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SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS Christmas Eve 2020 MERRY CHRISTMAS! Welcome to Christ Church. We are so delighted to be able to welcome you to a service of Lessons and Carols on this Christmas Eve. At this strange Christmas time, so many of our usual Christmas routines are disrupted and so much of our usual joy seems out of reach. Yet it is more important than ever to remember that Christmas is, at heart, the good news that the God who made us and loves us came to be with his people in Jesus. In this service we will hear again the story of our salvation. We are reminded, as we have been throughout this difficult year, that the world is not as God intended it and that human selfishness has terrible consequences. Yet we are reminded too that into this shadowed and pain-filled world, God comes. Jesus is born to bring hope and healing. The God who made us never abandons his people, and promises to be with us forever. In this service of readings and carols, may the story of God’s love be a blessing to you. Wherever you are, and whatever your Christmas looks like, may it bring Christmas joy. And may Jesus, who is God with us, be with you today and for ever.

Organ Music before the Service played by Benjamin Sheen, Sub Organist Canonic Variations on ‘Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her’ (BWV 769) JS Bach (1685–1750) Pastorale über ‘Josef lieber, Josef mein’ und ‘Stille nacht’ Carl Sattler (1877–1966)

Cover image: ‘The Virgin with the Child, with Cherries and a Cherry Tree in the Background’ (JBS 54)Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) (school of) © Christ Church Picture Gallery reproduced by permission of the Governing Body of Christ Church, Oxford. The congregation in the cathedral remains seated for the Introit.

CHOIR INTROIT As I walked down the road at set of sun The lambs were coming homewards one by one I heard a sheepbell softly calling them Along the little road to Bethlehem. Beside an open door as I drew nigh I heard sweet Mary sing a lullaby She sang about the lambs at close of day And rocked her tiny King among the hay. Across the air the silver sheepbells rang ‘The lambs are coming home,’ sweet Mary sang ‘Your star of gold, your star of gold is shining in the sky So sleep, my little King, go lullaby.’ As I walked down the road at set of sun The lambs were coming homewards one by one I heard a sheepbell softly calling them Along the little road to Bethlehem.

Words: Margaret Rose (d. 1958) Music: Michael Head (1900–76) The congregation stands, the most ancient Christian posture of prayer, for the Bidding Prayer.

THE BIDDING PRAYER At Christmas time we delight to hear again the good news of our salvation: the Saviour long-promised, born to redeem the fall of our first parents and to show us the path of love that draws us to the Father. At this Christmas time, as so many are far from home, from family and from those we love, let us hear especially the promise of the Christ-child, Jesus the Emmanuel, God with us. And so we bid you welcome. Together let us go in heart and mind to Bethlehem, to hear anew the song of the angels, to share the wonder of the shepherds, and to worship the Christ-child, laid in a manger.

3 But first let us pray for the needs of the whole world: for all who are sick, lonely, alone or afraid; all who are at risk of serious illness; all who care for friends and strangers; for peace on earth and good will among all people; for the unity of the Church and our witness to Christ’s coming; for the people of this Diocese, City, and University of Oxford; for all who, like Christ, have been born into poverty; for the cold and hungry; for those with no place to call their own; for all who, like Christ, have been forced to flee their homes; for refugees and asylum-seekers; for all who, like Christ, know the pain of suffering and death; for the sick, the anxious, and the bereaved; and for all whom we love but see no longer, all who have hoped in the Word made flesh, but worship him now in a greater light and on a more distant shore. We entrust these and all whom we carry on our hearts to the God who stooped down from heaven to save us, as we say together the words that Christ has taught us: 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, the power and the glory for ever and ever. Amen. May Almighty God bless us with his grace; Christ give us the joys of everlasting life; and may the King of angels bring us all to the fellowship of the citizens above. Amen.

4 The congregation in the cathedral sits. FIRST LESSON Genesis 3:8–15 (NRSV) read by Thomas Sear, Form 8 Chorister Adam and Eve confess their disobedience in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve 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?’ 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.’

Thanks be to God.

CHOIR CAROL

Adam lay ybounden, Ne had the apple taken been, bounden in a bond the apple taken been, four thousand winter ne had never our Ladie thought he not too long. abeen heav’ne queen. And all was for an apple, Blessed be the time an apple that he took. that apple taken was, As clerkès finden, therefore we moun singen written in their book. Deo gracias!

Words: Sloane Manuscript 2593, 15th century Music: Matthew Martin (b. 1976) 5 SECOND LESSON Isaiah 9:2, 6–7 (NRSV) read by Tom McGowan, Academical Clerk

The prophet Isaiah foretells the coming of the Messiah’s kingdom of peace. 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 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. Thanks be to God.

6 CHOIR CAROL

Jerusalem rejos for joy: Jerusalem, rejoice for joy: Jesus the sterne of most beauty Jesus, the star of greatest beauty in thee is rissin, as richtous roy, is risen in thee as righteous king fro dirknes to illumine thee. from darkness to illumine thee. With glorious sound of angell glee With glorious sound of angels’ glee thy prince is borne in Bethlehem thy prince is born in Bethlehem which sall thee mak of thralldom free.: who shall make thee from slavery free. Illuminare, Jerusalem. Shine out, Jerusalem! With angellis licht in legionis With the light of angels’ legions thow art illuminit all about. thou art illumined all about; Thre kingis of strange regionis three kings from far regions to the are cumin with lusty rout, have come to thee in a lusty rout; all drest with dyamantis, all adorned with diamonds, reverst with gold in every hem, and trimmed with gold on every hem, sounding attonis with a schout, crying together with one shout, Illuminare, Jerusalem. Shine out, Jerusalem! The regeand tirant that in thee rang, The raging tyrant who reigned over thee, Herod, is exileit and his offspring, Herod, is exiled with his offspring; the land of Juda that josit wrang; he possessed the land of Judah unjustly, and rissin is now thy richtous king. and risen is now thy rightful king. So he so mychtie is and digne, Because he is so mighty and worthy, when men his glorious name dois nem, when his glorious name is spoken, Heaven, erd and hell makis inclyning. heaven, earth and hell bow; Illuminare, Jerusalem. Shine out, Jerusalem!

Words: Bannatyne Manuscript, 16th century, cf. Isaiah 60:1 Music: Judith Weir (b. 1954)

7 THIRD LESSON Micah 5:2–5a (NRSV) read by Yvonne Morris, Diocesan Children’s and Family Ministry Adviser

The prophet Micah foretells good news for the city of David. But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labour has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace. Thanks be to God.

CHOIR CAROL

And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

Words: Isaiah 40: 5 Music: George Frederick Handel (1685–1759), from Messiah

8 Hymns are sung by the choir only. The congregation in the cathedral remains seated.

HYMN

In the bleak mid-winter 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 mid-winter 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 mid-winter a stable-place sufficed the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ. 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.

Words: Christina Rossetti (1830–94) Music: Cranham, Gustav Holst (1874–1934)

9 FOURTH LESSON Luke 1:26–38 (NRSV) read by Alison Jestico, Diocesan Director of Finance

The angel Gabriel salutes the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her. Thanks be to God.

CHOIR CAROL

Ave Maria, gratia plena, Hail Mary, full of grace, Dominus tecum; the Lord is with you; benedicta tu in mulieribus, blessed are you among women, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Jesus. and blessed the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, Holy Mary, Mother of God, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, pray for us sinners, nunc et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen. now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Words: traditional Latin prayer, based on Luke 1:28, 42 Music: Peter Philips (1561–1628) 10 FIFTH LESSON Luke 2:1–7 (NRSV) read by Amanda Ponsonby, High Sheriff of Oxfordshire

St Luke tells of 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. Thanks be to God.

CHOIR CAROL

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. 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. 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 take us to heaven to live with thee there.

Words: anonymous (first published in 1882) Music: David Maw (b. 1967)

11 SIXTH LESSON Luke 2:8–18 (NRSV) read by Professor Geraldine Johnson, Senior Censor & Tutor in History of Art, Christ Church 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 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!’ 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. Thanks be to God.

CHOIR CAROL O leave your sheep, your lambs that follow after, O leave the brook, the pasture and the crook, No longer weep, turn weeping into laughter, O shepherds, seek your goal, Your Lord, your Lord, who cometh to console. You’ll find him laid within a simple stable, A babe new born, in poverty forlorn, In love array’d, a love so deep ‘tis able To search the night for you. ‘Tis he! ‘Tis he! ‘Tis he! the Shepherd true!

12 O kings so great! a light is streaming o’er you More radiant far than diadem or star; Forego your state! a baby lies before you Whose wonder shall be told: Bring myrrh! Bring myrrh! Bring frankincense and gold!

Words: Quittez pasteurs, traditional French Music: traditional French, arr. Kenneth Leighton (1929–88)

HYMN

Hark! The herald angels sing glory to the new-born 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 host proclaim, ‘Christ is born in Bethlehem.’ Hark, the herald angels sing glory to the new-born King. Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord, late in time behold him come, offspring of a Virgin’s womb! Veiled in flesh the Godhead see: hail, the incarnate Deity, pleased as God with us to dwell. Jesus, our Emmanuel. Hark, the herald angels sing glory to the new-born King.

13 Hail, the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail, the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings. Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die, born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth. Hark, the herald angels sing glory to the new-born King.

Words: Charles Wesley (1707–88) and others Music: Mendelssohn, from a chorus by F. Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809–47)

SEVENTH LESSON Matthew 2:1–11 (NRSV) read by Brian Buchan, Vice Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire

The wise men are led by the star to Jesus. In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.” ’ Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure- chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Thanks be to God. 14 CHOIR CAROL

In dulci jubilo, In quiet rejoicing Nun singet und seid froh! Now sing with hearts aglow! Unsers Herzens Wonne liegt Our delight and pleasure lies in praesepio, in a manger, Und leuchtet als die Sonne and shines like the sun Matris in gremio, in his mother’s lap. Alpha es et O! You are Alpha and Omega. O Jesu parvule O tiny Jesus, Nach dir ist mir so weh! For you I long always; Tröst’ mir mein Gemüte Comfort my heart’s blindness, O puer optime (O best of boys!) Durch alle deine Güte With all Thy loving kindness. O princeps gloriae. O Prince of glory, Trahe me post te! draw me to you. O Patris caritas! O love of the Father, O Nati lenitas! O gentleness of the Son. Wir wären all verloren Deeply were we stained Per nostra crimina through our sins. So hat er uns erworben But you have gained for us Coelorum gaudia the joy of heaven Eia, wären wir da! O that we were there! Ubi sunt gaudia Where are joys Nirgend mehr denn da! In any place but there? Da die Engel singen There are angels singing Nova cantica, new songs Und die Schellen klingen And there the bells are ringing In regis curia. in the king’s court. Eia, wären wir da! O that we were there!

Words: Heinrich Seuse (1295–1366) Music: Michael Praetorius (1571–1621)

15 Those in the cathedral stand for the final reading, as a sign of awe at the mystery of God becoming human in Jesus.

EIGHTH LESSON John 1:1–14 (NRSV) read by the Revd Canon Richard Peers, Sub

St John unfolds the mystery of the Incarnation. 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. Thanks be to God.

16 HYMN

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: O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord! God of God, Light of Light, Lo! he abhors not the Virgin’s womb; very God, begotten not created: O come, let us adore him... Child, for us sinners poor and in the manger, fain we embrace thee, with awe and love; who would not love thee, loving us so dearly? O come, let us adore him... Sing, choirs of Angels, sing in exultation, sing, all ye citizens of heaven above; Glory to God in the highest: O come, let us adore him...

Words: Adeste Fideles, J F Wade (1711–86) trans. Frederick Oakley (1802–80) and others Music: J F Wade, arr. David Willcocks (1919–2015) descant by David Willcocks

17 THE COLLECT FOR CHRISTMAS EVE Almighty God, you make us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of your Son Jesus Christ: grant that, as we joyfully receive him as our redeemer, so we may with sure confidence behold him when he shall come to be our judge; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, All he has come to his people and set them free. Light has sprung up for the righteous All and joyful gladness for those who are true of heart. Glory to God in the highest All and peace to his people on earth.

THE BLESSING given by the , the Rt Revd Dr May the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance of the wise men, the obedience of Joseph and Mary, and the peace of the Christ-child be yours this Christmas; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. All Amen.

Organ Music after the Service played by Benjamin Sheen, Sub Organist

Toccata-Gigue on the Sussex Carol George Baker (b. 1951)

18 Scripture readings are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Some liturgical materials in this service are copyright and reproduced here by permission: Common Worship © The Archbishops’ Council 2000 & 2002. 19 0 CHRISTMAS 2020 Christmas Eve, Thursday 24 December 3pm Service of Lessons and Carols Livestreamed on YouTube 11.30pm Festal Midnight Eucharist with incense Ticketed service, livestreamed on YouTube Preacher: The of Oxford Christmas Day, Friday 25 December 8am Holy Communion (1662) No tickets necessary 11am Choral Eucharist for Christmas Ticketed service, livestreamed on YouTube President: The Sub Dean Preacher: The 6pm Said Evening Prayer No tickets necessary

All services are free to attend www.chch.ox.ac.uk/christmas2020

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