Saints Parish Church Kingston upon Thames Christmas Day 2016
Emmanuel God with us Of all the Christian festivals, Christmas is perhaps the most evocative and widely known but, behind it, lies the simple suggestion that we are not alone. That in a confusing, and often painful world, God s life overlaps with ours, releasing energy and insight to help us cope with the realities that we face. From a fragile and vulnerable beginning, meeting our precarious existence head on, comes a life which shows us that when we are compassionate and merciful, when we forgive and forbear, when we love and live with joy in the present moment, then we let the life of God be born in us as it was in Jesus. You are very welcome to Saints this morning. At certain times in the service the choir sings on behalf of the congregation; this allows us to think more deeply about our relationship with God in our lives, through meditating on the words and music chosen for the service. The words that they sing are listed in this service book. There are activities for young children during the service until the Communion. Anyone who would like to take part should come forward to the altar at the end of the first hymn. Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means God is with us. Services on the next few Sundays Sunday 1st January Services as usual. Sunday 8th January Morning service as usual. Epiphany Carol Service at 6.00pm.
We gather together Please remain seated while the Choir sings the Introit. Ding-dong, ding: Ding-a-dong-a-ding: Ding-dong, ding-dong: Ding-a-dong-ding. Up! good Christen folk, and listen How the merry church bells ring, And from steeple Bid good people Come adore the new-born King: Tell the story how from glory God came down at Christmastide, Bringing gladness, Chasing sadness, Show ring blessings far and wide. Born of mother, blest o er other, Ex Maria Virgine, In a stable ( Tis no fable), Christus natus hodie. Words: George R. Woodward (1848-1934). Music: from Piae Cantiones (1582). 1
Hymn Christians awake! salute the happy morn Whereon the Saviour of the world was born; Rise to adore the mystery of love Which hosts of angels chanted from above; With them the joyful tidings first begun Of God incarnate and the Virgin s Son. Then to the watchful shepherds it was told, Who heard the angelic herald s voice, Behold, I bring you tidings of a Saviour s birth To you and all the nations on the earth: This day hath God fulfilled his promised word, This day is born a Saviour, Christ the Lord. He spake; and straightway that celestial choir In hymns of joy, unknown before, conspire; The praises of redeeming love they sang, And heaven s whole orb with alleluyas rang: God s highest glory was their anthem still, Peace on the earth, and unto men goodwill. To Bethlem straight the enlightened shepherds ran To see the wonder God had wrought for man, And found, with Joseph and the blessed Maid, Her Son, the Saviour, in a manger laid: Joyful, the wondrous story they proclaim The first apostles of his infant fame. Like Mary let us ponder in our mind God s wondrous love in saving lost mankind; Trace we the Babe, who hath retrieved our loss, From his poor manger to his bitter cross; Then may we hope, angelic hosts among, To sing, redeemed, a glad triumphal song. Words: John Byrom (1691-1763) Tune: Yorkshire (Stockport), by John Wainwright (1723-1768) 2
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. After blessing the crib and lighting the Christmas candle, we say these responses: The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. And we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father s only son, full of grace and truth. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. The priest and people greet each other: The Lord be with you and also with you. Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: 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. 3
Prayers of Penitence The priest invites everyone to recall their shortcomings. After a few moments we say together the prayer of confession. Most merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we confess that we have sinned in thought, word and deed. We have not loved you with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. In your mercy forgive what we have been, help us to amend what we are, and direct what we shall be; that we may do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God. Amen. Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Lord, have mercy. The Choir sings the Gloria from the St Nicholas Mass by Joseph Haydn (1732 1809). Gloria in excelsis Deo. Et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis. Laudamus te, benedicimus te, adoramus te, glorificamus te. Gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam. Domine Deus, rex cælestis, Deus Pater omnipotens. Domine Fili unigenite, Jesu Christe. Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris. Qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis. 4
The Collect Suscipe deprecationem nostram. Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, miserere nobis. Quoniam tu solus sanctus. Tu solus Dominus. Tu solus altissimus, Jesu Christe. Cum sancto Spiritu in gloria Dei Patris. Amen. Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen. We say together the special prayer for Christmas Day. Almighty God, you have given us your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him and as at this time to be born 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 Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen 5
We hear God s Word Readings from the Old and New Testament Isaiah 62: 6-end Titus 3: 4-7 Hymn Long ago, prophets knew Christ would come, born a Jew, Come to make all things new; Bear his people's burden, Freely love and pardon. Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring! Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing! When he comes, When he comes, Who will make him welcome? God in time, God in man, This is God's timeless plan: He will come, as a man, Born himself of woman, God divinely human. Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring! Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing! When he comes, When he comes, Who will make him welcome? 6
Mary hail! Though afraid, She believed, she obeyed. In her womb, God is laid: Till the time expected, Nurtured and protected. Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring! Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing! When he comes, When he comes, Who will make him welcome? Journey ends! Where afar Bethlehem shines, like a star, Stable door stands ajar. Unborn Son of Mary, Saviour, do not tarry! Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring! Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing! Jesus comes! Jesus comes! We will make him welcome! Words: F Pratt Green (1903-2000) Tune: Personent Hodie, melody from Piae Caniones (1582) 7
The Gospel eluia, alleluia. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory. eluia. Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. Glory to you, O Lord. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 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: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and 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 heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours! When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us. So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 8
But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (Luke 2:8-20) At the end of the reading: This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. Sermon The preacher today is Revd Sandy Cragg. After the sermon, silence may be kept. 9
The 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 from the Holy Spirit and 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. 10
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 worshipped 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 for the World, our Community and Ourselves During the prayers this or another response may be used. Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer. And at the end Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen Silence may be kept. 11
We share Holy Bread and Wine The Peace The priest introduces the peace. The peace of the Lord be always with you and also with you. Let us offer one another a sign of peace. Hymn During which a collection is taken for the work of our church, and with it, the bread and wine for Communion are brought to the altar. While shepherds watched their flocks by night seated on the ground The angel of the Lord came down And glory shone around. Fear not, said he, (for mighty dread Had seized their troubled mind); Glad tidings of great joy I bring To you and all mankind. To you in David s town this day Is born of David's line A Saviour who is Christ the Lord And this shall be the sign. The heavenly Babe you there shall find To human view displayed, meanly wrapped in swathing bands And in a manger laid. 12
Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith Appeared a shining throng Of angels praising God, who thus Addressed their joyful song: glory be to God on high And on the earth be peace; Goodwill henceforth from heaven to men Begin and never cease! Words: Nahum Tate (1652-1715) Tune: Winchester New, in Thomas Este s Psalter (1592) Preparation of the Table Word made flesh, life of the world, in your incarnation you embraced our poverty: by your Spirit may we share in your riches. Amen. 13
The Eucharistic Prayer The priest sings The Lord is here. His Spirit is with us. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give thanks and praise. The priest says the first part of the eucharistic prayer, after which the Choir sings: Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth. Pleni sunt coeli et terra gloria tua. Hosanna in excelsis! Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Glory be to thee, O Lord most high! We praise and bless you, loving Father, through Jesus Christ, our Lord; and as we obey his command, send your Holy Spirit, that broken bread and wine outpoured may be for us the body and blood of your dear Son. On the night before he died he had supper with his friends and, taking bread, he praised you. He broke the bread, gave it to them and said: Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me. 14
When supper was ended he took the cup of wine. Again he praised you, 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. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. So, Father, we remember all that Jesus did, in him we plead with confidence his sacrifice made once for all upon the cross. Bringing before you the bread of life and cup of salvation, we proclaim his death and resurrection until he comes in glory. Great is the mystery of faith: Christ has died: Christ is risen: Christ will come again. Lord of all life, help us to work together for that day when your kingdom comes and justice and mercy will be seen in all the earth. Look with favour on your people, gather us in your loving arms and bring us with St John the Evangelist, St John the Divine and all the saints to feast at your table in heaven. Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory are yours, O loving Father, for ever and ever. Amen. We sit or kneel. 15
The Lord s Prayer As our Saviour taught us, so we pray: 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, the power, and the glory for ever and ever. Amen. Breaking of the Bread The priest breaks the consecrated bread. We break this bread to share in the body of Christ. Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread. Silence may be kept. Giving of Communion The priest invites everyone to receive communion. Draw near with faith. Receive the body of our Lord Jesus Christ which he gave for you, and his blood which he shed for you. Eat and drink in remembrance that he died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith with thanksgiving. 16
The Choir sings: Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem. O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, grant us thy peace. Everyone is invited to come forward to receive the bread and wine or a blessing, regardless of whether it is your normal practice to do so. The Choir will sing the following carols. Hodie Christus natus est: Hodie Salvator apparuit: Hodie in terra canunt Angeli, laetantur Archangeli Hodie exsultant justi, dicentes: Gloria in excelsis Deo. eluia. Today Christ is born: Today the Savior appeared: Today on Earth the Angels sing, Archangels rejoice: Today the righteous rejoice, saying: Glory to God in the highest. eluia. Words: Antiphon to the Magnificat, at Vespers on Christmas Day. Music: Luca Marenzio (1556-1599). 17
I sing of a maiden That is makeless; King of all kings To her son she ches. He came all so still Where his mother was, As dew in April That falleth on the grass. He came all so still To his mother s bower, As dew in April That falleth on the flower. He came all so still Where his mother lay, As dew in April That falleth on the spray. Mother and maiden Was never none but she; Well may such a lady God s mother be. Words: 15th century. Music: Patrick Hadley (1899-1973). 18
Prayer after Communion The priest prays the post communion prayer: God our Father, whose Word has come among us in the Holy Child of Bethlehem: may the light of faith illumine our hearts and shine in our words and deeds; through him who is Christ the Lord. Amen. Father of all, we give you thanks and praise, that when we were still far off you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace, and opened the gate of glory. May we who share Christ's body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world. Keep us firm in the hope you have set before us, so we and all your children shall be free, and the whole earth live to praise your name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. 19
Blessing We go out into the World A minister says: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen. Hymn God rest you merry, gentlemen, Let nothing you dismay, For Jesus Christ, our Saviour, Was born upon this day To save us all from Satan s power When we were gone astray: O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy. From God our heavenly Father A blessed angel came, And unto certain shepherds Brought tidings of the same, How that in Bethlehem was born The Son of God by name. O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy. 20
The shepherds at those tidings Rejoiced much in mind, And left their flocks a-feeding In tempest, storm and wind, And went to Bethlehem straightway This blessed Babe to find. O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy. Now to the Lord sing praises, you within this place, And with true love and brotherhood Each other now embrace. The holy tide of Christmas others doth efface. O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy. English traditional carol, arranged by David Willcocks (1919 2015) Organ music at the end of the service Prelude in G, BWV 541 Bach 21
Saints is part of an Anglican Team ministry with its sister churches St John the Evangelist, Grove Lane, and St John the Baptist, Kingston Vale, as well as a member of the Local Ecumenical Partnership with the United Reformed Church in Eden Street and Kingston Baptist Church in Union Street. A further special event at Saints over Christmas and Epiphany is the Epiphany Carol Service on Sunday 8th January at 6.00pm If you would like to know more about the choir or music at Saints, further information is available on the website (see address below) or by contacting the Organist and Director of Music, Stephen Westrop, choir@stephenwestrop.co.uk. For any other matters concerning Saints Church, or if you would like to speak to a priest, please call the Rector, Rev. Jonathan Wilkes, 020 3132 8717, email: jonathan@allsaintskingston.co.uk. www.allsaintskingston.co.uk