SERVICE OUTLINE: Service Date: 12/24/2020
11 pm Christmas Eve - HOLY EUCHARIST RITE II
(In One Kind \ with Prayer of Spiritual Communion) 

​4 Hymn Prelude: "Hark! The Herald Angel Sing"
                             "O Little Town of Bethlehem"
                             "The First Noel"
                             "Silent Night"
Bell Ringing

Opening Hymn  83 "O Come, All Ye Faithful"  Verses 1, 2 +3
Opening sentences pg. 355 Book of Common Prayer
Gloria   pg. 356 Book of Common Prayer
Glory to God in the highest,
    and peace to his people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
    we worship you, we give you thanks,
    we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
    have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
    receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
    Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
    in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

The Collect
O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.
 
THE WORD of GOD
 
The First Lesson:    Isaiah 52:7-10
How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,
who brings good news,
who announces salvation, 
who says to Zion, "Your God reigns."
Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices,
together they sing for joy;
for in plain sight they see
the return of the Lord to Zion.
Break forth together into singing,
you ruins of Jerusalem;
for the Lord has comforted his people,
he has redeemed Jerusalem.
The Lord has bared his holy arm
before the eyes of all the nations;
and all the ends of the earth shall see
the salvation of our God.
 
Lector: The Word of the Lord
Response: Thanks be to God
 
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96  Cantor: Tom Wells        
                   "Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord"
 
The Second Lesson:   Hebrews 1:1-12
Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
For to which of the angels did God ever say,
"You are my Son;
today I have begotten you"?
Or again,
"I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son"?
And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,
"Let all God's angels worship him."
Of the angels he says,
"He makes his angels winds,
and his servants flames of fire."
But of the Son he says,
"Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
and the righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdom.
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions."
And,
"In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands;
they will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like clothing;
like a cloak you will roll them up, and like clothing they will be changed.
But you are the same,
and your years will never end."
 
Lector: The Word of the Lord
Response: Thanks be to God
 
Sequence Hymn: 94  "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night"

The Gospel: John 1:1-14        - Fr Mike
Celebrant: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John
Response: 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.

Celebrant: The Gospel of the Lord
Response: Praise to you, Lord Christ
 
Sermon - Fr Mike
Prayer before the Sermon: Lord, you have promised that when two or three gather in your name you will be present with them. We depend on that promise today and pray that you will move among us. Lord, we pray that have you inspired Mike's preparation, that you will enliven his presentation and that you will empower our application. Amen

The Nicene Creed  pg. 358 Book of Common Prayer

The Prayers of the People:  Form VI (with additions) pg. 392
Lector: In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
(Silence)
Lector: For all people in their daily life and work;
Response: For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.

Lector: For this community, the nation, and the world;
Response: For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.

Lector: For the just and proper use of your creation;
Response: For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.

Lector: For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
Response: For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.

Lector: For the peace and unity of the Church of God
Response: For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.

Lector: For Michael our Presiding Bishop, and Mark, our Bishop; and for all bishops and other ministers;
Response: For all who serve God in his Church.

Lector: For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.
(Silence)
Let us turn our hearts to those in need in our Parish and pray for those whose need our prayer.
I invite your petitions
(Silence)
Lector: Hear us, Lord;
Response: For your mercy is great.

Lector: We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.
(Silence)
Lector: Let us turn our hearts to the blessings which we have received as a Parish and thank the Lord for all His blessings.
I invite your thanksgivings
(Silence)
Lector: We will exalt you, O God our King;
Response: And praise your Name for ever and ever.

Lector: We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.
I invite your petitions
(Silence)
Lector: Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;
Response: Who put their trust in you.

Lector: We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.
(Silence)
Lector and People together:
Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; in your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone; and so uphold us by your Spirit that we may live and serve you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Celebrant: 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 Peace:  pg. 360 Book of Common Prayer
The Collect for Stewardship  (Book of Common Prayer 259)
(as we cannot pass the collection plate at this time we pray this prayer to keep us mindful of the needs of Christ Church and our responsibility for stewardship)
 
O merciful Creator, your hand is open wide to satisfy the
needs of every living creature: Make us always thankful for
your loving providence; and grant that we, remembering the
account that we must one day give, may be faithful stewards
of your good gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with
you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God,
for ever and ever;
Amen.
 
HOLY EUCHARIST RITE II
(All Recited)
Setting of the Table  (soft organ music)
The Great Thanksgiving  (Eucharistic Prayer A) 
Sursum Corda (recited) pg. 361  Book of Common Prayer
The Preface "It is a good, right and joyful thing...
Sanctus  "Sanctus" R. Proulx recited
Service continues on pg. 362 Book of Common Prayer
Holy and gracious father...

The Memorial Acclamation:
"Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again"

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us we are bold to say:
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 Breaking of the Bread - pg. 364 Book of Common Prayer
Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Response: Therefore let us keep the fest. Alleluia
Lamb of God: "Lamb of God"
The Gifts of God...

A Prayer for Spiritual Communion, from The Prayer Book for the Armed Services:
In union, O Lord, with your faithful people at every altar of your Church, where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated, I desire to offer to you praise and thanksgiving. I remember your death, Lord Christ; I proclaim your resurrection; I await your coming in glory. Since I cannot receive you today in the Sacrament of your Body and Blood, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. Cleanse and strengthen me with your grace, Lord Jesus, and let me never be separated from you. May I live in you, and you in me, in this life and in the life to come. Amen.
 
Communion Hymn: 115  "What Child is This" organ music only

Service continues on pg. 365
After Communion:
"Let us pray:
Eternal God, heavenly Father...

The Blessing
Closing Hymn: 100 "Joy to the World the Lord Has Come" verses 1+2
Benediction Jude 24 - 25 (New King James Version)
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,
And to present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
To God our Savior,
Who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,
Both now and forever.  AMEN

Dismissal: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen

Postlude " Angels We Have Heard On High" 

Love Song in Absence
I sighed for a world left desolate without you,
All certainty, passion and peace withdrawn;
men like furious ants without the ant's humility,
Their automatic days led by mechanical dawn.
 
Voices all round me witnessed your unknown absence.
The stars clicked through their uncaring motions
Because they imagined nothing. An unchecked cruelty
Was born of winter fear.
 
Surgical lesions hardened round hearts from which you
   have been removed.
Only Museums remained. All difference was equated.
Columns of numbers and coins marched through the living flesh.
Relationship died away till all was separated.
 
You are gone, I said, and since through you I lived
I begin to die. Instruments have no song
Except the living breath. You moved in the artery
That withers without blood. You are gone too long.
 
But as I sighed, I knew: incomprehensible energy
Creates us and destroys, all words are made
In the long shadow of eternity.
Their meanings alter even as the thing is said.
And so, "Return," I cried, and at the word
Was silent, wondering what voice I heard.
                                                     Judith Wright, "Collected Poems" 1942-1985

OPENING SENTENCES
 
Priest:    The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
People:   those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them a light has shined.
 
IN THE BLEAK MID WINTER  (Hymnal 1982) - Hymn 112 
 
Priest: This candle we light to remember those whom we have loved and lost.
            We remember their name, their face, their voice, the memory that binds them
            to us in this season. We ask you, God, to hold them in eternal love.
 
People:
O Lord, hear my prayer. O Lord, hear my prayer. When I call answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer. O Lord, hear my prayer. Come and listen to me.
 
Priest: This candle we light for ourselves and our grief: the disbelief, the anger,
            the sorrow, the poignancy of memory and bittersweet reminiscence. We give
            you thanks for those who support us, God, and love us into the dawn of hope.
 
People:
O Lord, hear my prayer. O Lord, hear my prayer. When I call answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer. O Lord, hear my prayer. Come and listen to me.
 
Priest:  This candle we light to recall the pains of the past and the pain of loss: the loss
             of relationships, the loss of jobs, the loss of health. We offer our pain to you,
             God, asking that you refresh, restore, and renew us.
 
People:
O Lord, hear my prayer. O Lord, hear my prayer. When I call answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer. O Lord, hear my prayer. Come and listen to me.
 
Priest: This candle is lit in thanksgiving for the gift of hope and love. We thank
            You God, for sharing our life, showing us the Way, bringing Truth, and bearing
             Light.
 
People:
O Lord, hear my prayer. O Lord, hear my prayer. When I call answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer. O Lord, hear my prayer. Come and listen to me.
 
THE LESSONS
 
Lector: A Reading from Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8
People:
 
The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me;
he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,  and release to the prisoners;  to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;  to provide for those who mourn in Zion— to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory.  They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. For I the Lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.
 
Lector: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God
 
Lector:  Psalm 62: 1- 8
 
Men:       For God alone my soul waits in silence;
               from him comes my salvation.

Women:  He alone is my rock and my salvation,
               my fortress; I shall never be shaken.
 
All:          How long will you assail a person,
               will you batter your victim, all of you,
               as you would a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
               Their only plan is to bring down a person of prominence.
               They take pleasure in falsehood;
                they bless with their mouths,
                but inwardly they curse.
 
Women:  For God alone my soul waits in silence,
                for my hope is from him.

Men:        He alone is my rock and my salvation,
                my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

All:           On God rests my deliverance and my honor;
                my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.
                Trust in him at all times, O people;
                 pour out your heart before him;
                 God is a refuge for us.
 
Lector:  The Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ
 
John 1: 1 - 4, 14
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. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.  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 MEDITATION
After the meditation, there will be a period of silence.
You are invited to come forward and light a candle if you would like.
 
Love Came Down At Christmas  - Hymn 84
 
LITANY OF AFFIRMATION
(Adapted from "First Coming by Madeleine L'Engle)
 
Priest:  God did not wait until the world was ready, till the nations were at peace.
 
People: God came when the heavens were unsteady and prisoners
                       cried for release
 
Priest:  God did not wait for the perfect time
 
People: God came when the need was deep and great. God dined with sinners in
                          all their grime

Priest:   God did not wait until the hearts were pure
 
People:  In joy, God came to a tarnished world of sin and doubt. To a world of
                   anguish and shame. God came in joy, and his light never goes out
 
Priest:   God came to a world which did not mesh; to heal its ill, and shield its scorn
 
People:  In the mystery of the Word made flesh, the maker of the stars was born
 
Priest:    We cannot wait until the world is whole, to raise our songs with joyful voice,
                    to share our grief, to touch our pain
 
All:         God came in grace, with love. Rejoice! Rejoice!
 
O Little Town of Bethlehem - Hymn 79
 
Benediction - Jude 24-25                                 
 
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,
And to present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
To God our Savior,
Who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,
Both now and forever.                   
​Amen.
 
Dismissal: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen

Prelude: "In Dulce Jubilo" J.S. Bach
 
Ringing of the Bell
 
Opening Hymn: 96 "Angels we have heard on high"
 
Celebrant:
O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
 
Celebrant:
Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born [this day] of a pure virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
 
Celebrant: 
"Beloved in Christ, at this Christmas-tide 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 especially in this our diocese.
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:
Celebrant:  The Lord be with you
People:        And also with you
Celebrant:   Let us pray
                   (kneel or stand)
          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: Genesis 3: 8-15 
          "God announces in the Garden of Eden that the seed of woman shall
           bruise the serpent's head"
They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?”  He said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.”  He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent tricked me, and I ate.” The Lord God said to the serpent,
“Because you have done this,
    cursed are you among all animals
    and among all wild creatures;
upon your belly you shall go,
    and dust you shall eat
    all the days of your life.
I will put enmity between you and the woman,
    and between your offspring and hers;
he will strike your head,
    and you will strike his heel.”
 
Reader:  (following the lesson)  The Word of the Lord
People:  Thanks be to God.

Hymn 102 "Once in Royal David's City"
 
The Second Lesson Isaiah 9: 2 & 6-7 
          "Christ's birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah."                     
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.
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.

Reader:  (following the lesson)  The Word of the Lord
People:  Thanks be to God.  

Hymn 101 "Away in a Manager"

The Third Lesson:   Luke 2: 1-7  
          "St. Luke tells the birth of Jesus."
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.
 
Reader:  (following the lesson)  The Word of the Lord
People:  Thanks be to God.

Hymn 115       "What Child is this, who laid to rest"

The Fourth Lesson  Luke 2: 8-16   
          "The shepherds go to the manger"
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.

Reader:  (following the lesson)  The Word of the Lord
People:  Thanks be to God

Hymn 111  "Silent Night"

The Fifth Lesson:  John 1: 1-14   
          "St. John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation"
Celebrant:  The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
People:        Glory to you, Lord Christ.
 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life,[a] and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.[b]
10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own,[c] and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son,[d] full of grace and truth.
 
Celebrant:  (following the Gospel):  The Gospel of the Lord.
People:  Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Closing Hymn 100 "Joy to the World! The Lord Is Come"

The Blessing:
The Lord bless you and keep you. Amen.
The Lord make his face to shine upon you
   and be gracious to you. Amen.
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you
   and give you peace. Amen.
 
The Benediction:
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,
And to present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
To God our Savior,
Who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,
Both now and forever.  AMEN
                         Jude 24 - 25 (New King James Version)
 
Postlude  "Angels We Have Heard On High"