Order for Worship

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Christmas Eve 7:00 pm December 24, 2020

All of the service is included in this bulletin but you may also follow along in the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) at the indicated pages. Congregational responses are in bold print. Online worshippers, please mute the Zoom microphone icon to prevent household noise from broadcasting to all worshippers, unless otherwise indicated. Our deepest thanks to Mimi Munroe for serving as Cantor for this service.

ORDER FOR WORSHIP

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRELUDE Of the Father's Love Begotten arr. Stephan Casurella USED BY PERMISSION OF ST. JAMES MUSIC PRESS; COPYRIGHT 2018 Carolyn Kendrick, Soprano; Debbie Sorensen, Alto; Gary Blumenschein, Tenor; Bill Hauet, Bass Nancy Fuhr and Rachel Samson, Chimes

Corde natus ex Parentis Let the heights of heaven adore him; ante mundi exordium, angel hosts, his praises sing; Alpha et O cognomi natus, powers, dominions, bow before him, ipse fons et clausula and extol our God and King; omni umquae sunt, fuerunt, let no tongue on earth be silent, quaeque post futura sunt. every voice in concert ring, Saeculorum saeculis. evermore and evermore.

O that birth forever blessed, Christ to thee with God the Father, when the Virgin, full of grace, and O Holy Ghost, to thee, by the Holy Ghost conceiving, hymn and chant and high thanksgiving, bore the Savior of our race, and unwearied praises be, and the Babe, the world's Redeemer, honor, glory and dominion, first revealed his sacred face, and eternal victory, evermore and evermore. evermore and evermore. ever more and evermore. Amen. Amen.

1 LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE Hope for Those Who Are Willing Christ Be Our Light Bernadette Farrell/setting by Joel Raney ONELICENSE CATOLOGUE #87178; COPYRIGHT 2013. USED BY PERMISSION, ST. STEPHEN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, AURORA COLORADO. ONE LICENSE ANNUAL LICENSE WITH PODCASTING CURRENT THROUGH DECEMBER 2020 #A-713589.

Carolyn Kendrick, Soprano; Debbie Sorensen, Alto; Gary Blumenschein, Tenor; Bill Hauet, Bass Many the gifts, many the people, many the hearts that yearn to belong. Let us be servants to one another, making your kingdom come. Christ be our light! Shine through our hearts, Shine through the darkness. Christ, be our light! Shine in your Church gathered today.

Leader: Our Savior’s birth is celebrated with bold faith. People: May our hearts be willing. Leader: Like Mary, who showed humble surrender: People: May our hearts be willing. Leader: Like Joseph, who exhibited unconditional trust: People: May our hearts be willing. Leader: Like the shepherds, who displayed awestruck wonder: People: May our hearts be willing. Leader: For all who are willing to receive the gift of the Savior born in Bethlehem: People: Grant that we might have the peace of Christ as we wait, the love of Christ as we act, and the grace of Christ as we speak. Leader: Tonight we light all the candles. The first candle is the hope shining for those worn thin by times of waiting. The second candle is the hope shining for those worn down with wearied souls. The third candle captures the hopeful expectation of those eagerly watching for God’s glory in our day. The fourth candle is the hope of a new tomorrow shining for

2 those seeking freedom from the wounds of this world. Tonight, we light the Christ candle. This candle radiates the hope of Jesus Christ to all who are willing to receive it. Please rise

OPENING CAROL O Come, All Ye Faithful arr. Arlen Clark USED BY PERMISSION ST. JAMES PRESS O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethelehem; Come, and behold him, born the King of angels; O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord.

God from God, Light from Light eternal, lo! he abhors not the Virgin’s womb; only begotten Son of the Father; 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; O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord.

OPENING ACCLAMATION Celebrant: Alleluia! For unto us a child is born. People: For unto us a child is given. Alleluia! 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 lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

3 CAROL OF PRAISE Angels we have heard on high arr. Arlen Clark USED BY PERMISSION ST. JAMES PRESS Angels we have heard on high, singing sweetly through the night, and the mountains in reply echoing their brave delight. Glo—-ria in excelsis Deo. Glo—-ria 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? Glo—-ria in excelsis Deo. Glo—-ria in excelsis Deo.

Come to Bethlehem and see him whose birth the angels sing; come, adore on bended knee Christ, the Lord, the newborn King. Glo—-ria in excelsis Deo. Glo—-ria 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. Glo—-ria in excelsis Deo. Glo—-ria in excelsis Deo.

Please be seated.

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 warrior 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 Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,

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

PSALM 96 The antiphon is sung once by the Cantor and repeated by the People. The People then sing the antiphon after verse 4, 10 and 13. Cantor: Let the heav’ns rejoice, and the earth be glad! People: Let the heav’ns rejoice, and the earth be glad! Cantor: Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to Lord all the whole earth. Sing to the Lord and bless his name; proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day. Declare his wonders among the peoples. For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; he is more to feared than all gods. Cantor: Let the heav’ns rejoice, and the earth be glad! People: Let the heav’ns rejoice, and the earth be glad! Cantor: As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols. but it is the Lord who made the heavens. Oh the majesty and magnificence of his presence! Oh the power and the splendor of his sanctuary! Ascribe to the Lord you families of the peoples; ascribe to the Lord honor and power. Ascribe to the Lord the honor due his name; bring offerings and come into his courts. Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; let the whole earth tremble before him. Tell it out among the nations: “The Lord is king! He has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.” Cantor: Let the heav’ns rejoice, and the earth be glad! People: Let the heav’ns rejoice, and the earth be glad!

5 Cantor: Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea thunder and all that is in it; let the field be joyful and all that is therein. Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy before the Lord when he comes, He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with his truth. Cantor: Let the heav’ns rejoice, and the earth be glad! People: Let the heav’ns rejoice, and the earth be glad!

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 Savior, 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. Leader: The Word of the Lord People: Thanks be to God. Please rise. SEQUENCE HYMN It Came Upon the Midnight Clear PUBLIC DOMAIN It came upon the 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 to men, from heaven’s all-gracious King.” The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.

THE GOSPEL Luke 2:1-20 Celebrant: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Luke.

People: 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. 6 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. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Celebrant: The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Please be seated.

THE SERMON The Rev. Kate Bradsen Please rise.

THE NICENE CREED BCP p. 358 We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made.

7 For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Form II, Book of Common Prayer, page 385 I ask your prayers for God's people throughout the world; for our Bishops; for this gathering; and for all ministers and people. Pray for the Church. Silence

I ask your prayers for peace; for goodwill among nations; and for the well-being of all people. Pray for justice and peace. Silence

I ask your prayers for the poor, the sick, the hungry, the oppressed, and those in prison. Pray for those in any need or trouble. Silence

I ask your prayers for all who seek God, or a deeper knowledge of God. Pray that they may find and be found by God. Silence

8 I ask your prayers for the departed. Pray for those who have died. Silence

Praise God for those in every generation in whom Christ has been honored. Pray that we may have grace to glorify Christ in our own day. Silence

The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.

THE PEACE Celebrant: The peace of Christ be always with you. People: And also with you. Please share a sign of peace via Zoom.

THE HOLY COMMUNION

PRESENTATION CAROL In Dulci Jubilo Johann Michael Bach (1745-1820) USED BY PERMISSION ST. JOHNS PRESS

The celebrant continues: All thanks and praise are yours at all times and in all places, our true and loving God; through Jesus Christ, your eternal Word, the Wisdom from on high by whom you created all things. You laid the foundations of the world and enclosed the sea when it

9 burst out from the womb; You brought forth all creatures of the earth and gave breath to humankind. Wondrous are you, Holy One of Blessing, all you create is a sign of hope for our journey; And so as the morning stars sing your praises we join the heavenly beings and all creation as we shout with joy: Holy, holy, holy Lord,God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Glory and honor are yours, Creator of all, your Word has never been silent; you called a people to yourself, as a light to the nations, you delivered them from bondage and led them to a land of promise. Of your grace, you gave Jesus to be human, to share our life, to proclaim the coming of your holy reign and give himself for us, a fragrant offering. Through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, you have freed us from sin, brought us into your life, reconciled us to you, and restored us to the glory you intend for us. We thank you that on the night before he died for us Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, gave it to his friends and said: “Take, eat, this is my Body, broken for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

After supper Jesus took the cup of wine, said the blessing, gave it to his friends and said: “Drink this, all of you: this cup is the new Covenant in my Blood, poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.” And so, remembering all that was done for us: the incarnation, the cross, the tomb, the resurrection and ascension, longing for Christ’s coming in glory, and presenting to you these gifts your earth has formed and human hands have made, we acclaim you, O Christ: Dying, you destroyed our death. Rising, you restored our life. Christ Jesus, come in glory! Send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts of bread and wine that they may be to us the Body and Blood of your Christ. Grant that we, burning with your Spirit’s power, may be a people of hope, justice and love. Giver of Life, draw us together in the

Body of Christ, and in the fullness of time gather us with all your people into the joy of our true eternal home.

10 Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, we worship you our God and Creator in voices of unending praise. Blessed are you now and for ever. AMEN.

THE LORD’S PRAYER BCP p. 364 Celebrant: As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray,

All: 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.

FRACTION ANTHEM Celebrant: God of promise, you have prepared a banquet for us. People: Happy are those who are called to the Supper of the Lamb.

COMMUNION

COMMUNION MUSIC O Holy Night Adolphe Adam (1803-1856) Mimi Munroe, Soprano ONELICENSE CATALOGUE # G6184. USED BY PERMISSION, ST. STEPHEN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, AURORA COLORADO. ONE LICENSE ANNUAL LICENSE WITH PODCASTING CURRENT THROUGH DECEMBER 2020 #A-713589.

11 POST COMMUNION CAROL Silent Night, Holy Night Franz Xaver Gruber 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. Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake at the sight, glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing alleluia; Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!

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. Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. MUSIC AND TEXT IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER Celebrant: Let us pray All: God of abundance, you have fed us with the bread of life and cup of salvation; you have united us with Christ and one another; and you have made us one with all your people in heaven and on earth. Now send us forth in the power of your Spirit, that we may proclaim your redeeming love to the world and continue for ever in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen.

BLESSING

12 RECESSIONAL Joy to the World arr. Arlen Clark USED BY PERMISSION ST. JAMES PRESS Joy to the world! the Lord is come; let earth receive her King. let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the world! the Savior reigns; let us our songs employ, while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains, repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

He rules the world with truth and grace, and lets 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 Celebrant: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE Noel XII Suisse, Grand Jeu, et Duo Louis Claude Dauqin