THIS WEEK WE LIFT UP... CHRIST CHURCH


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Our mission: As followers of Christ, we share the beauty and power of God’s transforming love through worship, community, and service in the world.

THIS WEEK WE LIFT UP... CHRIST CHURCH SUPPORT GROUPS. Support groups at Christ Church provide Christian care to people in need within and beyond our church family. Alcoholics Anonymous meets here on Tuesdays and Thursdays for those dealing with alcoholism and recovery. Our Caregiver Support Group meets once a month on Wednesday afternoons for those in caregiving situations, and our Grief Support Group meets once a month on Sunday afternoons for those seeking the support of others who have lost a loved one. These groups offer refreshment and comfort and provide a place of safety, prayer, and mutual support for those in need. For more information about these groups, please contact the Church Office at (302) 655-3379 or visit www.christchurchde.org/serve/pastoral-care/pastoral-care-ministries. 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 4:00 PM 5:00 PM

TODAY AT CHRIST CHURCH Holy Eucharist, Rite I in the Church Holy Eucharist, Rite II with the St. Cecilia Choir in the Church Nursery for infants and toddlers in Room 204 until 12:15 PM Coffee Hour in Parish Halls B and C Lessons & Carols with the Christ Church Choir in the Church Worship Service at Stonegates Health Care Center Evening Prayer in the Church ____________________

WELCOME! Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, we welcome you to join us in worship, in service, and in learning more about our faith in Jesus Christ. Please speak to an usher, greeter, or member of the clergy for additional information or visit www.christchurchde.org. ____________________ COFFEE HOUR TODAY All are welcome to attend our expanded Coffee Hour this morning following the 9 AM service. Adults and children are invited to gather for coffee, tea, juice, and cookies in Parish Halls B and C from 10 to 11 AM. ____________________ HAVE YOU MADE YOUR 2016 PLEDGE TO CHRIST CHURCH? Help your Church reach our annual giving campaign goal of 600 giving households for 2016. Your pledge funds our work: who we are and who we can be. Your generosity supports our mission and nourishes your faith. Contact Michael Sayer at [email protected] or (302) 655-3379 with your pledge amount or pledge online at www.christchurchde.org/serve/giving/make-a-pledge. Thank you for your support! December 27, 2015

THE MAGI PROJECT We invite you to participate in the Magi Project, an ingathering of food over the 12 days of Christmas (Christmas to Epiphany). Once the rush of the commercial Christmas season is over, this project allows people to reflect on their bounties and share generously with those who are in need—remembering that Christmas is a season, not a day. The food stocks the shelves of the LCS Food Pantry at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, the largest food pantry in the state of Delaware, open five days a week, and providing emergency food provisions to approximately 800 families each month. Donations of macaroni and cheese, canned soup, tuna, fruit, vegetables, beef stew, and chili, ramen noodles, pasta, and cereal may be left in the collection bins in the Church and Parish House. ____________________ CHRISTMAS FLOWER DELIVERY – DECEMBER 28 Following our Christmas worship, we deliver flowers from our sanctuary to approximately 70 of our members who are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Tomorrow, December 28 we need drivers willing to help with the distribution (men, women, young adults— anyone with a vehicle, driver’s license, and a little time to spare). Volunteers should arrive at the church between 9 and 10 AM. This simple act of pastoral ministry brings Christmas cheer to those who need it most. Come share in the cheer tomorrow! ____________________ DINE WITH THE LADIES – DECEMBER 28 On the last Monday of each month at 7 PM, a group of women meets for an informal dinner at Pizza by Elizabeths in Greenville. This is a great opportunity to connect with women in the parish. December’s gathering will take place tomorrow, December 28. Please RSVP at www.christchurchde.org/gather/parish-life/womens-fellowship or (302) 655-3379 today. ____________________ NEW YEAR’S DAY SERVICE – JANUARY 1 What better way to begin the New Year than with Holy Eucharist in the Chapel at 10 AM? All are welcome to join us on Friday, January 1 to usher in 2016. ____________________ MLK JR. COMMUNICATION CONTEST EXTENSION – JANUARY 2 Christ Church and the YWCA Delaware are co-sponsoring the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Communication Contest, open to all high school students in New Castle County. The contest provides an opportunity for students to publicly reflect and effectively communicate on the life and mission of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. within the context of their lives and the communities in which they live. First prize is $1,000. The finals will be held on Monday, January 18 at the Baby Grand in Wilmington. This is a great opportunity for high school students to enhance social awareness, academic potential, build confidence and self-esteem, and cultivate leadership skills. Please register by January 2. Visit www.christchurchde.org/serve/outreach/mlk-jr-communication-contest for full details. ____________________ BOOK DISCUSSION WITH STEPHEN SETZER – JANUARY 3, 10, & 17 On Sundays, January 3, 10, and 17, The Rev. Patty Downing, The Rev. David Andrews, and The Rev. Stephen Setzer will lead a discussion of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ new book, Between the World and Me, from 4 to 5:30 PM at Christina Cultural Arts Center, 705 N. Market Street, Wilmington. These discussions precede the 2016 Trinity Institute conference held January 21-23 that will focus on “Sacred Conversations for Racial Justice.” For more information or to RSVP, please contact Stephen at [email protected] or (302) 655-3379.

EPIPHANY FIESTA DINNER – JANUARY 3 Celebrate Epiphany at this year’s Fiesta Dinner next Sunday, January 3 at 5:30 PM in the Parish Hall, sponsored by the youth participating in the 2016 mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Join us for authentic Dominican cuisine, with all proceeds benefiting our June mission trip. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 13 and under; tickets may be purchased before the 9 and 11 AM services today. ____________________ HEALING SERVICE – JANUARY 6 Join us for January’s Healing Service, held in conjunction with the 9 AM Eucharist in the Chapel on Wednesday, January 6. ____________________ FOYER GROUP KICKOFF RECEPTION – JANUARY 10 Everyone planning to participate in a 2016 foyer group is invited to a reception on Sunday, January 10 from 6 to 8 PM in Parish Hall B. Come meet this year’s foyer group members, and spread the word! We always add new people to the foyer group family at this gathering, so please join us if you’re interested in participating. In keeping with the foyer group practice of bringing food, please bring an appetizer if your last name begins with A – J and a beverage to share if your last name begins with K – Z. ____________________ RESERVE NOW FOR THE WOMEN’S RETREAT – JANUARY 19-21 Our annual Women’s Retreat will be held at Memorial House in Rehoboth from January 1921. Our own Amy Molina-Moore (who will be newly-ordained by then!) will provide spiritual direction during our time there, and we will set aside time for quiet reflection as well as lively discussions, sharing, spiritual time in the chapel, and social time. Some of the shops are open, and the beach is great for an early morning walk. The cost is $190 per person and includes five meals and two nights at Memorial House. Contact Nan Jackson at [email protected] or (610) 388-1082 to reserve your spot. ____________________ 2016 GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE – JANUARY 29 The Outreach Committee has begun their 2016 grant cycle. Nonprofit agencies may download a grant application from www.christchurchde.org/serve/outreach/eoy-fundingapplications. Completed applications are due by Friday, January 29. ____________________ HELP NEEDED WITH OUR MINISTRY OF HOSPITALITY As we seek to extend generous hospitality and sanctuary to all at Christ Church, we welcome participation as we gather on Sunday mornings—serving God and serving those gathered around us—as we are served a full measure of blessing by God. Coffee Hour: Hosts are needed to set up Coffee Hour between the 9 and 11 AM services each Sunday. Instructions are provided, and it’s a great way to do something special for your church community. Contact Missy Flynn at (302) 777-3597 or [email protected] or visit www.bit.ly/coffeeandlemonade. 9:00 Ushers: Families and individuals usher at 9 AM each week to greet parishioners, hand out bulletins, assist anyone who needs help, and collect and count the offering. Contact Tony Cucuzzella at (302) 528-0898 or [email protected] or visit www.bit.ly/900ushers. Both opportunities are easy and fun and great for those seeking a role with a low time commitment. Please join us!

PEOPLE SERVING TODAY: Acolytes: 8 AM Christian Stanborough. 9 AM Frances Buckley, John Downs, Anna Erskine, River Harper, Brett Nilsen, Alexandra Pfleegor; Keith Nilsen, Advisor. 11 AM Peter Durgin, Caroline James. Altar Guild: Ellie Maroney, Lucy Cluett, Tucker Giddens, Megan Grubbs, Lucinda Laird, Nancy MillerBaiz, Claire Murray, Barbara Petroll. Coffee Hour: Sandra Van Wormer. Eucharistic Ministers: 8 AM Alexandra Kirtley, Cathy Welsh. 9 AM Janet Dill, Wes Jones, Lisa Simon, Marian Simpson. Greeters: 9 AM Dale and Mary Hunt. 11 AM Janet Dill, Tilly Maassen. Lector: 9 AM John Simpson. Ushers: 9 AM Steve, Linda, Reed, Spencer, and Blaine Boyden. 11 AM Dale Hunt, Wilson Braun, Bob Elder, Neyja Elder. ____________________ MEMORIAL FLOWERS The flowers in the Sanctuary are given to the Glory of God in loving memory of Anne H. Brown Herbert E. and Christine J. B. Dobbs ____________________ THIS WEEK AT CHRIST CHURCH Daily Evening Prayer at 5 PM in the Church Monday: 9:00 AM Christmas Flower Delivery begins in the Church 7:00 PM Dine with the Ladies at Pizza by Elizabeths Tuesday: 9:20 AM Intercessory Prayer Service in the Chapel 10:30 AM Books, Brew, & Banter in Room 301 7:30 PM Alcoholics Anonymous closed meeting in Room 211/212 Wednesday: 9:00 AM Holy Eucharist in the Chapel Thursday: 6:30 AM Holy Eucharist in the Chapel 7:00 AM Breakfast and Bible Study in Room 211/212 12:00 PM The Church Office closes at noon on New Year’s Eve. 5:30 PM Alcoholics Anonymous step meeting in Room 211/212 Friday: The Church Office is closed on New Year’s Day. 10:00 AM New Year’s Day Holy Eucharist in the Chapel Saturday: 6:00 PM Dominican Republic Trip Youth Retreat in the Parish Center PARISH CLERGY & STAFF The Rev. Ruth Lawson Kirk, Rector; The Rev. Stephen Setzer, Associate Rector; The Rev. Amy Molina-Moore, Curate; The Rev. George Karney, Pastoral Associate; The Very Rev. William Lane, Pastoral Associate; Bruce Barber, Interim Director of Music & Organist; Nadine DiLorenzo, Saint Nicholas Choir Director; Kristin Finio, Administrative Associate; Denise Gilliam, Assistant to Head of School; Jo Harney, Head of School; David Hearn, Assistant Organist/ Choirmaster; Lynne Jensen, Minister for Children and Youth; Andy Kosinski, Finance Manager; Sherry Lawton-Fasic, Parish Administrator; Andy Marine, Sexton; Kita Millner, Sexton; Jane Rubini, Administrative Associate; Michael Sayer, Facilities Manager; Charles Simpson, Sexton; Don Somers, Sexton VESTRY & OFFICERS Joe Zakielarz, ’18, Senior Warden; John Chabalko, ’16, Junior Warden; Dana Robertson, Clerk; Mark Parsells, Treasurer; Richard Laird, Assistant Treasurer; Frances Buckley, Youth Representative; Martha Bolling, ’16; Beth Faulkner, ’17; Rick Gessner, ’17; Nancy Greenberg, ’18; Margaret Higgs, ’17; Lee Kallos, ’18; Fred Moran, ’17; Jane Schindewolf Romano, ’16; Al Smith, ’18; Tomoko Werbe, ’16

CHRIST CHURCH CHRISTIANA HUNDRED

P. O. Box 3510, 505 E. Buck Road Wilmington, Delaware 19807-0510 PHONE: (302) 655-3379; WEBSITE: www.christchurchde.org OFFICE HOURS: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

CHRIST CHURCH CHRISTIANA HUNDRED WILMINGTON, DELAWARE THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 27, 2015 8:00 AM HOLY EUCHARIST, RITE I Opening Acclamation

BCP 323

Gloria in excelsis

324

Collect of the Day

161

The First Reading

Isaiah 61:10—62:3

Psalm 147:13-21

BCP 805

The Holy Gospel

John 1:1-18

The Homily

Ruth Lawson Kirk

The Nicene Creed

BCP 326

Prayers of the People

328

Confession and Absolution

330

The Peace

332

Offertory All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee. The Great Thanksgiving, Prayer II

BCP 340

The Lord’s Prayer

336

Breaking of the Bread

337

Communion of the Faithful Gluten-free wafers available upon request.

Post-Communion Prayer The Blessing Announcements and Dismissal People: Thanks be to God.

339

9:00 AM HOLY EUCHARIST, RITE II The People Gather Voluntary In dulci jubilo from Orgelbuchlein J. S. Bach Hymn 82 Of the Father’s Love Begotten Opening Acclamation People: And blessed be God’s Kingdom, now and for ever. Amen. Collect for Purity *Glory to God Collect of the Day Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

God’s Word The First Reading (please be seated) Gradual Hymn 107 (as able, please stand) The Holy Gospel The Homily (please be seated) The Nicene Creed (as able, please stand) Prayers of the People and Confession The Peace Holy Communion The Offertory Anthem from Piae Cantiones (please be seated)

Isaiah 61:10—62:3 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice John 1:1-18 Ruth Lawson Kirk BCP 358 printed on next page BCP 360 arr. David Willcocks

Unto us is born a Son, king of choirs supernal: see on earth his life begun, of lords the Lord eternal. Christ, from heaven descending low comes on earth a stranger; ox and ass their owner know, becradled in the manger. This did Herod sore affray, and grievously bewilder, so he gave the word to slay, and slew the little childer. Of his love and mercy mild this the Christmas story; and O that Mary’s gentle Child might lead us up to glory! O and A and A and O, cum cantibus in choro, let our merry organ go, Benedicamus Domino. Presentation Hymn 84 (as able, please stand) Love Came Down at Christmas

The Great Thanksgiving, Prayer B BCP 367 *Holy, Holy, Holy Lord The Lord’s Prayer 364 Breaking of the Bread *Christ our Passover and Lamb of God (at the conclusion of both, please be seated) Communion of the Faithful (gluten-free wafers available upon request) Communion Anthem Healey Willan What is this lovely fragrance wafting like to the scents of flow’rs in spring? Shepherds, O tell us, whence such beauty, hear you not heav’nly caroling? What is this lovely fragrance wafting like to the scents of flow’rs in spring? What is this light so fair, so tender breaking upon our wond’ring eyes? Never the Morning Star so radiant followed his course o’er eastern skies. What is this light so fair, so tender breaking upon our wond’ring eyes? Shepherds, O haste with eager footsteps seek the Saviour, born today. Low at His feet we lay our treasure, heart’s adoration, love for aye. Shepherds, O haste with eager footsteps seek the Saviour, born today.

Communion Hymn 112 Post-Communion Prayer (as able, please stand) Go Forth to Serve The Blessing Opportunities and Announcements Hymn 100 Dismissal People: Thanks be to God.

In the Bleak Midwinter BCP 366

Joy to the World!

*from Mass for Christ Church Christiana Hundred (1997) by David Willcocks, located in the pew rack

9:00 AM PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! We pray for the Church throughout the world, especially in the Anglican Church in Zaki-Biam, Nigeria and our companions in the Dominican Republic. We pray for our witness and ministry in Delaware, for Delaware Prison Ministry and for Friendship House. We pray for our clergy and bishops. Plant in our hearts the love of Jesus. In mercy, Lord, hear our prayer. Lord Jesus Christ, you came down from heaven to lift us up. We pray for all who are brought low with suffering in all its forms; remembering refugees and prisoners; the homeless and the homebound; victims of violence; the abused and addicted. We pray for the sick, especially N., and for all in our prayers. [silence] Plant in their hearts the love of Jesus. In mercy, Lord, hear our prayer. Let every knee bend in heaven and earth to confess Jesus is Lord to the glory of God. We pray for loved ones departed from us, for N., and for those we remember now, [silence] that they may be one with you in your kingdom. Plant in our hearts the love of Jesus. In mercy, Lord, hear our prayer. We rejoice in the coming of Christ our Lord. We give thanks for all the blessings of our lives. [silence] May the light of God’s presence fill us with truth and peace. Plant in all hearts the love of Jesus. In mercy, Lord, hear our prayer. Together let us pray for forgiveness of our sins: Holy God, we have forgotten that we are made in your image. We have been selfish or cruel—hurtful to others and harmful to ourselves. We are sorry for what we have done, and what we have left undone. Please forgive us and restore us to the goodness you intend for us. Priest

Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

THE FIRST READING: ISAIAH 61:10—62:3 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. ____________________ THE HOLY GOSPEL: JOHN 1:1-18 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. (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.

CHRIST CHURCH CHRISTIANA HUNDRED WILMINGTON, DELAWARE THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 27, 2015 11:00 AM FESTIVAL OF LESSONS & CAROLS Voluntary Chorale Prelude on Vom Himmel Hoch Introit

Johann Pachelbel harm. J. S. Bach

Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light, and usher in the morning; ye shepherds, shrink not with affright, but hear the angel’s warning. This child, now weak in infancy, our confidence and joy shall be, the power of Satan breaking, our peace eternal making.

Hymn 82 (as able, please stand; the choir sings vs. 1-2, all sing vs. 3-4)

Of the Father’s Love Begotten

Bidding Prayer Beloved in Christ, at this Christmastide let it be our care and delight to hear again the message of the angels, and in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in a manger. Therefore let us read and mark in Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God from the first days of our disobedience unto the glorious Redemption brought us by this Holy Child. But first, let us pray for the needs of the whole world; for peace on earth and goodwill among all his people; for unity and brotherhood within the Church he came to build. And because this would rejoice his heart, let us remember, in his name, the poor and helpless, the cold, the hungry, and the oppressed; the sick and them that mourn, the lonely and the unloved, the aged and the little children; 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 all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore, and in a greater light, that multitude which no man can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom in the Lord Jesus we are one for evermore. These prayers and praises let us humbly offer up to the Throne of Heaven, in the words which Christ himself hath taught us:

The Lord’s Prayer 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.

The First Lesson (please be seated)

Genesis 3:8-15

God announces in the Garden of Eden that the seed of woman shall bruise the serpent’s head

Read by Peter Morgan, Church School Carol

Elizabeth Poston

The tree of life my soul hath seen, laden with fruit and always green: the trees of nature fruitless be compared with Christ the apple tree. His beauty doth all things excel: by faith I know, but ne’er can tell the glory which I now can see in Jesus Christ the apple tree. For happiness I long have sought, and pleasure dearly I have bought: I missed of all; but now I see ’tis found in Christ the apple tree. I’m weary with my former toil, here I will sit and rest awhile: under the shadow I will be of Jesus Christ the apple tree. This fruit doth make my soul to thrive, it keeps my dying faith alive; which makes my soul in haste to be with Jesus Christ the apple tree.

Second Lesson

Genesis 22:15-18

God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed shall the nations of the earth be blessed

Read by Lilly Gessner, St. Nicholas Choir Carol

Hugo Distler

Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung! Of Jesse’s lineage coming as seers of old have sung. It came, a blossom bright, amid the cold of winter, when half spent was the night. Sing we all Amen, O Savior, child of Mary; O Savior, king of glory, who triumphed o’er our foe: Bring us at length, we pray, to the bright courts of heaven and into endless day.

Third Lesson

Isaiah 9:2-7 Christ’s birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah

Read by Philip Nickel, Acolyte Ministry Carol

arr. Charles Wood

King Jesus hath a garden, full of diverse flowers, where I go culling posies gay, all times and hours. Refrain The Lilly, white in blossom there, is Chastity: the Violet, with sweet perfume, Humility. Refrain The bonny Damask-rose is known as Patience: the blithe and thrifty Marygold, Obedience. Refrain The Crown Imperial bloometh too in yonder place, ’tis Charity, of stock divine, the flower of grace. Refrain Yet, mid the brave, the bravest prize of all may claim the Star of Bethlem – Jesus – blessed be his Name! Refrain Ah! Jesu Lord, my heal and weal, my bliss complete, make thou my heart thy gardenplot, fair, trim and neat. That I may hear this musick clear: harp, dulcimer, lute, with cymbal, trump and tymbal, and the tender, soothing flute. Refrain There naught is heard but paradise bird, harp, dulcimer, lute, with cymbal, trump and tymbal, and the tender, soothing flute.

Fourth Lesson

Isaiah 11:1-9 The peace that Christ will bring is foreshown

Read by Marty Rushlow, Altar Guild Carol

arr. Charles Wood

Ding dong! merrily on high in heaven the bells are ringing: Ding dong! verily the sky is riven with angels singing: Gloria, hosanna in excelsis! E’en so here below, below, let steeple bells be swungen, And i-o, i-o, i-o, by priest and people sungen. Gloria, hosanna in excelsis! Pray you, dutifully prime your matin chime, ye ringers; may dutifully prime your eve-time song, ye singers. Gloria, hosanna in excelsis!

Fifth Lesson

Luke 1:26-38 The angel Gabriel salutes the Blessed Virgin Mary

Read by Rick Gessner, Outreach and Vestry Carol

arr. John Rutter

Now the holly bears a berry as white as the milk, and Mary bore Jesus, who was wrapped up in silk: Refrain Now the holly bears a berry as green as the grass, and Mary bore Jesus, who died on the cross: Refrain Now the holly bears a berry as black as the coal, and Mary bore Jesus, who died for us all: Refrain Now the holly bears a berry as blood is it red, the trust we our Saviour, who rose from the dead: Refrain Refrain And Mary bore Jesus Christ our Saviour for to be, and the first tree in the greenwood, it was the holly!

Sixth Lesson

Matthew 1:18-23 St. Matthew tells of the birth of Jesus

Read by The Rev. Amy Molina-Moore Hymn 109 (as able, please stand)

The First Nowell

Seventh Lesson (please be seated)

Luke 2:8-21

The shepherds go to the manger and the child is named

Read by Mark Dixon, Christ Church Choir Carol

Healey Willan

What is this lovely fragrance wafting like to the scents of flow’rs in spring? Shepherds, O tell us, whence such beauty, hear you not heav’nly caroling? What is this lovely fragrance wafting like to the scents of flow’rs in spring? What is this light so fair, so tender breaking upon our wond’ring eyes? Never the Morning Star so radiant followed his course o’er eastern skies. What is this light so fair, so tender breaking upon our wond’ring eyes? Shepherds, O haste with eager footsteps seek the Saviour, born today. Low at His feet we lay our treasure, heart’s adoration, love for aye. Shepherds, O haste with eager footsteps seek the Saviour, born today.

Eighth Lesson

Matthew 2:1-11 The wise men are led by the star to Jesus

Read by Kay Keenan, Eucharistic Minister Carol from Piae Cantiones

arr. G. R. Woodward

Ding-dong, ding: Ding-a-dong-a-ding: Ding-dong, ding-dong: Ding-a-dong-ding. Up! good Christian folk, and listen how the merry church bells ring, and from steeple bid good people come adore the newborn King: tell the story how from glory God came down at Christmastide, bringing gladness, chasing sadness, showering blessings far and wide, born of mother, blest o’er other, Ex Maria Virgine, in the stable (‘tis no fable), Christus natus hodie.

Ninth Lesson

John 1:1-14 St. John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation

Read by The Rev. Ruth Lawson Kirk Motet O magnum mysterium, et admirabile sacramentum, ut animilia viderunt Dominum natum, jacentem in praesepio! Beata Virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt portare Dominum Christum. Alleluia!

Giovanni Gabrieli O great mystery and wondrous sacrament, that animals should see the newborn Lord lying in their manger! Blessed is the Virgin whose womb was worthy to bear the Lord Jesus Christ. Alleluia!

Collect of the Day (said by the Celebrant) Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Opportunities and Announcements (please be seated)

Offertory Anthem

John Rutter

What sweeter music can we bring than a carol, for to sing the birth of this our heavenly King? Awake the voice! Awake the string! Dark and dull night flee hence away, and give the honor to this day that sees December turn’d to May. Why does the chilling winter’s morn smile, like a field beset with corn? Or smell like a meadow newly shorn thus on the sudden? Come and see the cause, why things thus fragrant be: ‘tis he is born, whose quick’ning birth gives life and lustre, public mirth, to heaven and the under-earth. We see him come, and know him ours, who, with his sunshine and his showers, turns all the patient ground to flowers. The darling of the world has come, and fit it is, we find a room to welcome him.

Presentation Hymn 98 (as able, please stand)

Unto Us a Boy is Born!

The Blessing May Christ, who by his Incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, fill you with the sweetness of inward peace and goodwill; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen.

Hymn 87 Voluntary In dulci jubilo from Miscellaneous Chorales

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing J. S. Bach