The Feast of the Nativity of our Lord The Pageant and Holy Eucharist

December 24, 2020 | 4 PM

THE WORD OF GOD Voluntary Noël polonaise, Op. 60 Félix-Alexandre Guilmant In dulci jubilo Marcel Dupré Three Interludes on Christmas Carols W.S. Lloyd Webber The Holly and the Ivy Whence Is This Goodly Fragrance? God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen Pastorale on ‘Silent Night’ Thomas Gierschen Opening Hymnal 83 “O come, all ye faithful” (stanzas 1-3, 6) Adeste fideles Descant: David Valentine Willcocks

The Opening Acclamation Celebrant: Behold, I bring you tidings of great joy. For unto you is born a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. For unto us a child is born. People: Unto us a Son is given. Celebrant: What shall his name be called? People: His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

The for Purity Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. in excelsis Deo Rupert Lang Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, goodwill to all. Almighty God, we worship you, we give you thanks and praise your Name. Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo! Jesus Christ, only Son of God, You take away the sin of the world. Jesus Christ, the , have mercy on us and receive our prayer. Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo! For you alone are the One Most Holy, You alone are the Lord Most High. Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the Glory of God. Amen. Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!

The Collect of the Day Celebrant: God be with you. People: And also with you. Celebrant: 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 him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

The Christmas Pageant We invite you to sing along as the children present the glorious story of Jesus’ birth. For each hymn, the organ intro- duction will be your cue.

Hymnal 102 “Once in royal David’s city” Irby Kate Burns, soloist 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. Hymnal 101 “Away in a manger” Cradle Song Away in a manger, no crib for his 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.

Hymnal 96 “ we have heard on high” Gloria Refrain Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Hymnal 99 “Go tell it on the mountain” Traditional Spiritual Refrain Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born!

Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born, and God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn. Refrain

Hymnal 128 “We three kings” Three Kings of Orient We three kings of Orient are; bearing gifts we traverse afar, field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star.

Refrain O star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.

Hymnal 100 “Joy to the world” Antioch Joy to the world! the Lord is come: let earth receive her King; let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing.

Sermon The Rev. Ed Bacon A period of silence is kept.

The Nicene Mignon Crawford Because the language we use about God matters, the Church has considered and revised it for hundreds of years. In 2018, the 78th General Convention of the Episcopal Church approved the trial use of the original form of the adopted by the Council of Chalcedon in 451, in place of the creed revised in 589 because scholars believe the earliest version of the creed is the more accurate. The Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches already use the 451 language. At St. Luke’s we are always looking to enrich worship and in that spirit, the clergy has included the 451 Nicene Creed in today’s liturgy. 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. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. 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, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who 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.

The Prayers of the People Ann Cramer In trust and love, bringing our lives before God, let us pray. God of peace, we pray for St. Luke’s and the Church throughout the world. That we may be salt of the earth and light to the world. We pray for our country, for the city of Atlanta, and for all people throughout the world, lead us into ways of justice and peace. That we may respect one another in freedom and truth. Awaken in us a sense of wonder for the earth and all that is in it. Teach us to care creatively for its resources. God of hope, comfort and restore all who suffer in body, mind or spirit. May they know the power of your healing love. We pray for the hungry, homeless, sick, suffering, lonely, dying and all those in any need or trouble. Make us willing agents of your compassion. Strengthen us as we share in making your people whole. Give to the departed . Let light perpetual shine upon them.

Concluding Prayer O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Peace Celebrant: The peace of Christ be always with you. People: And also with you. THE HOLY Anthem Some children see Him Alfred Burt Adelaide Boedecker Griffin,soprano

Some children see Him lily white, Some children see Him almond-eyed, the baby Jesus born this night. The children in each different place Some children see Him lily white, this Savior whom we kneel beside. with tresses soft and fair. Will see the baby Jesus’ face Some children see Him bronzed and brown, some children see Him almond-eyed, The Lord of heav’n to earth come down. like theirs, but bright with heavenly grace. Some children see Him bronzed and brown, with skin of yellow hue. with dark and heavy hair. And filled with holy light.

Some children see Him dark as they, O lay aside each earthly thing sweet Mary’s Son to whom we pray. And with thy heart as offering, Some children see him dark as they, come worship now the infant King, and, ah! they love Him, too! ‘Tis love that’s born tonight! —Wilha Hutson and Alfred Burt

Eucharistic Prayer B Celebrant: God be with you. People: And also with you. Celebrant: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them to the Lord. Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: 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. Because you gave Jesus Christ, your only Son, to be born for us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, was made perfect Man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; so that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin, and receive power to become your children.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

Sanctus Rupert Lang Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and God of might. Heav’n and earth are full of your glory, glory to You O Lord most high. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. in the highest!

The Celebrant continues We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in cre- ation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. For in these last days you sent Jesus to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In Christ, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In Christ, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.

On the night before he died for us, 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, according to his command, O Father,

Celebrant and People We remember Christ’s death, We proclaim Christ’s resurrection, We await Christ’s coming in glory;

The Celebrant continues And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Savior of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.

We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sac-rament of the and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, through whom we are acceptable to you, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the full-ness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your children; through Jesus Christ our Savior, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.

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 for ever. AMEN.

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say, The Lord’s Prayer BCP 364 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. At the Breaking of the Bread Celebrant: . Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. People: Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

Agnus Dei Rupert Lang O Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; Have mercy, have mercy, have mercy upon us. O Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; Lullay, lulla, thou little tiny child, Grant us your peace. The Invitation Celebrant: The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

Distribution of Communion The communion table at St. Luke’s is open to all regardless of faith background. During Communion Solo Cantique de Noël Adolphe Adam Adelaide Boedecker Griffin,soprano O holy night, the stars are brightly shining, He knows our need, To our weakness no stranger! It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth; Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend! Long lay the world in sin and error pining, Behold your King! your King! before him bend! ‘Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, Truly He taught us to love one another; For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn; His law is Love and His is Peace; Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother, Fall on your knees, Oh hear the voices! And in his name all oppression shall cease, O night divine! O night when Christ was born. Sweet of joy in grateful Chorus raise we; O night, O holy night, O night divine. Let all within us praise his Holy name!

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming; Christ is the Lord, then ever! ever praise we! With glowing hearts by his cradle we stand: His pow’r and glory, evermore proclaim! So, led by light of a star sweetly gleaming, His pow’r and glory, evermore proclaim! Here come the wise men from Orient land, —Placide Cappeau; tr. John Sullivan Dwight The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger, In all our trials born to be our friend;

The Prayer Celebrant: Let us pray. All: Son of Mary, Son of God, may we, for whom the heavens have opened never lose that heavenly vision. May we, who like the shepherds, have seen in your birth a new kind of love, witness to that love in our lives. Welcome, welcome, Jesus Christ our infant savior, baby who makes every birth holy. May we, who like the shepherds have witnessed in the stable a new kind of love, return to our work with joy. May we, for whom the heavens have opened to proclaim that God is with us, we who have fed on living bread and drunk the wine of heaven, go out to be instruments of your peace, day by day. Father of all, the child born for us is the Savior of the world. May he who made us your children welcome us into your kingdom, where he is alive and reigns with you now and for ever.

Solemn Hymn Hymnal 111 “Silent night, holy night” Stille nacht

1 Silent night, holy night, 2 Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright shepherds quake at the sight, round yon virgin mother and child. glories stream from heaven afar, Holy infant, so tender and mild, heavenly hosts sing alleluia; Sleep in heavenly peace, Christ, the Savior, is born! Sleep in heavenly peace. Christ, the Savior, is born!

3 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.

The Blessing May Almighty God, who sent his Son to take our nature upon him, bless you in this holy season, scatter the darkness of sin, and brighten your heart with the light of his holiness.

May God, who sent his angels to proclaim the glad news of the Savior’s birth, fill you with joy, and make you heralds of the Gospel.

May God, who in the Word made flesh joined heaven to earth and earth to heaven, give you his peace and favor.

And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen. Closing Hymn Hymnal 87 “Hark! the Herald angels sing” Mendelssohn Descant: David Valentine Willcocks

The : Let us go forth in the name of Christ. People: Thanks be to God.

Voluntary Toccata Marcel Lanquetuit The Cast of the Christmas Pageant

Reader 1 and Angel 2, Page Fougerousse 6, Leah Anderson Reader 2 and Magi, Henry Haer Reader 7/8, Blakely Boyer Reader 3, Charlotte Kidd Reader 9 and Mary, Chloe Shows Caffey Reader 4 and Joseph, Owen Bryant-Molyneaux Angel 1, Sylvie Lanier Reader 5, Charlotte Kidd

Christmas Flowers In Loving Memory of

To the Glory of God and in Memory of Robert J. Glenn by Betsy Glenn; Elizabeth P. and Jack D. Brock by Lisa Ballard; our mothers, Fay Gray Robbert and Ellise Fowlkes Overbey by Donna and Carter Fowlkes; Robert James Glenn, and Jack and Anne Glenn by Saunders and Tommy Bohan; Rob Aaron by Judith Smith; Tommy Appel and Maurice Cole by Lindley Cole; Howard and Lu Klie Yeilding by Bee McNeil; Frances Hodges Roberts and Mary Evelyn Hodges Watford by Sharon and Randy Young; Mary L. Redict, my mother, and Aretha Coker, my mother-in-law, by Karen Coker; Palmour Holmes McIntire Dodd, Pal- mour Holmes McIntire, Pope Barrow McIntire, Dr. and Mrs. Walter R. Holmes and Mr. and Mrs. Francis McIntire by Zane Dodd; Christopher J. Smith by Gerald Reed; Nona and Edward McDuffie, Janet Izlar, Vera and John O. Chiles, Janet and Roy Dorsey, Donna and Bill Izlar, Jimbo Izlar, and Lori and Mark Pettine by Helen Izlar; Natalie and Lansing B. Lee, Jr., G. Spruce McCain, and Claudia Walker McCain by Kathy and Richard Lee; Walter and Faye Foster, my parents, by Suzanne Petersen; Jenny Pletcher by Tony and Angie Johns; Tom and Lucie McAvoy by Sue McAvoy; Cliff Green by Linda Green; Florence “Pon- cie” Bryan Ansley and Bonneau Ansley, Sr. by Ellen Ansley Hardison and Ned Hardison, Shepard Ansley, and Sharon and Bonneau Ansley, Jr.; and Boyce Lineberger Ansley by Ellen Ansley Hardison and Ned Hardison, Shepard and Poncie Ansley, Arch and Anna Ansley Davis, and Sharon and Bonneau Ansley, Jr.

Christmas Altar Flowers In Thanksgiving for To the Glory of God and in Thanksgiving for the love and hope Christ brings by Sophia Peterman; Lyn Glenn by Saunders and Tommy Bohan; Rachel Aaron and Travis and Nate Bach by Judith Smith; Ker- ry, Alan and Grace Powell, Kate, Matt, William, Henry and James Dempsey by Bee McNeil; Bob- by Mays, Trenton Tunnell, Lee and Randy Sewell, and Horace Griffin by Sharon and Randy Young; John Delk by Denson Buttrey; the Mason Hawkins family and Mike Brooks by Susan Brooks; Mer- edith and Barrett Lee and Barrett, Jr., Lucy James, and Maddin, Lansing Lee, and Richard Lee, Jr. by Kathy and Richard Lee; the men and women of our Armed Forces by Stephanie Stephens; Jimmy and Jackie Cushman and Elkin and Roger Taylor by Elkin Alston; and the Lamson family by Linda Green

A special thank you to St. Luke’s parishioner Raymond Keen for sharing his photograph of the Nativity window that adorns the front page of this bulletin.

Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, St. Luke’s welcomes you!

The Rev. Ed Bacon Interim Rector The Rev. Elizabeth Shows Caffey Senior Associate Rector StLukesAtlanta.org The Rev. Horace L. Griffin Senior Associate Matthew M. Brown Director of Music Adelaide Boedecker Griffin