A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SERVICE OF LESSONS AND S In 1881, E.W. Benson, the Anglican Bishop of Truro, England, composed a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, based on ancient sources, for Christmas Eve. In 1918 it was adapted for the chapel of King s College, Cambridge, by its Dean, Eric Milner-White, who also wrote The Bidding Prayer. The Blessing after the Lord s Prayer, added by Milner-White, was first included in its present form in 1930. The service has been edited and adapted for our use today.
A SERVICE OF LESSONS AND S December 10, 2017 9:00 & 11:15 a.m. Second Sunday of Advent Please stand as you are able WELCOME & PARISH NOTICES (8:55 a.m. & 11:10 a.m.) Dr. Sam R. Matthews PRELUDE Handbell Choir & Orchestra Fantasy on Ukrainian Bell Carol (arr. Brian Childers) CHIMING OF THE HOUR The ringing of the bells three times symbolizes the presence of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Please stand during the brass fanfare.) FANFARE AND PROCESSIONAL HYMN ADESTE FIDELES Choir: O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem. Come and behold him, born the King of angels; O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord. True God of true God, Light from Light Eternal, Lo, he shuns not the Virgin s womb; Son of the Father, begotten, not created; Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation; O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest; See how the shepherds, summoned to his cradle, Leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze; We too will thither bend our joyful footsteps; Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning, Jesus, to thee be all glory given. Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;
THE BIDDING PRAYER (Please be seated.) Dr. Matthews Leader: Beloved in Christ, this Christmas Season it is our duty and delight to prepare ourselves to hear again the message of the angels, and to go in heart and mind to Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in a manger. Therefore, let us hear again from the Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God from the first days of our sin until the glorious redemption brought us by this holy Child; and let us make this house of prayer glad with our carols of praise. But first, because this of all things would rejoice Jesus heart, let us pray to him for the needs of the whole world, and all his people; for peace upon the earth he came to save; for love and unity within the one Church he did build, for goodwill among all peoples. And particularly at this time let us remember the poor, the cold, the hungry, the oppressed; the sick and those that mourn; the lonely and the unloved; the aged and the little children; and all who know not the Lord Jesus, or who love him not, or who by sin have grieved his heart of love. Lastly, let us remember all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore and in a greater light, that multitude which no one can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom, in this Lord Jesus, we forevermore are one. These prayers and praises let us humbly offer up to the throne of heaven, in the words that Christ himself has taught us: 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. Amen.
THE BLESSING Dr. Matthews Leader: The almighty God bless us with divine grace, Christ give us the joys of everlasting life, and unto the fellowship of the citizens above may the King of Angels bring us all. Amen. Combined Choirs & Orchestra Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain (Carolyn Jennings) Climb to the top of the highest mountain, joyous tidings proclaim to the world, lift up your voice, shout the good news: behold, your Lord comes to you. He will feed his flock like a shepherd, He will carry the lambs in his arms, He will ever keep them safe from harm. Behold, your Lord comes to you. He who made the stars in the heaven, He who fashioned the earth and the sea, from time eternal, he was Alpha and Omega, He. Behold, your Lord, comes to you. He will come in pow r, he will rule with truth, Hope of all the nations, Light of all. He will love the little children, He will hold them in his arms. Love him and trust him as a child, behold, your Lord comes to you. FIRST LESSON Isaiah 40:3-5, 9-11 Lindell DeJarnett, Reader The glory of the Lord shall be revealed. Carol & Chorister Choirs Hodie Christus Natus Est (Michael Bedford) Today Christ is born! Glory to God in the highest! Alleluia! Hodie Christus natus est! Gloria in excelsis Deo! Alleluia! The angels sang to the shepherds three, as they knelt on bended knee, Christ is born this holy morn! Hurry to Bethlehem and see! The shepherds left the hillside bare, traveled over the meadows fair, till in awe the Child they saw, lying in a manger there. May we, like those three shepherds poor, Come, the Christ Child to adore; May we here, every year, worship within the church s door. Then may we with joyful call, carry the news outside this hall; Thus we ll share, everywhere, God s great gift to one and all. O Who s That Yonder? (arr. John F. Wilson) Carol Choir Brittain Holle, Soloist O who s that yonder? Looks like the shepherds kneeling by a manger. O who s that yonder? Looks like Joseph standing by a manger. O who s that yonder? Looks like Mary sitting by a manger. O who s that yonder? Looks like my Lord lying in a manger.
SECOND LESSON Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 Charles Parrot, Reader The prophet foretells the coming Savior On Christmas Night (arr. Dan Forrest) Chancel Choir & Orchestra On Christmas night, all Christians sing, to hear the news the angels bring: news of great joy, news of great mirth, news of our merciful King s birth. The King of kings to us is giv n, the Lord of earth and King of heav n; heaven and earth with joy may sing all for to see the newborn King. Then why should we on earth be sad, since our Redeemer made us glad, when from our sin he set us free, all for to gain our liberty? All out of darkness we have light, which made the angels sing this night; Glory to God, and peace to men, now and forever more. Amen! THIRD LESSON Luke 1:26-35, 38 Rebecca Jones, Reader The angel Gabriel salutes the Blessed Virgin Mary. O, Come Rejoicing (arr. Dan Forrest) Chancel Choir & Orchestra O, come rejoicing, Bethlehem, rejoice ye! For of a virgin, God is born unto thee! Truly He cometh, Christ, our salvation, angels are voicing their jubilation; shepherds come to praise Him, oxen kneel before Him, what a Wonder God has giv n. Mary is singing songs for Thee, dear Jesus; Joseph is watching o er the Son so glorious. Truly He cometh, Christ, our Salvation, angels are voicing their jubilation; shepherds come to praise Him, oxen kneel before Him, what a Wonder God has giv n! PASTORAL PRAYER Rev. Brian Smith GIVING OF GOD S TITHES AND OUR OFFERINGS OFFERTORY Creator of the Stars of Night (arr. Karen Thompson) Tramaine Jones, Violin Soloist Handbell Choir HYMN 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. Noel, noel, noel, noel, born is the King of Israel. TRADITIONAL
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. 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. Choir: This star drew nigh 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. Then let us all with one accord Sing praises to our heavenly Lord, That hath made heav n and earth of naught, And with his blood mankind hath bought. FOURTH LESSON Luke 2:1, 3-7 Wesley Rodriguez, Reader St. Luke tells of the birth of Jesus. Sing We Now of Christmas (arr. Fred Prentice) Chancel Choir Sing we now of Christmas, sing we all noel. Of our Lord and Savior we the tidings tell. Sing we noel, for Christ the King is born. Sing we now of Christmas, sing we all noel. Angels from on high say, Shepherds come and see. He is born in Bethlehem, a blessed Lamb for thee. Shepherds found the child lying in a manger stall. Joseph standing by, and mother Mary mild. Magi oriental journeyed from afar. They did come to greet Him neath the shining star. Glory to God, for Christ the King is born. Sing we now of Christmas, sing we all noel! FIFTH LESSON Luke 2:1, 8-16 Lilla Kate Tucker, Reader The shepherds go to the manger.
The Snow Lay on the Ground (arr. Leo Sowerby) Venite adoremus Dominum = Come, let us adore the Lord. Youth Choir The snow lay on the ground, the star shone bright, when Christ our Lord was born on Christmas night. Venite adoramus Dominum, Venite adoramus Dominum. Twas Mary, virgin pure, of holy Anne, that brought into this world the God made man. She laid him in a stall at Bethlehem; the ass and oxen shared the roof with them. Saint Joseph too, was by to tend the child; to guard Him and protect his mother mild. The angels hovered round, and sung this song, Venite adoramus Dominum. And thus that manger poor became a throne; for he whom Mary bore was God the Son. O come, then, let us join the heavenly host, to praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Lovely Child, Holy Child (arr. David N. Johnson) Allison Nance & Donald Tawney, Soloists Chancel Choir Lovely child, Holy child, gentle, mild, undefiled; infant King, fairest King, gifts we ll bring and anthems sing: Alleluia, Alleluia. Child of light, born tonight, our delight, promise bright; Child so fair: see him there; now declare him everywhere: Alleluia, Alleluia. Rest thy head, sweetest head; gifts we ll spread at thy bed. Jesus Lord, be adored, may this word now be outpoured: Alleluia, Alleluia. To this boy, our great joy, we employ hymns of joy; Child so fair; see him there; now declare him everywhere: Alleluia, Alleluia. SIXTH LESSON Matthew 2:1-11 Savannah Grace Miles, Reader The wise men are lead by the star to Jesus. Youth Choir & Handbells At This Joyous Christmas Time (Spanish Carol, arr. Eugene Butler) At this joyous Christmas time, merry bells are ringing. Voices tell the wondrous birth, glad the story singing, Shepherds on that winter night heard the song and saw the light, heard the song of the Savior s birth. Peace to men on earth! To the blessed manger-side came the shepherds lowly. From the East by camel stride, came three wise-men holy. At this joyous Christmas time voices sing and bells do chime, the choirs do sing, and bells ring, glad the story telling! SEVENTH LESSON John 1:1-14 Dr. Matthews, Reader St. John unfolds the mystery of the Incarnation.
Peace, Peace (Powell/Bock) Combined Choirs & Orchestra Peace on earth and good will to all. This is the time for joy, this is the time for love. Now let us all sing together of peace on earth. When directed, please join the choirs and orchestra in singing Silent Night. 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. COLLECT Leader: Eternal God, by the birth of Jesus Christ you gave yourself to the world. Grant that, being born in our hearts, he may save us from all our sins, and restore within us the image and likeness of our Creator, to whom be everlasting praise and glory, world without end. Amen. Rev. Brian Smith INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP HYMN (Remain seated.) ANTIOCH Choir: Joy to the world, the Lord is come; let earth receive her King; let every heart prepare Him room, and heav n and nature sing. 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. Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns; let all their songs employ; while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains repeat the sounding joy! Please stand Choir: He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness, and wonders of his love. Joy to the world the Lord is come!
DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING Dr. Matthews Leader: Leader: Go forth into the world in peace; be of good courage; hold fast to that which is good; render to no one evil for evil; strengthen the fainthearted; support the weak; help the afflicted; honor everyone; love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen. Go forth in peace and joy. Thanks be to God. Alleluia! POSTLUDE Joy to the World (arr. Zach Collins) Orchestra SCRIPTURE READERS Lindell DeJarnett Charles Parrot Rebecca Jones Wesley Rodriguez Lilla Kate Tucker Savannah Grace Miles CLERGY Dr. Sam R. Matthews, Senior Minister Rev. Brian Smith, Associate Minister Rev. Lori Ethridge, Associate Minister MUSICIANS Mark Ridings, Director of Music Brian Parks, Organist/Music Associate Judy Jones, Director of Ensembles Brenda Brent, Pianist Catherine Moulton, Music Associate
This week at MFUMC FLOWERS: The flowers in the Sanctuary today are given to the Glory of God by Kathy and Neely Young in loving memory of their parents, Dorothy and James Young and Katherine and Jim Thomas. GIFTS TO MFUMC: In memory of Stanley Wrinkle by Carolyn & Frank Croker, Carol & Jimmy Hudgins, Jane Grimland Purcell and Patsy & Reynold Jennings. In memory of Cody Holman by Jane Grimland Purcell. Christmas Eve Sunday Morning and New Year s Eve Sunday Morning worship services will be held as regularly scheduled at both 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Christmas Angels signup on the Bridge as well as at www.mariettafumc.org/christmasangels2017. This is an opportunity to sponsor a family or child identified by the City of Marietta Schools who would not otherwise be able to afford gifts this Christmas. (Forrest Cate, ext. 806) Christmas Offering. Support our church s local and global mission work. You may make your donation when the offering is received during worship services today, next Sunday, December 17, and Christmas Eve. Advent Devotional Books written by church members, clergy and staff are available around the church and from the ushers. You may also receive devotions every day of Advent digitally by signing up at www.mariettafumc.org/adventdevotionals. Children s Power 45 Today, Sunday, December 10 from 4-6 p.m. Christmas games and prizes, singing at the Homebound Worship Service and dessert on the Square. Meet in the Family Life Hall. Sunday December 22 from 2-10 p.m. Dinner fellowship and a live nativity in Bethlehem, Ga. To register, visit www.mariettafumc.org/children. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 812) ACOLYTES Bailey Baudet and Clara Louise Rogers (9 a.m.) Jennifer Tucker and Caroline Rodriguez (11:15 a.m.) BIBLE BEARERS Heath Garrett (9 a.m.) Riley McLaughlin (11:15 a.m.) The MFUMC Women s Retreat is January 26-27 at Lake Lanier Islands Resort. To register, visit www.mariettafumc.org/womensretreat2018. (Rev. Lori Ethridge, ext. 835) Commitment Cards are in the pews. If you haven t already, please, make your 2018 financial commitment to our The Story Campaign. The Discovery Weekend 2018 is coming quickly! This is the biggest Mid High Weekend of the year. February 2-4 and the price is $115. Contact mikesmith@mariettafumc.org for more information. (Mike Smith, ext. 808) Weekday Ministry Preschool and Kindergarten Tours. Join us for one of our pre-registration tours for the 18-19 school year. Tour dates are December 12-13 and January 10-11. For more information, visit www.mariettafumc.org/wdmtour. Parents Day Out serves the church and the community by caring for children ages 2 months through 5 years old. The program features special activities such as art, music, sensory/science play as well as free and outdoor play daily. E-mail jennascanling@mariettafumc.org for additional information and reservations. (Jenna Scanling, ext. 865) To give electronically during worship to support the ministries of MFUMC, text any dollar amount to 84321. CRUCIFERS Mattie Garrett (9 a.m.) Fiona McLaughlin (11:15 a.m.) 56 Whitlock Ave. Marietta, GA 30064 770-429-7800 www.mariettafumc.org
LONGEST NIGHT WORSHIP Thursday, December 21 7 p.m. Sanctuary Through word and song, we remember that Christ shines light into the darkness of our lives. This beautiful service offers a quiet respite amidst the holiday rush. CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday, December 24 Sunday Morning Worship 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Children s Nativity 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Candlelight Communion 4 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. NEW YEAR S EVE WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday, December 31 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. CHRISTMAS OFFERING Support our church s local and global mission work. You may make your donation when the offering is received during worship services on Sundays, December 10 and 17, and Christmas Eve. ABOUT THE CHILDREN S NATIVITY WORSHIP SERVICE All children from the Nursery to fifth grade are invited to join the Children s Nativity at the 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Christmas Eve worship services. Each age group participates as Nativity characters: Angels Nursery and pre-school Shepherds Kindergarten through second grade Magi Third through fifth grades Costumes will be available in the Reception Hall prior to both services although you are welcome to provide your own.