Christmas Eve 9:00 p.m. Service (Bulletin & YouTube Link)

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Welcome to Christ Episcopal Church
The Nativity of our Lord

December 24th, 2021

8:40 P.M. Christmas Carols

9:00 P.M. The Christ Mass Rite II

Carols Hymnal 101, 115, 107, 110, 102

Chorale Prelude “O Holy Night" Adolphe Adam (1803-1856)

Soloist: Susan MacLennan

Liturgy of the Word

Reading of John 1:1-14

Lighting of the Christ Candle

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Celebrant: We gather to celebrate the birth of the one who is the light of the world. His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

People: He is also called Emmanuel, for in him God is with us.

Celebrant: We light the candle of hope to remind us of the promises made by all the prophets that God would raise up a savior for his people Israel.

People: Christ is our hope and our salvation. He calls us to share our hope in him with each other.

Celebrant: We light the candle of peace to remind us that it is only with God and by following in his path that true peace can be found.

People: Christ brings the peace of God to us. He calls us to share the peace he gives with each other.

Celebrant: We light the candle of joy to remind us that God gives joy to every heart that abides in him.

People: As Mary rejoiced in the birth of Jesus - so his birth in us brings us joy. God calls us to share the joy he gives with each other.

Celebrant: We light the candle of love to remind us that Jesus is God's gift of love to us - and that in him, the light of love triumphs over darkness.

People: Love never fails - it transforms all those who give it and receive it. God calls us to share his love with each other.

Celebrant: We light the Christ candle to remind us that the light of the world was born this night.

People: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness – on them a light has shined.

Choir Introit “Of the Father’s Love Begotten" DIVINUM MYSTERIUM

Cantor: Let us go forth in peace People: In the name of the Christ. Amen.

Processional Hymn “O Come, All Ye Faithful” ADESTE FIDELES, Hymnal 83 vv. 1-3

Blessing of the Christmas Crèche

Processional Hymn “O Come, All Ye Faithful” ADESTE FIDELES, Hymnal 83 vv. 4-6

Opening Sentences

Benedictus es, Domine “Glory to you, Lord God” Hymnal S236

The Collect of the Day BCP p. 212
O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Old Testament Reading Isaiah 9:2-7

Reader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 96: 1-4, 11-12

Sing to the Lord a new song;

sing to the Lord, all the earth.

Sing to the Lord, praise his name;

proclaim his salvation day after day.

Declare his glory among the nations,

his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;

he is to be feared above all gods.

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;

let the sea resound, and all that is in it.

Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;

let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.

New Testament Reading Titus 2: 11-14

Reader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

Sequence Hymn “Angels we have Heard on High” GLORIA, Hymnal 96

The Holy Gospel Luke: 2: 1-20

Homily The Rev. Elizabeth A. Ewing

The Nicene Creed BCP p. 358

The Prayers of the People BCP p.388

Confession of Sin and Absolution BCP p. 360

The Peace BCP p. 361

Celebration of the Holy Communion

The Offertory

Choir Anthem “A Maiden Most Gentle” arr. Andrew Carter

At the Presentation GREENSLEEVES

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

This, this is Christ, the King,

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:

Haste, haste to bring Him laud,

The Babe, the Son of Mary!

The Great Thanksgiving, Eucharistic prayer A BCP p. 361

Sanctus & Benedictus Hymnal S130, BCP 362

The Lord's Prayer BCP 364

The Fraction Anthem: Agnus Dei Hymnal S164

Communion Hymns Hymnal 112, 109, 94

The Post Communion Prayer BCP p. 365

Carol of the Night “Silent Night, Holy Night” STILLE NACHT, Hymnal 111

Processional Hymn “Joy To the World! The Lord is Come” ANTIOCH, Hymnal 100

Blessing & Dismissal

Voluntary Variations to Adeste Fidelis Raynor Taylor (1747-1825)

I cannot tell you how the light comes, but that it does. That it will. That it works its way into the deepest dark that enfolds you, though it may seem long ages in coming or arrive in a shape you did not foresee. And so may we this day turn ourselves toward it. May we lift our faces to let it find us. May we bend our bodies to follow the arc it makes. May we open and open more and open still to the blessed light that comes.

⁠—Jan Richardson

Announcements

Please Note: Mother Elizabeth will be on sabbatical from January 10th - March 1st, 2022. Worship, pastoral care, outreach and the fellowship & work of the church shall continue.

Please Note: The Church office will be closed from November 24th - January 2nd.

Christ Church YouTube Link

You can view the livestream for this service Friday, December 24th at 9:00 p.m. or watch it any time after the live stream via our YouTube page: Christ Episcopal Church Binghamton (link)

Worship Schedule Through Epiphany

December 24th: Christmas Eve Service

5:00 p.m. Christmas Pageant