Christmas Eve 10:30 Service
Prelude Please silence cell phones and maintain quiet as we prepare for worship.
In Dulci Jubilo Marcel Dupre
Puer Natus Est Scott Lunte, Bass Gregorian chant
Translation: A child is born to us and a son is given to us: whose kingdom (shall be) upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called the angel of great counsel.
Improvisation on Puer Natus Est Everett Titcomb
Proclamation of the Birth of Christ Please rise in body or in spirit.
Processional Hymn:
O Come, all ye faithful
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come, and behold him, born the King of angels;
Refrain
O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, sing, all ye citizens of heaven above;
Glory to God, glory in the highest; Refrain
See how the shepherds, summoned to his cradle, leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze;
We too will thither bend our joyful footsteps Refrain
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to thee be glory given;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing; Refrain
Opening Acclamation
The congregation is invited to respond using the words in bold
Blessed be God: most holy, glorious, and undivided Trinity.
And blessed be God’s reign, now and forever. Amen.
Collect
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
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 Christ perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
Gloria Missa brevis in D-major, KV194 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Please be seated.
Gloria in excelsis Deo,
Et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis. Laudamus te, benedicimus te,
Adoramus te, glorificamus te. Gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam. Domine Deus, Rex coelestis,
Deus Pater omnipotens.
Domine Fili unigenite, Jesu Christe. Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris.
Qui tollis peccata mundi, Miserere nobis.
Qui tollis peccata mundi, [Suscipe deprecationem nostram. Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, miserere nobis.]
Quoniam tu solus sanctus, tu solus Dominus,
Tu solus altissimus, [Jesu Christe.] Cum Sancto Spiritu in gloria Dei Patris, Amen.
Glory to God in the highest, And peace on earth to all of good will. We praise You, we bless You, we worship You, we glorify You.
We give You thanks for Your great glory. Lord God, King of Heaven, God the Father Almighty.
Lord only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father. You who take away the sin of the world, Have mercy on us. You who take away the sin of the world, [Hear our prayer. You who sit at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.]For You alone are holy, You alone are Lord, You alone are the Most High, [Jesus Christ.]
With the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father, Amen.
Liturgy of the Word
First Lesson Isaiah 9:2-7
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, 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 onwards and for evermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Congregational Hymn In the Bleak Midwinter
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
in the bleak midwinter, long ago.
Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain;
heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.
Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
but his mother only, in her maiden bliss,
worshiped the beloved with a kiss.
What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
yet what I can I give him: give my heart.
Second Lesson: Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Sequence Hymn Please rise in body or in spirit.
Angels We Have Heard on High
Angels we have heard on high, singing sweetly through the night, and the mountains in reply echoing their brave delight.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why these songs of happy cheer?
What great brightness did you see? What glad tidings did you hear?
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Holy Gospel Luke 2:1-14
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, 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 favours!
The Gospel of our Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Sequence Hymn Angels We Have Heard on High
Come to Bethlehem and see him whose birth the angels sing;
come, adore on bended knee Christ, the Lord, the newborn King. Gloria in excelsis Deo.
See him in a manger laid whom the angels praise above; Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, while we raise our hearts in love.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Sermon Please be seated at the invitation of the Preacher. The Rev. Earl Mahan
Prayers of the People Please rise or kneel in body or spirit.
The Leader and People pray responsively
In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
For this community, the nation, and the world;
For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
For the just and proper use of your creation;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
For the universal Church; [here the leader prays for a church or ministry in the cycle of prayer of Diocese of Missouri]; for Sean, our presiding bishop, Deon our bishop, and for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
For all who serve God in the Church.
For those on our prayer list and for the special needs and concerns of this congregation.
The people may add their own petitions silently or aloud,
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
We will exalt you, O God our King;
And praise your Name for ever and ever.
We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.
The people may add their own petitions silently or aloud.
Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;
Who put their trust in you.
Celebrant
O Lord our God, accept the fervent prayers of your people; in the multitude of your mercies, look with compassion upon us and all who turn to you for help; for you are gracious, O lover of souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever.
Peace Please stand in body or spirit..
The peace of Christ be always with you.
And also with you.
You are invited to greet those around you by saying “Peace be with you” or simply “Peace.”
Welcome and Announcements Please be seated for a few brief announcements.
Offertory Anthem There is No Rose Orin Johnson
Offertory Carol It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
It came upon a midnight clear, that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, good will toward men
from heaven’s all gracious King.”
The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.
Still through the cloven skies they come
with peaceful wings unfurled,
and still their heavenly music floats o’er all the weary world;
above its sad and lowly plains they bend on hovering wing,
and ever o’er its Babel-sounds the blessed angels sing.
Yet with the woes of sin and strife the world has suffered long;
beneath the heavenly hymn have rolled two thousand years of wrong;
and warring humankind hears not the tidings which they bring;
O hush the noise and cease your strife
and hear the angels sing.
For lo! the days are hastening on, by prophets seen of old,
when with the ever-circling years shall come the time foretold
when peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling,
and all the world give back the song
which now the angels sing.
Liturgy of the Table
The second part of the liturgy moves to the Table. As we remember Jesus’ last supper with his disciples, we gather in a way Christians have done since earliest times. At Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, all are welcome at the Communion Table.
Please rise in body or in spirit.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth. And now we give you thanks because in the incarnation of the Word a new light has dawned upon the world; you have become one with us that we might become one with you in your glorious kingdom.
Therefore, we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Sanctus Sanctus and Benedictus Missa brevis in D-major, KV194
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth.
Pleni sunt coeli et terra gloria tua. Hosanna in excelsis.
Benedictus que venit in nomine Domini
Hosanna in excelsis.
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory, Hosannah in the highest.
Blesssed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosannah in the highest.
The people stand or kneel in body or spirit. Then the Celebrant continues.
Holy and gracious God: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and maker and of all.
Jesus stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Savior Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and
said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper Jesus took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Therefore, we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Celebrant and People
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
The Celebrant continues
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, Almighty God, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in Christ. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.
All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Savior. By Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty God, now and forever. AMEN
Lord’s Prayer Pray in the language of your heart:
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.
Padre nuestro que estás en el cielo, santificado sea tu Nombre, venga tu reino, hágase tu voluntad, en la tierra como en el cielo. Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día. Perdona nuestras ofensas, como también nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden. No nos dejes caer en tentación y líbranos del mal. Porque tuyo es el reino, tuyo es el poder, y tuya es la gloria, ahora y por siempre. Amén
The Breaking of the Bread
Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Administration of the Sacrament
Agnus Dei Agnus Dei Missa brevis in D-major, KV194
Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.
Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.
Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
Grant us peace.
Hymns During Communion Sung by all.
O Little Town of Bethlehem
1. O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by;
yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;
the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
2. For Christ is born of Mary; and gathered all above,
while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth!
and praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth.
3. How silently, how silently the wondrous Gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven.
No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.
5. O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;
cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!
Away in a Manger
1. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
2. The cattle are lowing the Baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes,
I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky,
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
3. Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And fit us for heaven to heaven to live with thee there.
‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime
1. ’Twas in the moon of wintertime, when all the birds had fled,
that God the Lord of all the earth sent angel choirs instead;
before their light the stars grew dim,
and wondering hunters heard the hymn:
Refrain:
Peace on earth, Christ is born,
Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.
2. Within a lodge of broken bark, the tender babe was found,
a ragged robe of rabbit skin enwrapped His beauty round;
but as the hunter braves drew nigh,
the angel song rang loud and high: [Refrain]
3. The earliest moon of wintertime is not so round and fair
as was the ring of glory on the helpless Infant there.
The chiefs from far before Him knelt
with gifts of fox and beaver pelt. [Refrain]
4. O children of the forest free, the angel song is true;
the holy child of earth and heaven is born today for you.
Come kneel before the radiant boy,
who brings you beauty, peace, and joy. [Refrain]
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
1. Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!
Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies;
with the angelic hosts proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem!
Refrain:
Hark! the herald angels sing,
glory to the newborn King!
2. Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord;
late in time behold him come, offspring of the Virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail the incarnate Deity.
Pleased as man with us to dwell; Jesus, our Emmanuel! [Refrain]
Post Communion Prayer Please rise in body or in spirit.
Gracious God,
tonight you have united earth and heaven
in sending your Son to take our human nature. May we, who have tasted heavenly things,
share in the life of Christ’s kingdom.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
The Lighting of the Candles
Please tip your candle into the flame to receive the light; after receiving the light, please hold your candle upright.
Hymn after Communion Silent Night
Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright
round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy infant, so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love’s pure light radiant beams from thy holy face,
with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth
Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake at the sight,
glories stream from heaven afar,
heavenly hosts sing alleluia; Christ, the Savior, is born!
Christmas Blessing Please rise in body or in spirit.
May God, who sent angels to proclaim the glad news of the Savior’s birth, fill you with joy and make you heralds of the Gospel. And the blessing of God the holy and undivided Trinity be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.
Recessional Hymn Joy to the World
Joy to the world! The Lord is come:
let earth receive her King;
let ev’ry heart prepare him room, and heav’n and nature sing,
and heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing.
Joy to the earth! The Savior reigns:
let men their songs employ; while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
nor thorns infest the ground; he comes to make his blessings flow
far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found,
far as, far as the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
and makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness and wonders of his love,
and wonders of his love,
and wonders, wonders of his love.
Dismissal
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Postlude Puer Natus Eat by Everett Titcomb
In Dulci Jubilo by J.S. Bach
Please remain standing in body or spirit, as the clergy and choir process.
Worship Leaders
Preacher: The Rev. Earl Mahan
Celebrant: The Rev. Julie Graham
Deacon: The Rev. Chester Hines
Organist: Earl Naylor
Reader: Alisa Williams
Intercessor: Andrew Wasson
Greeters: Elizabeth Hines, Kellie McCoy
With special thanks to our guest musicians:
Manuela Topalbegovic, Ranya Iqbal
Holly Huelskamp, Tova Braitberg
Special gifts made to support the Christmas Greens and Music in honor of . . .
Helen Rothfuss, Olivia Marie Hines, Eleanor Rose Hines, Leonard & Betty Walz Sr.,
John Kinne, Pearl Kinne, Henry, Grace & Wayne Cummings, Alice & Richard Alliborne, Martha Bonds, Bryant Payne, Farrel Keith
Music used and reprinted with permission under OneLicense #A-704988 and WorshipCast License #13476
Cover art: Holy Family of the Streets by Kelly Latimore. Used with permission. kellylatimoreicons.com
Parish Staff
The Rev. C. Earl Mahan, Interim Rector
call 314-721-7401 x303 text 314-996-9814
The Rev. Julie Graham, Associate Rector
call 314-721-7401 x302 text 314-886-7594
The Rev. Chester Hines, Deacon
call 314-367-7332
Darcy Brainard, Parish Administrator
call 314-721-7401
Mary Chapman, Director of Music
Earl Naylor, Organist
organist@holycommunion.net
Jim Kern, Financial Administrator
Parish Vestry
Fran Caradonna, Senior Warden
Rudy Walz, Junior Warden
Kellie McCoy, Treasurer
Pat Redington, Secretary
Rebecca Comas
Bob Lowes
Heidi Volkl
Andrew Wasson
Tim Anderson
