THE ~ “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” ~ Arranged by DAN FORREST 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 th’angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! the herald angels sing! “Glory to the newborn King!” Christ, by highest heav’n adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord! usic of hristmas Late in time, behold him come, Offspring of a virgin’s womb. M C Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail th’incarnate Deity, Pleased with us in flesh to dwell Jesus, our Emmanuel, Hark! the herald angels sing! “Glory to the newborn King!” Hail the heav’nborn Prince of Peace, Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, Ris’n with healing in his wings. Mild he lays his glory by, Born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth, Hark! the herald angels sing! “Glory to the newborn King!”

THE ANTHEM ~ “One Sweet Little Baby” MCCLURE & KINNESON ~ Arranged by SHAWN KIRCHNER O Mary, shining glory! The Lord smiles upon you. What a blessing is this little baby that you brought to our world, Refrain: O all for the love of one sweet little baby, All for the love of one sweet baby child, All for the love of one sweet little baby, we have come so far. O, a good old man named Simeon said, “I’m never gonna rest till I see that child and hold him to my breast.” Many gonna speak against you, child, they’ll crucify all that’s true. And your mother Mary she will bear a pain that will pierce her heart through. O Jerusalem, your children are so tired of war, My Lord, it’s time to walk with your children once more.

The Sixth Scripture Matthew 2: 1-11 ~ The wise men are led by the star to Jesus.

THE ANTHEM ~ “Personent ” 13th Century Processional ~ Arranged by LARA HOGGARD The Adult and Senior High Let youthful voices resound today joyfully praising him who is born for us, who is given unto us by the most high God, and brought forth from a Virgin. He is born in the world, is wrapped in swaddling cloths, and placed in a manger in a stable of beasts. He is the Ruler over all things. (The Prince of Darkness thus has lost his prey!) Three wise men come, bearing gifts. They have found the babe by following a little star. Adoring the Lord, they offer him gold, incense and myrrh. Let all the young choristers now sing as did the angels, praising him who has come into the world: “Glory to God in the Highest!”

The Seventh Scripture John 1: 1-14 ~ John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation.

THE ANTHEM ~ “I Will Light Candles This Christmas” ~ KIM ANDRÉ ARNESEN Boosey & Hawkes (London) I will light candles this Christmas; candles of joy despite all sadness, Candles of hope where despair keeps watch, candles of courage for fears ever present, Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days, candles of grace to ease heavy burdens, Candles of love to inspire all my living, candles that will burn all year long. When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with their flock, The work of Christmas begins: to find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry, To release the prisoner, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among others, To make music in the heart.

THE ANTHEM ~ “Hallelujah!” from Messiah ~ G.F. HANDEL The Adult, Senior High and Junior High Choirs Hallelujah! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever. King of kings, and Lord of lords. Hallelujah!

THE OF RESPONSE ~ No 208, “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (Stanzas 1, 3, 4) ~ Arranged by DAVID WILLCOCKS Emilee O. Garrett, Organ THE BENEDICTION ~ Dr. Sean Michael Lucas, Senior Pastor

THE POSTLUDE ~ “Toccata sur ‘Il est né, le divin Enfant’” (He Is Born, the Divine Christ Child) ~ DENIS BÉDARD

James A. Brown, Jr., Director of Worship and Music Ministries Jennifer P.K. Velázquez, Associate Director of Worship and Music Ministries and Organist Pamela M. Brown, Assistant Director of Worship and Music Ministries Emilee O. Garrett, Children’s Coordinator Harrison A. Howle, Choral Assistant Kathy L. Leggett, Administrative Assistant The orchestra for this evening’s service includes members of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, contracted by Greg Luscombe.

Cover Illustration ~ The Flight into Egypt, c. 1470/1475 Etching by Martin Schongauer A Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols The Third Scripture Independent Presbyterian Church | Memphis, Tennessee Luke 1: 26-33 ~ The Angel Gabriel salutes the Virgin Mary. The Eighth Day of December, Two Thousand and Nineteen, Six-o’clock in the Evening THE ANTHEM ~ “A New ” ~ CAROLYN JENNINGS Missy Fooshee and Beth Rushing, Soloists My heart exults in the Lord; my strength is exalted in the Lord. My mouth derides my enemies; I rejoice in God’s salvation. My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior, who looks upon a lowly handmaid with favor. All generations shall call me blessed. My heart o’erflows, Alleluia! THE PRELUDE ~ “In Whom the World Rejoices” ~ ARRON POWELL There is none holy like the Lord; there is no rock like our God. Let not your mouth be arrogant, for the Lord is a God of all knowledge. For God who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is God’s name. And God’s mercy is giv’n to God’s people THE CALL TO WORSHIP ~ Dr. Sean Michael Lucas, Senior Pastor from generation to generation. Congregation: My heart o’erflows, Alleluia! THE PROCESSIONAL HYMN ~ “Once in Royal David’s City” ~ Arranged by DAVID WILLCOCKS The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble put on strength. Those who were full are hungry, and those who were hungry The Adult, Senior High and Junior High Choirs with the Ensemble and Elaine Clowers, Soloist are filled. Strong is the arm of the Lord, who has scattered the proud in their hearts; God has put down the mighty and lifted those of low degree. Once in royal David’s city stood a lowly cattle shed, where a mother laid her Baby in a manger for his bed: Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ her little Child. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s and on them God has set the world. The Lord kills and brings to life; God brings low and He came down to earth from heaven Who is God and Lord of all, and his shelter was a stable, and his cradle was a stall; with the also exalts. God lifts up the poor from the dust to sit with rulers and inherit a seat of honor. Strong is the arm of the Lord, who has poor and mean and lowly lived on earth our Saviour holy. scattered the proud in their hearts. God has filled the hungry, and the rich have been sent empty away. Congregation: My heart o’erflows, Alleluia! And through all his wondrous childhood he would honour and obey, love and watch the lowly maiden, in whose gentle arms he lay; Christian children all must be mild, obedient, good as he. God will guard the faithful flock, and human might shall not prevail. The Lord will judge the earth; and will exalt the pow’r of God’s anointed. For the Lord has helped the servant Israel in remembrance of God’s love and mercy, which was promised to Sarah and For he is our childhood’s pattern, day by day like us he grew. He was little, weak and helpless, tears and smiles like us Abraham, and to their children’s children forever. he knew; and he feeleth for our sadness, and he shareth in our gladness. Congregation: My heart o’erflows, Alleluia! And our eyes at last shall see him, through his own redeeming love, for that Child so dear and gentle is our Lord in heaven above; and he leads his children on to the place where he is gone. Not in that poor lowly stable, with the oxen standing by, we shall see him; but in heaven, set at God’s right hand on high; where The Fourth Scripture like stars his children crowned all in white shall wait around. Luke 2: 1-7 ~ Luke tells of the birth of Jesus.

THE ANTHEM~ “Down in Bethlehem” ~ DAN EDWARDS THE ANTHEM ~ “In the First Light” BOB KAUFLIN ~Arranged by KAUFLIN & COATES The Ensemble Girls Choirs and Boys Choirs Emilee O. Garrett, Director | Michelle J. Crews, Piano In the first light of the new day no one knew he had arrived. Things continued as they had been, while a newborn softly cried. But the heavens, wrapped in wonder, knew the meaning of his birth. In the weakness of a baby they knew God had come to earth. Down in Bethlehem, there in a manger, sleeping in a trough of hay, He’s the Holy Child, the long-awaited One, born to us on this day. Alleluia! The Son of God is born in Bethlehem. Alleluia! Our blessed Redeemer and the Great I Am. As his mother held him closely it was hard to understand That her baby, not yet speaking, was the Word of God to man. He would tell them of his Kingdom, but their hearts would not believe. They would hate him, and in anger they would nail him to a tree. Weary shepherds, out on a hillside, watching o’er their flocks by night, Suddenly, in radiant glory, they saw a marvelous sight. Alleluia! Oh, hear the angels testify and sing. Alleluia! The Good News of the birth of Christ the King. Alleluia, sing alleluia! But the sadness would be broken as the Song of Life arose. And the firstborn of creation would ascend and take his throne. He had left it to redeem us, but before his life began, he knew he’d come back, not as a baby, but as the Lord of ev’ry man. THE ANTHEM ~ “Star Carol” ~ Hear the angels as they’re singing on the morning of his birth. But how much greater will our song be when he comes again to earth. The Senior High and Junior High Choirs How much greater will our song be when he comes back to rule the earth! Harrison A. Howle, Director Sing this night, for a boy is born in Bethlehem, Christ our Lord in a lowly manger lies; THE ANTHEM ~ “O Little Town of Bethlehem” ~ Arranged by JAMES A. BROWN, JR. Bring your gifts, come and worship at his cradle, Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary! The Men of the Choir Refrain: See his star shining bright In the sky this Christmas Night! Pamela M. Brown, Piano Follow me joyfully; Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary! O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by. Angels bright, come from heaven’s highest glory, Bear the news with its message of good cheer: Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light: The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight. “Sing, rejoice, for a King is come to save us, Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary!” For Christ is born of Mary And gathered all above, While mortals sleep the angels keep Their watch of wond’ring love. See, he lies in his mother’s tender keeping; Jesus Christ in her loving arms asleep. O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth! And praises sing to God the King, And peace to men on earth. Shepherds poor, come to worship and adore him, Offer their humble gifts before the son of Mary. How silently, how silently, The wondrous gift is giv’n! So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of his heav’n. Let us all pay our homage at the manger, Sing his praise on this joyful Christmas night; No ear may hear his coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive him still, The dear Christ enters in. Christ is come, bringing promise of salvation; Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary. 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. The First Scripture Genesis 3: 3-15 ~ God tells Adam that he has lost the life of Paradise ~ The first promise of the Gospel. THE CONGREGATIONAL HYMN ~ “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen” ~ Arranged by DAVID WILLCOCKS All: God rest you merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay, remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day, THE ANTHEM ~ “” ~ Arranged by BARLOW BRADFORD to save us all from Satan’s pow’r when we were gone astray; O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy. On Christmas night all Christians sing To hear the news the angels bring. News of great joy news of great mirth News of our Merciful King’s birth. All: From God our heav’nly Father, a blessed angel came; and unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same: how that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by name. Then why should men on earth be sad Since our Redeemer made us glad. O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy. When from our sin he set us free, All for to gain our liberty. Men: “Fear not, then,” said the angel, “let nothing you affright; this day is born a Savior of a pure virgin bright, When sin departs before his grace Then life and health come in its place. Women: To free all those who trust in him from Satan’s pow’r and might.” Angels and men with joy may sing All for to see the newborn King. All: O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy. All out of darkness we have light Which made the angels sing this night. All: The shepherds at those tidings rejoiced much in mind, and left their flocks a-feeding in tempest, storm, and wind, All Glory to God and peace to men Now and forevermore Amen. and went to Bethlehem straight-way, the Son of God to find. O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy. The Second Scripture Isaiah 9: 2, 6, 7 ~ The Prophet foretells the coming of the Saviour. The Fifth Scripture THE ANTHEM ~ “Comfort, Comfort Now My People” Arranged by MICHAEL CULLOTON Luke 2: 8-16 ~ The shepherds go to the manger. The Women of the Choir THE ANTHEM ~ “My Lord Has Come” ~ WILL TODD Jennifer P.K. Velázquez, Director Shepherds, called by angels, called by love and angels; no place for them but a stable. “Comfort, comfort now my people; tell of peace!” So says our God. Comfort those who sit in darkness mourning under sorrow’s load. My Lord has come, my Lord has come, my Lord has come. To God’s people now proclaim that God’s pardon waits for them! Tell them that their war is over; God will reign in peace forever. Sages, searching for stars, searching for love in heaven; no place for them but a stable. For the herald’s voice is crying in the desert far and near, Calling us to true repentance, since the reign of God is here. My Lord has come, my Lord has come, my Lord has come. Oh, that warning cry obey! Now prepare for God away. Valleys, rise to greet the Savior; hills, bow down in humble favor. His love will hold me, his love will cherish me, love will cradle me. Straight shall be what once was crooked, and the rougher places plain. Let your hearts be true and humble, as befits God’s holy reign. Lead me, lead me to see him, sages and shepherds and angels; no place for me but a stable. For the glory of the Lord now on earth is shed abroad, And all flesh shall see the token that God’s word is never broken. My Lord has come, my Lord has come, my Lord has come. A Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols The Third Scripture Independent Presbyterian Church | Memphis, Tennessee Luke 1: 26-33 ~ The Angel Gabriel salutes the Virgin Mary. The Eighth Day of December, Two Thousand and Nineteen, Six-o’clock in the Evening THE ANTHEM ~ “A New Magnificat” ~ CAROLYN JENNINGS Missy Fooshee and Beth Rushing, Soloists My heart exults in the Lord; my strength is exalted in the Lord. My mouth derides my enemies; I rejoice in God’s salvation. My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior, who looks upon a lowly handmaid with favor. All generations shall call me blessed. My heart o’erflows, Alleluia! THE PRELUDE ~ “In Whom the World Rejoices” ~ ARRON POWELL There is none holy like the Lord; there is no rock like our God. Let not your mouth be arrogant, for the Lord is a God of all knowledge. For God who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is God’s name. And God’s mercy is giv’n to God’s people THE CALL TO WORSHIP ~ Dr. Sean Michael Lucas, Senior Pastor from generation to generation. Congregation: My heart o’erflows, Alleluia! THE PROCESSIONAL HYMN ~ “Once in Royal David’s City” ~ Arranged by DAVID WILLCOCKS The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble put on strength. Those who were full are hungry, and those who were hungry The Adult, Senior High and Junior High Choirs with the Ensemble and Elaine Clowers, Soloist Oxford University Press are filled. Strong is the arm of the Lord, who has scattered the proud in their hearts; God has put down the mighty and lifted those of low degree. Once in royal David’s city stood a lowly cattle shed, where a mother laid her Baby in a manger for his bed: Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ her little Child. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s and on them God has set the world. The Lord kills and brings to life; God brings low and He came down to earth from heaven Who is God and Lord of all, and his shelter was a stable, and his cradle was a stall; with the also exalts. God lifts up the poor from the dust to sit with rulers and inherit a seat of honor. Strong is the arm of the Lord, who has poor and mean and lowly lived on earth our Saviour holy. scattered the proud in their hearts. God has filled the hungry, and the rich have been sent empty away. Congregation: My heart o’erflows, Alleluia! And through all his wondrous childhood he would honour and obey, love and watch the lowly maiden, in whose gentle arms he lay; Christian children all must be mild, obedient, good as he. God will guard the faithful flock, and human might shall not prevail. The Lord will judge the earth; and will exalt the pow’r of God’s anointed. For the Lord has helped the servant Israel in remembrance of God’s love and mercy, which was promised to Sarah and For he is our childhood’s pattern, day by day like us he grew. He was little, weak and helpless, tears and smiles like us Abraham, and to their children’s children forever. he knew; and he feeleth for our sadness, and he shareth in our gladness. Congregation: My heart o’erflows, Alleluia! And our eyes at last shall see him, through his own redeeming love, for that Child so dear and gentle is our Lord in heaven above; and he leads his children on to the place where he is gone. Not in that poor lowly stable, with the oxen standing by, we shall see him; but in heaven, set at God’s right hand on high; where The Fourth Scripture like stars his children crowned all in white shall wait around. Luke 2: 1-7 ~ Luke tells of the birth of Jesus.

THE ANTHEM~ “Down in Bethlehem” ~ DAN EDWARDS THE ANTHEM ~ “In the First Light” BOB KAUFLIN ~Arranged by KAUFLIN & COATES The Ensemble Girls Choirs and Boys Choirs Emilee O. Garrett, Director | Michelle J. Crews, Piano In the first light of the new day no one knew he had arrived. Things continued as they had been, while a newborn softly cried. But the heavens, wrapped in wonder, knew the meaning of his birth. In the weakness of a baby they knew God had come to earth. Down in Bethlehem, there in a manger, sleeping in a trough of hay, He’s the Holy Child, the long-awaited One, born to us on this day. Alleluia! The Son of God is born in Bethlehem. Alleluia! Our blessed Redeemer and the Great I Am. As his mother held him closely it was hard to understand That her baby, not yet speaking, was the Word of God to man. He would tell them of his Kingdom, but their hearts would not believe. They would hate him, and in anger they would nail him to a tree. Weary shepherds, out on a hillside, watching o’er their flocks by night, Suddenly, in radiant glory, they saw a marvelous sight. Alleluia! Oh, hear the angels testify and sing. Alleluia! The Good News of the birth of Christ the King. Alleluia, sing alleluia! But the sadness would be broken as the Song of Life arose. And the firstborn of creation would ascend and take his throne. He had left it to redeem us, but before his life began, he knew he’d come back, not as a baby, but as the Lord of ev’ry man. THE ANTHEM ~ “Star Carol” ~ JOHN RUTTER Hear the angels as they’re singing on the morning of his birth. But how much greater will our song be when he comes again to earth. The Senior High and Junior High Choirs How much greater will our song be when he comes back to rule the earth! Harrison A. Howle, Director Sing this night, for a boy is born in Bethlehem, Christ our Lord in a lowly manger lies; THE ANTHEM ~ “O Little Town of Bethlehem” ~ Arranged by JAMES A. BROWN, JR. Bring your gifts, come and worship at his cradle, Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary! The Men of the Choir Refrain: See his star shining bright In the sky this Christmas Night! Pamela M. Brown, Piano Follow me joyfully; Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary! O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by. Angels bright, come from heaven’s highest glory, Bear the news with its message of good cheer: Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light: The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight. “Sing, rejoice, for a King is come to save us, Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary!” For Christ is born of Mary And gathered all above, While mortals sleep the angels keep Their watch of wond’ring love. See, he lies in his mother’s tender keeping; Jesus Christ in her loving arms asleep. O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth! And praises sing to God the King, And peace to men on earth. Shepherds poor, come to worship and adore him, Offer their humble gifts before the son of Mary. How silently, how silently, The wondrous gift is giv’n! So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of his heav’n. Let us all pay our homage at the manger, Sing his praise on this joyful Christmas night; No ear may hear his coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive him still, The dear Christ enters in. Christ is come, bringing promise of salvation; Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary. 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. The First Scripture Genesis 3: 3-15 ~ God tells Adam that he has lost the life of Paradise ~ The first promise of the Gospel. THE CONGREGATIONAL HYMN ~ “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen” ~ Arranged by DAVID WILLCOCKS All: God rest you merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay, remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day, THE ANTHEM ~ “Sussex Carol” ~ Arranged by BARLOW BRADFORD to save us all from Satan’s pow’r when we were gone astray; O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy. On Christmas night all Christians sing To hear the news the angels bring. News of great joy news of great mirth News of our Merciful King’s birth. All: From God our heav’nly Father, a blessed angel came; and unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same: how that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by name. Then why should men on earth be sad Since our Redeemer made us glad. O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy. When from our sin he set us free, All for to gain our liberty. Men: “Fear not, then,” said the angel, “let nothing you affright; this day is born a Savior of a pure virgin bright, When sin departs before his grace Then life and health come in its place. Women: To free all those who trust in him from Satan’s pow’r and might.” Angels and men with joy may sing All for to see the newborn King. All: O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy. All out of darkness we have light Which made the angels sing this night. All: The shepherds at those tidings rejoiced much in mind, and left their flocks a-feeding in tempest, storm, and wind, All Glory to God and peace to men Now and forevermore Amen. and went to Bethlehem straight-way, the Son of God to find. O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy. The Second Scripture Isaiah 9: 2, 6, 7 ~ The Prophet foretells the coming of the Saviour. The Fifth Scripture THE ANTHEM ~ “Comfort, Comfort Now My People” Arranged by MICHAEL CULLOTON Luke 2: 8-16 ~ The shepherds go to the manger. The Women of the Choir THE ANTHEM ~ “My Lord Has Come” ~ WILL TODD Jennifer P.K. Velázquez, Director Shepherds, called by angels, called by love and angels; no place for them but a stable. “Comfort, comfort now my people; tell of peace!” So says our God. Comfort those who sit in darkness mourning under sorrow’s load. My Lord has come, my Lord has come, my Lord has come. To God’s people now proclaim that God’s pardon waits for them! Tell them that their war is over; God will reign in peace forever. Sages, searching for stars, searching for love in heaven; no place for them but a stable. For the herald’s voice is crying in the desert far and near, Calling us to true repentance, since the reign of God is here. My Lord has come, my Lord has come, my Lord has come. Oh, that warning cry obey! Now prepare for God away. Valleys, rise to greet the Savior; hills, bow down in humble favor. His love will hold me, his love will cherish me, love will cradle me. Straight shall be what once was crooked, and the rougher places plain. Let your hearts be true and humble, as befits God’s holy reign. Lead me, lead me to see him, sages and shepherds and angels; no place for me but a stable. For the glory of the Lord now on earth is shed abroad, And all flesh shall see the token that God’s word is never broken. My Lord has come, my Lord has come, my Lord has come. THE ANTHEM ~ “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” ~ Arranged by DAN FORREST 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 th’angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! the herald angels sing! “Glory to the newborn King!” Christ, by highest heav’n adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord! usic of hristmas Late in time, behold him come, Offspring of a virgin’s womb. M C Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail th’incarnate Deity, Pleased with us in flesh to dwell Jesus, our Emmanuel, Hark! the herald angels sing! “Glory to the newborn King!” Hail the heav’nborn Prince of Peace, Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, Ris’n with healing in his wings. Mild he lays his glory by, Born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth, Hark! the herald angels sing! “Glory to the newborn King!”

THE ANTHEM ~ “One Sweet Little Baby” MCCLURE & KINNESON ~ Arranged by SHAWN KIRCHNER O Mary, shining glory! The Lord smiles upon you. What a blessing is this little baby that you brought to our world, Refrain: O all for the love of one sweet little baby, All for the love of one sweet baby child, All for the love of one sweet little baby, we have come so far. O, a good old man named Simeon said, “I’m never gonna rest till I see that Messiah child and hold him to my breast.” Many gonna speak against you, child, they’ll crucify all that’s true. And your mother Mary she will bear a pain that will pierce her heart through. O Jerusalem, your children are so tired of war, My Lord, it’s time to walk with your children once more.

The Sixth Scripture Matthew 2: 1-11 ~ The wise men are led by the star to Jesus.

THE ANTHEM ~ “Personent Hodie” 13th Century Processional ~ Arranged by LARA HOGGARD The Adult and Senior High Choirs Let youthful voices resound today joyfully praising him who is born for us, who is given unto us by the most high God, and brought forth from a Virgin. He is born in the world, is wrapped in swaddling cloths, and placed in a manger in a stable of beasts. He is the Ruler over all things. (The Prince of Darkness thus has lost his prey!) Three wise men come, bearing gifts. They have found the babe by following a little star. Adoring the Lord, they offer him gold, incense and myrrh. Let all the young choristers now sing as did the angels, praising him who has come into the world: “Glory to God in the Highest!”

The Seventh Scripture John 1: 1-14 ~ John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation.

THE ANTHEM ~ “I Will Light Candles This Christmas” ~ KIM ANDRÉ ARNESEN Boosey & Hawkes (London) I will light candles this Christmas; candles of joy despite all sadness, Candles of hope where despair keeps watch, candles of courage for fears ever present, Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days, candles of grace to ease heavy burdens, Candles of love to inspire all my living, candles that will burn all year long. When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with their flock, The work of Christmas begins: to find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry, To release the prisoner, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among others, To make music in the heart.

THE ANTHEM ~ “Hallelujah!” from Messiah ~ G.F. HANDEL The Adult, Senior High and Junior High Choirs Hallelujah! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever. King of kings, and Lord of lords. Hallelujah!

THE HYMN OF RESPONSE ~ No 208, “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (Stanzas 1, 3, 4) ~ Arranged by DAVID WILLCOCKS Emilee O. Garrett, Organ THE BENEDICTION ~ Dr. Sean Michael Lucas, Senior Pastor

THE POSTLUDE ~ “Toccata sur ‘Il est né, le divin Enfant’” (He Is Born, the Divine Christ Child) ~ DENIS BÉDARD

James A. Brown, Jr., Director of Worship and Music Ministries Jennifer P.K. Velázquez, Associate Director of Worship and Music Ministries and Organist Pamela M. Brown, Assistant Director of Worship and Music Ministries Emilee O. Garrett, Children’s Choir Coordinator Harrison A. Howle, Choral Assistant Kathy L. Leggett, Administrative Assistant The orchestra for this evening’s service includes members of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, contracted by Greg Luscombe.

Cover Illustration ~ The Flight into Egypt, c. 1470/1475 Etching by Martin Schongauer