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving. The Eucharist can be received by either standing or kneeling at the altar rail. To receive wine, you may dip your wafer or drink from the chalice. If you desire a blessing you may indicate this by crossing your arms. After communion, you may proceed to a prayer station or return to your seat. May the love of Christ fill your souls as you encounter him through this worship service. Communion Songs What Child is This? Jen Perez (Verse 1) What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping? (Chorus 1) This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary. (Verse 2) Why lies he in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear: for sinners here the silent Word is pleading. (Chorus 2) Nails, spear shall pierce Him through, the cross be borne, for me, for you. Hail, hail the Word made flesh, the babe, the son of Mary. (Verse 3) So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh, come, rich and poor, to own him; the King of kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone him. (Chorus 3) Raise, raise the song on high, the virgin sings her lullaby. Joy, joy for Christ is born, the babe, the son of Mary. Post Communion Prayer (Please stand or kneel as is your custom.) BCP p. 365 Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen. 7
Hymn in Procession Go Tell It On The Beaches Jen Perez (Refrain) Go tell it on the beaches, over the dunes and everywhere; go tell it on the beaches, that Jesus Christ is born! Dismissal (Verse 1) While shepherds kept their watching o er silent flocks by night, behold, throughout the heavens there shone a holy light. (Refrain) (Verse 2) The shepherds feared and trembled when lo! above the earth rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Savior s birth. (Refrain) (Verse 3) Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born, and God sent us salvation that blessèd Christmas morn. (Refrain) Alleluia, alleluia! Let us go forth into the world, proclaiming the birth of our Savior. Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia! Voluntary Joy to the World! G. F. Handel, arr. by Bill Wolaver 8