The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ CHRISTMAS EVE Sunday, December 24, 2017 Christmas Eve Concert - 10:30 p.m. Festival Choral Eucharist - 11:00 p.m. The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew 719 N. Shipley Street Wilmington, Delaware 19801 302-656-6628 www.ssam.org
PARTICIPANTS The Reverend David T. Andrews, Jr., (Rector) Celebrant and Preacher The Reverend Canon Lloyd S. Casson (Rector Emeritus) The Reverend Emily Gibson (Associate Priest) The Reverend Peter Huiner (Associate Priest) The SsAM Adult Choir David Christopher, Organist and Director of Music Joan Sparks and Sarah Howard Carter, Flutists
Christmas Eve Concert (10:30 p.m.) Magnificat................................................... Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707) SOLOISTS Kimberly Doucette, Isabel Gray, Augustine Mercante, Charles Warrick, Walker Wiley Magnificat anima mea Dominum; Et exsultavit spiritus meus in Deo salutari meo, Quia respexit humilitatem ancillae suae; ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes generationes. Quia fecit mihi magna qui potens est, et sanctum nomen ejus, Et misericordia ejus a progenie in progenies timentibus eum. Fecit potentiam in brachio suo; Dispersit superbos mente cordis sui. My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded : the lowliness of his handmaiden: For behold, from henceforth : all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath magnified me: and holy is his Name. And his mercy is on them that fear him: throughout all generations. He hath shewed strength with his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. Deposuit potentes de sede, et exaltavit humiles. Esurientes implevit bonis, et divites dimisit inanes. Suscepit Israel, puerum suum, recordatus misericordiae suae, Sicut locutus est ad patres nostros, Abraham et semini ejus in saecula. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto: sicut erat in principio, Et nunc, et semper: et in Saecula saeculorum. Amen. He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble and meek. He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away. He remembering his mercy hath helpen his servant Israel : As he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed for ever. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen. Sonata for Two Flutes....................................... Johann Christian Schultze (b. 1958) Joan Sparks and Sarah Howard Carter, Flutists III. Adagio IV. Presto -3-
Of the Father s Love Begotten (cantata).................................. Robert Powell (b. 1932) Kimberly Doucette, soloist Joan Sparks and Sarah Howard Carter, Flutists I. Behold, the tabernacle of God Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and He shall betheir God. He is Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. II. Of the Father s love begotten Of the Father s love begotten ere the worlds began to be, He is Alpha and Omega; He the source, the ending He, of the things that are, that have been, and that future years shall see evermore and evermore! III. Oh, that birth forever blessed O that birth forever blessed, when the virgin, full of grace, by the Holy Ghost conceiving, bore the Savior of our race; and the Babe, the world s Redeemer, first revealed his sacred face, evermore and evermore! IV. O ye heights of heaven adore Him O ye heights of heaven adore Him, angel hosts, His praises sing, pow'ers, dominions, bow before Him, and extol our God and King; let no tongue on earth be silent, ev'ery voice in concert ring evermore and evermore! V. Thee let old men Thee let old men, let boys in chorus sing, Little maidens with glad voices answering; Let their guileless sons echo and the heart its music bring evermore and evermore! VI. Christ, to Thee, with God the Father Christ, to Thee with God the Father and, O Holy Ghost, to Thee, hymn and chant and high thanksgiving and unwearied praises be: honor, glory, and dominion, and eternal victory evermore and evermore! Mary, Did You Know?................................................. lyrics by Mark Lowry; Jacqueline Roberts, Piano music by Buddy Greene -4-
FESTIVAL CHORAL EUCHARIST 11:00 p.m. BCP refers to the Book of Common Prayer. Hymns marked # and service music marked S are found in the Hymnal 1982. Hymns marked (LEVAS II) are found in Lift Every Voice and Sing. All who are able, stand as the procession enters. SOLEMN PROCESSION To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory. Let us go forth in peace. In the Name of Christ, Amen, HYMN # 83 O come, all ye faithful Adeste fideles 1) 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. 2) God from God, Light from light eternal, lo! He abhors not the Virgin s womb; only begotten Son of the Father; 3) Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, sing, all ye citizens of heaven above; glory to God, glory in the highest; STATION AT THE CHRISTMAS CRECHE THE HOLY GOSPEL Luke 2:1-20 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. 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. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 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. 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 Savior, 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 favors! 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. 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. HYMN # 83 continues 4) See how the shepherds, summoned to his cradle, leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze; we too will thither bend our joyful footsteps; 5) Child, for us sinners poor and in the manger we would embrace thee, with love and awe; who would not love thee, loving us so dearly? COLLECT FOR PURITY (all in unison) 6) Yea, Lord we greet thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to thee be glory given; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing; 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. CANTICLE (sung by the choir) Glory to God in the Highest G. B. Pergolesi (1710-1736) God be with you. And also with you. Let us pray SOLOISTS Lianna Magerr, Kimberly Doucette David Anderson, Hobart Spears TRANSLATION Glory to God in the highest. And on earth peace, goodwill toward men! Peace! Peace! -6-
COLLECT OF THE DAY O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. All sit for the readings. THE WORD OF GOD At the conclusion of each Reading: Hear what the Spirit is saying to God s People. Thanks be to God. FIRST READING Isaiah 9:2-7 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. 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. 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. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 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. His authority shall grow continually, 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. PSALM 96 (sung by the choir) Cantate Domino David Hurd (b. 1950) 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. 5 As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; * but it is the Lord who made the heavens. 6 Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! * Oh, the power and the splendor of his sanctuary! -7-
7 Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples; * ascribe to the Lord honor and power. 8 Ascribe to the Lord the honor due his Name; * bring offerings and come into his courts. 9 Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; * let the whole earth tremble before him. 10 Tell it out among the nations: The Lord is King! * he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity. 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. 13 He will judge the world with righteousness * and the peoples with his truth. SECOND READING Titus 2:11-14 The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 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. All who are able, stand and sing the Hymn as the Gospel Book is carried in procession. HYMN # 24 (LEVAS II) Rise up, shepherd and follow Negro Spiritual There s a star in the East on Christmas morn, Rise up, shepherd, and follow, It will lead to the place where Christ was born, Rise up, shepherd and follow. REFRAIN Follow, follow, Rise up, shepherd and follow, Follow the star of Bethlehem, Rise up, shepherd, and follow. If you take good heed to the angel s words, Rise up, shepherd and follow, You ll forget your flocks, you ll for get your herds, Rise up, shepherd and follow. (REFRAIN) -8-
THE HOLY GOSPEL John 1:1-14 Congregation: Glory to you, Lord Christ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father s only son, full of grace and truth. ORGAN ACCLAMATION SERMON THE NICENE CREED Congregation: Praise to you, Lord Christ 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. 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, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Let us, God s people, pray. 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. O Holy Jesus, God's True Light, you come at last, full of grace and truth. Let our joy be unbounded for the arrival of our Glorious Child, One in Being with God and the Holy Spirit, who redeems and claims us for the work of Heaven on Earth. Glory to God in the Highest Heaven! Peace on Earth to All O Holy Jesus, God's True Light, remain within us and give us strength, as we give voice to your truth in all places of political, elected, and authoritarian power throughout this World, this Nation, and this Community. We pray especially for: Donald, our President; Tom, Chris, and Lisa, our Members of Congress; John, our Governor; Matt, our County Executive; and Mike, our Mayor. Glory to God in the Highest Heaven! Peace on Earth to All O Holy Jesus, God's True Light, we ask you, who were homeless as you entered this world, to enfold all who are homeless, hungry, sick, and downhearted, that they may feel your loving embrace on this Day of Days. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need Glory to God in the Highest Heaven! Peace on Earth to All O Holy Jesus, God's True Light, lift up our hearts in the joy and the hope of the Love that never ends, as we remember and celebrate all who have left the woes of this earthly plain to live forever, deep in the heart of God. We pray especially for Eleanor Derrickson, Billy Etienne, Jimmy Hackett, Anna Hayes, Dorothy McNinch, and Dell Venarde. Glory to God in the Highest Heaven! Peace on Earth to All O Holy Jesus, God's True Light, we pause in this moment to offer you our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials, aloud or silently Glory to God in the Highest Heaven! Peace on Earth to All O Holy Jesus, God's True Light, excite the hearts of all who lead us in your church with the blaze of heaven that fires each of us with the imagination and inspiration to embark anew on -10-
PEACE a Spirit-filled life. We pray especially for: Michael, our Presiding Bishop; Kevin our Bishop; David, our Rector; Lloyd, our Rector Emeritus; Emily and Peter, our Associate Priests, and Maryann, our Lay Pastoral Associate. We pray for the people of Jos, Nigeria; the Commissions of the Diocese of Mexico; and Christ Church, Christiana Hundred. Glory to God in the Highest Heaven! Peace on Earth to All The Celebrant adds the following prayer. Most High Lord Jesus, the Word, the Imprint, the Incarnate Grace of God sent to live among us, we sing to you a new song of rejoicing. Let each breath we take draw you into ourselves, that we may give out your glory and praise in all that we are, and all that we do. Guide us, guard us, goad us to live your divine will. We ask through you, Prince of Peace, and through the Holy Spirit, who together with Almighty God, from the beginning, live and reign as One, now and forever. Amen. The peace of Christ be always with you. And also with you. OFFERTORY THE HOLY COMMUNION Gluten-free wafers are at the station at the center of the altar railing ANTHEM Born on earth French Carol; arr. John Rutter English words by Jacqueline Froom Born on earth the divine Christ Child, oboes, rejoice, with bagpipes vying; Born on earth the divine Christ Child, sing to welcome the Saviour mild. Tis four thousand years and more men his birth have been prophesying; Tis four thousand years and more while we longed for the joys in store. Ah! such beauty and charm adore! Ah! such perfection of grace undying! Ah! such beauty and charm adore! Promised us in days of yore. In a stable here on earth, Jesus, in the manger lying, In a stable here on earth, O how lowly our Saviour s birth! O Jesus, Saviour, heaven s Lord, tiny child in the manger crying, Jesus, Saviour, heaven s Lord, Christ our King forevermore. All who are able, stand and sing this hymn as the gifts are brought forward. HYMN # 96 Angels we have heard on high Gloria -11-
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING Eucharistic Prayer B, BCP 367 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 God thanks and praise. The Celebrant continues 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: SANCTUS - *Choral setting from Mass of the Nativity Richard Shephard Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. [Blessed is he (the one) who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.] We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life. On the night before he died for us, 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, according to his command, O Father, We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory; -12-
The Celebrant continues And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine. We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with Andrew and Matthew and all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation. 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. CHORAL AMEN (at the conclusion of the Eucharistic Prayer) Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625) THE LORD S PRAYER (traditional) BCP 364 BREAKING OF THE BREAD FRACTION ANTHEM (all singing) Christ Our Passover Craig Phillips (b. 1971) INVITATION (all in unison) The choir adds the following verse. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; therefore let us keep the feast. The ANTIPHON is repeated by all This is the table, not of the Church but of the Lord. It is made ready for those who seek him, those who love him and those who want to love him more. So come, you who have much faith and you who have little, or are questioning faith. You who have been here often and you who have not been for a long time or ever before, You who have tried to follow and you who have failed. Come, not because the Church invites you; It is Christ who invites you to be known, fed, and loved here. COMMUNION Everyone is invited to Holy Communion -13-
HYMN O little town of Bethlehem Forest Green I 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. III How silently, how silently, The wondrous gift is giv'n! So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of his heav'n. No ear may hear his coming; But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive him, still The dear Christ enters in. II O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth, And praises sing to God the King, And peace to men on earth; For Christ is born of Mary; And, gathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wond'ring love. IV 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. When all have received communion and are at their places, candles of the worshipers are lit. The congregation may kneel to sing the following hymn. HYMN # 111 Silent night, holy night Stille Nacht 1) Silent night, holy night, 2) Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright shepherds quake at the sight, round yon virgin mother and child. glories stream from heaven afar, Holy infant, so tender and mild, heavenly hosts sing alleluia; sleep in heavenly peace. Christ, the Savior is born! Sleep in heavenly peace. Christ, the Savior, is born! POST COMMUNION PRAYER (said by all) 3) Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love s pure light radiant beams from thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen -14-
BLESSING May Almighty God, who sent his Son to take our nature upon him, bless you in this holy season, scatter the darkness of sin, and brighten your heart with the light of his holiness. Amen. May God, who sent his angels to proclaim the glad news of the Savior s birth, fill you with joy, and make you heralds of the Gospel. Amen. May God, who in the Word made flesh joined heaven to earth and earth to heaven, give you his peace and favor. Amen. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen. Candles may be extinguished during the following hymn. HYMN Hark! the herald angels sing Mendelssohn DISMISSAL 1) Hark! the herald angels sing glory to the new-born King! Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled! Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies; with angelic host proclaim Christ is born in Bethlehem! Hark! the herald angels sing glory to the new-born King! 2) Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord; late in time behold him come, off-spring of the Virgin s womb. Veiled in flesh the God-head see; hail the incarnate Deity. Pleased as man with us to dwell; Jesus, our Emmanuel! Hark! the herald angels sing glory to the new-born King! 3) Hail, the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail, the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, Risen with healing in his wings, 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. Hark! the herald angels sing glory to the new-born King! Congregational Response: Thanks be to God. VOLUNTARY Noel: Grand jeu et duo Louis-Claude Daquin -15-
Christmas Day Service Monday, December 25, 2017 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rev. David T. Andrews, Jr., Celebrant and Preacher Augustine Mercante, Soloist A Christmas Message We wish for everyone a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with happiness and peace in our homes, in our communities, and throughout the world. The Clergy, Wardens, Vestry, Staff and Congregation of The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew -16-