St. Benedict's Episcopal Church, Smyrna
December 8, 2019
St. Benedict’s is a welcoming community sharing and spreading Christ’s love
through worship, education, fellowship and outreach.
The Second Sunday of Advent
December 8, 2019 at 5:30 pm
Welcome to St. Benedict’s
If you’re visiting us for the rst time, take a look around the room. Everyone
in this room is “new” to St. Benedict’s, which was founded in 2008. As
“newcomers” we are very aware of the importance of having a welcoming
spiritual home. We are so glad you’re here. We hope you will consider joining
us regularly along your spiritual journey.
If you are new to the Episcopal Church, please know that our liturgy is the work of all the people. This includes the singing, the prayers, and the responses. The bulletin in your hands is your friend. Follow along, and if you get confused, ask a neighbor in the pew next to you. Lessons and Carols is a worship service in which we hear the story of the coming of Jesus paired with carols to help us bask in the journey even more. When the choir is singing, let the words enfold you in the miracle of Christ.
We are so glad you’re here. Blessings for the rest of this Advent season, and Merry Christmas!
The Reverend E. Claiborne Jones Interim Rector
If you are new to the Episcopal Church, please know that our liturgy is the work of all the people. This includes the singing, the prayers, and the responses. The bulletin in your hands is your friend. Follow along, and if you get confused, ask a neighbor in the pew next to you. Lessons and Carols is a worship service in which we hear the story of the coming of Jesus paired with carols to help us bask in the journey even more. When the choir is singing, let the words enfold you in the miracle of Christ.
We are so glad you’re here. Blessings for the rest of this Advent season, and Merry Christmas!
The Reverend E. Claiborne Jones Interim Rector
Voluntary
Wachet Auf, Ruft Uns die Stimme
Ricky Saucedo, flute
Matin Responsory
I Look from Afar
Allison Stewart, soprano
Jacob Janes, baritone
Quincy Jane Bracci & Sarah Graves Caldwell, Trinity Choir soloists
Wachet Auf, Ruft Uns die Stimme
Ricky Saucedo, flute
Matin Responsory
I Look from Afar
Allison Stewart, soprano
Jacob Janes, baritone
Quincy Jane Bracci & Sarah Graves Caldwell, Trinity Choir soloists
Lastly, let us remember before God his pure and lowly Mother,
and 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 esh, and with whom, in
this Lord Jesus, we for evermore are one.
The Almighty God bless us with his 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.
The Almighty God bless us with his 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.
I look from afar:
And lo, I see the power of God coming, and a cloud covering the whole earth.
Go ye out to meet him and say:
Tell us, art thou he that should come to reign over thy people Israel?
High and low, rich and poor, One with another, Go ye out to meet him and say:
Hear, O thou shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep.
Tell us, art thou he that should come?
Stir up thy strength, O Lord, and come To reign over thy people Israel.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
I look from afar: and lo, I see the power of God coming, and a cloud covering the whole earth.
Go ye out to meet him and say:
Tell us, art thou he that should come to reign over thy people Israel?
And lo, I see the power of God coming, and a cloud covering the whole earth.
Go ye out to meet him and say:
Tell us, art thou he that should come to reign over thy people Israel?
High and low, rich and poor, One with another, Go ye out to meet him and say:
Hear, O thou shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep.
Tell us, art thou he that should come?
Stir up thy strength, O Lord, and come To reign over thy people Israel.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
I look from afar: and lo, I see the power of God coming, and a cloud covering the whole earth.
Go ye out to meet him and say:
Tell us, art thou he that should come to reign over thy people Israel?
The Invitatory (seated)
Savior of the Nations, Come
Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland
Ricky Saucedo, flute
Savior of the nations, come; Show the glory of the Son! Every people, stand in awe; Praise the perfect Son of God.
Savior of the nations, come; Show the glory of the Son! Every people, stand in awe; Praise the perfect Son of God.
arr. Donald Busarow
Congregational Carol: 60 (standing)
Creator of the Stars of Night
Hymnal 1982
A Bidding Prayer
Hymnal 1982
A Bidding Prayer
Offciant: Beloved in Christ, in this season of Advent, let it be
our care and delight to prepare ourselves to hear again the
message of Bethlehem, to see the Babe lying in a manger.
Let us read and mark in Holy Scripture the tale of the loving
purposes of God from the rst days of our disobedience unto
the glorious Redemption brought us by his holy Child; and
with hymns and songs of praise.
But first, let us pray for the needs of his whole world; for
peace and goodwill over all the earth; for the mission and
unity of the Church for which he died, and especially in this
country and within this city.
And because this of all things would rejoice his heart, let us at
this time remember in his name the poor and the helpless; the
hungry and the oppressed; the sick and those who mourn; the
lonely and the unloved; the aged and the little children; and all
those 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 before God his pure and lowly Mother,
and 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 for evermore are one.
The Almighty God bless us with his 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.
The Invitatory (seated) arr. Donald Busarow
Savior of the Nations, Come
Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland Ricky Saucedo, flute
Savior of the nations, come;
Show the glory of the Son!
Every people, stand in awe;
Praise the perfect Son of God.
Savior of the Nations, Come
Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland Ricky Saucedo, flute
Savior of the nations, come;
Show the glory of the Son!
Every people, stand in awe;
Praise the perfect Son of God.
arr. Donald Busarow
Not of human seed or worth,
But from God’s own mystic breath,
Fruit in Mary’s womb begun
When God breathed the Word, His Son
But from God’s own mystic breath,
Fruit in Mary’s womb begun
When God breathed the Word, His Son
Wondrous birth! Wondrous Child
Of the Virgin unde led!
Mighty God, man in one,
Eager now his race to run.
God the Father is the source,
Back to God he runs his course;
Down to death and hell descends,
God’s high throne he re-ascends.
He leaves Heaven to return;
Traveling where dull hell-fires burn;
Riding out, returning home
As the Savior who has come.
God the Father’s precious Son
Girds himself in flesh to run
For the trophies of our souls,
Longer than this round world rolls.
Shining stable in the night,
Breathing victory with your light;
Darkness cannot hide your flame,
Shining bright as Jesus’ name.
Mighty God, man in one,
Eager now his race to run.
God the Father is the source,
Back to God he runs his course;
Down to death and hell descends,
God’s high throne he re-ascends.
He leaves Heaven to return;
Traveling where dull hell-fires burn;
Riding out, returning home
As the Savior who has come.
God the Father’s precious Son
Girds himself in flesh to run
For the trophies of our souls,
Longer than this round world rolls.
Shining stable in the night,
Breathing victory with your light;
Darkness cannot hide your flame,
Shining bright as Jesus’ name.
The First Lesson: Isaiah 11:1-9
The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon the Holy One.
Words by Mary Holtby after Luke 1:46-55
Music by Richard Shephard
My Lord and Saviour is my song,
He fills my spirit with delight
To raise me up his arm is strong,
The lowly precious in his sight.
Magnificat, Magnificat,
Magni cat anima mea Dominum. (“My soul magni es the Lord”)
My name shall live from age to age, And every tongue his servant bless, For mercy is their heritage
Whose hearts the Holy One confess.
The proud beguiled by dreams of power Divided and degraded lie:
He casts them down from throne and tower And stoops to lift the humble high.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon the Holy One.
-
1 A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch shall grow out of his roots.
-
2 The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,
the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of counsel and might,
the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
-
3 His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.
He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
or decide by what his ears hear;
-
4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;
he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
-
5 Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist,
and faithfulness the belt around his loins.
-
6 The wolf shall live with the lamb,
the leopard shall lie down with the kid,
the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.
-
7 The cow and the bear shall graze,
their young shall lie down together;
and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
-
8 The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,
and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.
-
9 They will not hurt or destroy
on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
Here ends the lesson.
Words by Mary Holtby after Luke 1:46-55
Music by Richard Shephard
My Lord and Saviour is my song,
He fills my spirit with delight
To raise me up his arm is strong,
The lowly precious in his sight.
Magnificat, Magnificat,
Magni cat anima mea Dominum. (“My soul magni es the Lord”)
My name shall live from age to age, And every tongue his servant bless, For mercy is their heritage
Whose hearts the Holy One confess.
The proud beguiled by dreams of power Divided and degraded lie:
He casts them down from throne and tower And stoops to lift the humble high.
He feeds the hungry at his board
And sends the rich un lled away,
And mindful of his promised word
Has answered Israel’s prayer today.
With all the elders of our race,
And those unborn who seek this birth, I sing the glory of his grace
Who brings eternity to earth.
The Second Lesson: Isaiah 40:1-11
God comforts his people and calls on them to prepare for
redemption.
1 Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her
that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.
3 A voice cries out:
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.
5 Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
6 A voice says, “Cry out!”
And I said, “What shall I cry?”
All people are grass,
their constancy is like the ower of the eld.
7 The grass withers, the ower fades,
when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers, the ower fades;
but the word of our God will stand forever.
9 Get you up to a high mountain,
O Zion, herald of good tidings;
lift up your voice with strength,
O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear;
say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!”
10 See, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him;
his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him.
11 He will feed his ock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead the mother sheep.
With all the elders of our race,
And those unborn who seek this birth, I sing the glory of his grace
Who brings eternity to earth.
The Second Lesson: Isaiah 40:1-11
God comforts his people and calls on them to prepare for
redemption.
1 Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her
that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.
3 A voice cries out:
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.
5 Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
6 A voice says, “Cry out!”
And I said, “What shall I cry?”
All people are grass,
their constancy is like the ower of the eld.
7 The grass withers, the ower fades,
when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass.
8 The grass withers, the ower fades;
but the word of our God will stand forever.
9 Get you up to a high mountain,
O Zion, herald of good tidings;
lift up your voice with strength,
O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear;
say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!”
10 See, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him;
his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him.
11 He will feed his ock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead the mother sheep.
Here ends the lesson.
Comfort, Comfort
Freu dich sehr
Ricky Saucedo, flute
Freu dich sehr
Ricky Saucedo, flute
Words by Johann G. Olearius
arr. John Ferguson
“Comfort, comfort now my people;
tell of peace!” so says our God.
Comfort those who sit in darkness,
mourning under sorrow’s load.
To God’s people now proclaim:
That God’s pardon waits for them.
Tell them that their war is over;
God will reign in peace forever!
For the herald's voice is crying
in the desert far and near,
calling us to true repentance,
since the Kingdom now is here.
Oh, that warning cry obey!
Now prepare for God a way!
Let the valleys rise to meet him
and the hills bow down to greet him.
Straight shall be what long was crooked;
and the rougher places plain!
Let your hearts be true and humble,
as be ts his holy reign!
For the glory of the Lord
now on earth is shed abroad.
And all flesh shall see the token
that God’s word is never broken.
The Third Lesson: Isaiah 7:10-15 (seated)
God promises that a child shall be conceived who will be known
as "God with us"
10 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying,
11 Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or
high as heaven.
12 But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to
the test.
13 Then Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little
for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also?14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the
young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall
name him Immanuel.
15 He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to
refuse the evil and choose the good.
-
Here ends the lesson.
Youth & Children's Choirs
Rachel Oliver, flute
Give us light, give us light. Give us light, O Lord.
Give us light, give us light. You are light, O Lord.
Give us life, give us life. Give us life, O Lord. Give us life, give us life. You are life, O Lord.
Give us peace, give us peace. Give us peace, O Lord.
Give us peace, give us peace. Your are peace, O Lord.
Rachel Oliver, flute
Give us light, give us light. Give us light, O Lord.
Give us light, give us light. You are light, O Lord.
Give us life, give us life. Give us life, O Lord. Give us life, give us life. You are life, O Lord.
Give us peace, give us peace. Give us peace, O Lord.
Give us peace, give us peace. Your are peace, O Lord.
Written by Charles Vas
“Comfort, comfort now my people;
tell of peace!” so says our God.
Comfort those who sit in darkness,
mourning under sorrow’s load.
To God’s people now proclaim: That God’s pardon waits for them. Tell them that their war is over; God will reign in peace forever!
For the herald's voice is crying
in the desert far and near,
calling us to true repentance,
since the Kingdom now is here.
Oh, that warning cry obey!
Now prepare for God a way!
Let the valleys rise to meet him
and the hills bow down to greet him.
Straight shall be what long was crooked; and the rougher places plain!
Let your hearts be true and humble,
as befits his holy reign!
For the glory of the Lord
now on earth is shed abroad. And all flesh shall see the token that God’s word is never broken.
Congregational Carol: 444 (standing) Blessed Be the God of Israel
To God’s people now proclaim: That God’s pardon waits for them. Tell them that their war is over; God will reign in peace forever!
For the herald's voice is crying
in the desert far and near,
calling us to true repentance,
since the Kingdom now is here.
Oh, that warning cry obey!
Now prepare for God a way!
Let the valleys rise to meet him
and the hills bow down to greet him.
Straight shall be what long was crooked; and the rougher places plain!
Let your hearts be true and humble,
as befits his holy reign!
For the glory of the Lord
now on earth is shed abroad. And all flesh shall see the token that God’s word is never broken.
Congregational Carol: 444 (standing) Blessed Be the God of Israel
Hymnal 1982
Fourth Lesson: Luke 1:26-38
The Angel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will bear
the Son of the Most High.
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth,
27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”
29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David.
33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”
35 The angel said to her , “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.
36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren.
37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”
38 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
The Angel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will bear
the Son of the Most High.
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth,
27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”
29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David.
33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”
35 The angel said to her , “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.
36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren.
37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”
38 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
The Third Lesson: Isaiah 7:10-15 (seated)
God promises that a child shall be conceived who will be known
as "God with us".
God promises that a child shall be conceived who will be known
as "God with us".
-
10 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying,
-
11 Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or
high as heaven.
-
12 But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to
the test.
-
13 Then Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little
for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also?
-
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the
young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall
name him Immanuel.
-
15 He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to
refuse the evil and choose the good.
Here ends the lesson.
Angelus ad Virginem (Gabriel to Mary Came)
14th century Irish carol
arr. by David Willcocks
Gabriel to Mary came,
And entered at her dwelling,
With his salutation glad,
Her maiden fears dispelling
'All hail, thou queen of virgins bright!
God, Lord of earth and heaven's height,
Thy very Son shall soon be born in pureness, The Saviour of mankind.
Thou art the gate of heaven bright,
The sinners' healer kind.'
'How could I a mother be
That am to man a stranger?
How should I my strong resolve,
My solemn vows endanger?'
'Pow'r from the Holy Ghost on high
Shall bring to pass this mystery.
Then have no fear: Be of good cheer,
Believing that still thy chastity
In God's Almighty keeping
Shall all unsullied be.'
Then to him the maid replied,
With noble mien supernatural
'Lo! the humble handmaid
I Of God the Lord eternal
With thee, bright messenger of heav'n,
By whom this wondrous news is giv'n,
I well agree and long to see fulfilled
Thy gracious prophecy.
As God my Lord doth will it,
So be it unto me!"
Hail! thou Mother of the Lord,
Who bring'st of gifts the rarest,
Peace to angels and to men
When Christ the Lord thou barest!Do thou, we pray, entreat thy SonFor us our long'd redemption Himself to win
And from our sin release us;
His succor for to give
That, when we hence are taken
We too in heav'n may live.
14th century Irish carol
arr. by David Willcocks
Gabriel to Mary came,
And entered at her dwelling,
With his salutation glad,
Her maiden fears dispelling
'All hail, thou queen of virgins bright!
God, Lord of earth and heaven's height,
Thy very Son shall soon be born in pureness, The Saviour of mankind.
Thou art the gate of heaven bright,
The sinners' healer kind.'
'How could I a mother be
That am to man a stranger?
How should I my strong resolve,
My solemn vows endanger?'
'Pow'r from the Holy Ghost on high
Shall bring to pass this mystery.
Then have no fear: Be of good cheer,
Believing that still thy chastity
In God's Almighty keeping
Shall all unsullied be.'
Then to him the maid replied,
With noble mien supernatural
'Lo! the humble handmaid
I Of God the Lord eternal
With thee, bright messenger of heav'n,
By whom this wondrous news is giv'n,
I well agree and long to see fulfilled
Thy gracious prophecy.
As God my Lord doth will it,
So be it unto me!"
Hail! thou Mother of the Lord,
Who bring'st of gifts the rarest,
Peace to angels and to men
When Christ the Lord thou barest!Do thou, we pray, entreat thy SonFor us our long'd redemption Himself to win
And from our sin release us;
His succor for to give
That, when we hence are taken
We too in heav'n may live.
Fifth Lesson: Matthew 1:18-23 (seated)
Matthew tells of the birth of Jesus.
18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph,but before they lived together, she was found to bewith child from the Holy Spirit.
19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.
20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, forthe child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this took place to ful ll what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
Matthew tells of the birth of Jesus.
18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph,but before they lived together, she was found to bewith child from the Holy Spirit.
19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.
20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, forthe child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this took place to ful ll what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
23 “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they
shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.”
Words and music by Hector Berlioz Translation by Paul England
Gabriel to Mary came,
And entered at her dwelling,
With his salutation glad,
Her maiden fears dispelling
'All hail, thou queen of virgins bright!
God, Lord of earth and heaven's height,
Thy very Son shall soon be born in pureness, The Saviour of mankind.
Thou art the gate of heaven bright,
The sinners' healer kind.'
'How could I a mother be
That am to man a stranger?
How should I my strong resolve,
My solemn vows endanger?'
'Pow'r from the Holy Ghost on high Shall bring to pass this mystery. Then have no fear: Be of good cheer, Believing that still thy chastity
In God's Almighty keeping
Shall all unsullied be.'
Then to him the maid replied, With noble mien supernatural 'Lo! the humble handmaid I Of God the Lord eternal
With thee, bright messenger of heav'n, By whom this wondrous news is giv'n, I well agree and long to see fulfi lled Thy gracious prophecy.
As God my Lord doth will it, So be it unto me!"
Hail! thou Mother of the Lord,
Who bring'st of gifts the rarest,
Peace to angels and to men
When Christ the Lord thou barest!
Do thou, we pray, entreat thy Son
For us our long'd redemption Himself to win And from our sin release us;
His succor for to give
That, when we hence are taken We too in heav'n may live.
Congregational Carol: 438 (standing) Tell Out, My Soul, the Greatness of the Lord!
And entered at her dwelling,
With his salutation glad,
Her maiden fears dispelling
'All hail, thou queen of virgins bright!
God, Lord of earth and heaven's height,
Thy very Son shall soon be born in pureness, The Saviour of mankind.
Thou art the gate of heaven bright,
The sinners' healer kind.'
'How could I a mother be
That am to man a stranger?
How should I my strong resolve,
My solemn vows endanger?'
'Pow'r from the Holy Ghost on high Shall bring to pass this mystery. Then have no fear: Be of good cheer, Believing that still thy chastity
In God's Almighty keeping
Shall all unsullied be.'
Then to him the maid replied, With noble mien supernatural 'Lo! the humble handmaid I Of God the Lord eternal
With thee, bright messenger of heav'n, By whom this wondrous news is giv'n, I well agree and long to see fulfi lled Thy gracious prophecy.
As God my Lord doth will it, So be it unto me!"
Hail! thou Mother of the Lord,
Who bring'st of gifts the rarest,
Peace to angels and to men
When Christ the Lord thou barest!
Do thou, we pray, entreat thy Son
For us our long'd redemption Himself to win And from our sin release us;
His succor for to give
That, when we hence are taken We too in heav'n may live.
Congregational Carol: 438 (standing) Tell Out, My Soul, the Greatness of the Lord!
Hymnal 1982
Fifth Lesson: Matthew 1:18-23 (seated)
Matthew tells of the birth of Jesus.
Matthew tells of the birth of Jesus.
18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way.
When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph,
but before they lived together, she was found to be
with child from the Holy Spirit.
19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.
20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for
the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this took place to ful ll what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
23 “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.”
but before they lived together, she was found to be
with child from the Holy Spirit.
19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.
20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for
the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this took place to ful ll what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
23 “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.”
The Shepherds' Farewell
Words and music by Hector Berlioz Translation by Paul England
Words and music by Hector Berlioz Translation by Paul England
Thou must leave Thy lowly dwelling,
The humble crib, the stable bare.
Babe, all mortal babes excelling,
Content our earthly lot to share.
Loving father, Loving mother,
Shelter Thee with tender care!
Blessed Jesus, we implore Thee
With humble love and holy fear.
In the land that lies before Thee,
Forget not us who linger here!
May the shepherd’s lowly calling,
Ever to Thy heart be dear!
Blest are ye beyond all measure,
Thou happy father, mother mild!
Guard ye well your heav’nly treasure,
The Prince of Peace, The Holy Child!
God go with you, God protect you,
Guide you safely through the wild!
Congregational Carol: 76 (standing) On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry
Babe, all mortal babes excelling,
Content our earthly lot to share.
Loving father, Loving mother,
Shelter Thee with tender care!
Blessed Jesus, we implore Thee
With humble love and holy fear.
In the land that lies before Thee,
Forget not us who linger here!
May the shepherd’s lowly calling,
Ever to Thy heart be dear!
Blest are ye beyond all measure,
Thou happy father, mother mild!
Guard ye well your heav’nly treasure,
The Prince of Peace, The Holy Child!
God go with you, God protect you,
Guide you safely through the wild!
Congregational Carol: 76 (standing) On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry
Hymnal 1982
Sixth Lesson: Mark 1:1-15 (seated)
Jesus proclaims the coming of God's reign.
1 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way;
3 the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’”
4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.
7 He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals.
8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him.
11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
12 And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.
13 He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God,
15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
Jesus proclaims the coming of God's reign.
1 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way;
3 the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’”
4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.
7 He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals.
8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him.
11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
12 And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.
13 He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God,
15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
The Truth from Above
English Traditional Carol
arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams
This is the truth sent from above,
The truth of God, the God of love,
Therefore don't turn me from your door,
But hearken all both rich and poor.
Thus we were heirs to endless woes,
'Till God the Lord did interpose;
And so a promise soon did run
That He would redeem us by his Son.
The truth of God, the God of love,
Therefore don't turn me from your door,
But hearken all both rich and poor.
Thus we were heirs to endless woes,
'Till God the Lord did interpose;
And so a promise soon did run
That He would redeem us by his Son.
And at that season of the year
Our blest Redeemer did appear;
He here did live, and here did preach,
And many thousands he did teach.
Thus he in love to us behaved,
To show us how we must be saved;
And if you want to know the way,
Be pleased to hear what he did say.
To God the Father, God the Son,
and God the Spirit, Three in One,
Praise, honor, might, and glory be
From age to age eternally.
The Lord’s Prayer (standing) A moment of silence is kept.
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, for ever and ever. Amen.
Our blest Redeemer did appear;
He here did live, and here did preach,
And many thousands he did teach.
Thus he in love to us behaved,
To show us how we must be saved;
And if you want to know the way,
Be pleased to hear what he did say.
To God the Father, God the Son,
and God the Spirit, Three in One,
Praise, honor, might, and glory be
From age to age eternally.
The Lord’s Prayer (standing) A moment of silence is kept.
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, for ever and ever. Amen.
Here ends the lesson.
The Blessing
Congregational Carol: 57 (standing) Lo! He Comes, with Clouds Descending
The Dismissal
O ciant: Let us go forth in the name of Christ. People: Thanks be to God.
Voluntary (please remain in the church)
A Simple Prayer
Trinity and Grace Handbell Choirs
Director - Kate Lessin
Congregational Carol: 57 (standing) Lo! He Comes, with Clouds Descending
The Dismissal
O ciant: Let us go forth in the name of Christ. People: Thanks be to God.
Voluntary (please remain in the church)
A Simple Prayer
Trinity and Grace Handbell Choirs
Director - Kate Lessin
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