DOCSLIB.ORG

Christmas Is Not Just for Christmas

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Christmas Is Not Just for Christmas Christmas is not just for Christmas An exploration of the Christmas Story and its meaning, as told by members of the congregation at the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols held at York Minster on Christmas Eve 2007 Rachel Phillips M.A. Thesis submitted to the University of Nottingham for the degree of Master of Philosophy July 2011 Abstract This thesis explores the content and meaning of the Christmas Story, as expressed by members of the congregation at York Minster on Christmas Eve 2007. The work was developed through a Pilot Study in York Minster and Derby Cathedral over Christmas 2006, involving telephone and email interviews and Focus Group discussions. This enabled a questionnaire to be developed for use at York Minster‟s Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, held on Christmas Eve 2007; the questionnaires invited Respondents to tell the Christmas Story in their own words and to say what they thought the Christmas Story means. Completed questionnaires were analysed using grounded theory, and themes of the Respondents‟ understanding emerged. These themes are explored in relation to passages of Scripture read in the service and to carols sung in the service. The explicit and implicit theology of the Respondents is then compared with orthodox Christian belief, as set out in the Nicene Creed, in order to explore how Respondents‟ understanding did or did not correlate with what the Church of England believes. There is then reflection on issues which those constructing Christmas carol services might usefully take in to account. The thesis concludes by proposing theories for testing in further research. This thesis makes an original contribution to research by: revealing what members of a particular congregation said about the Christmas Story and its meaning; offering a method of listening to a congregation at a Christmas service, which could be used in other contexts; i offering new theories which might usefully be tested in further research. ii Acknowledgements I am indebted to the following, without whom this research would have been impossible: Canon Dr Christina Baxter for supervising and Dr Doug Ingram for troubleshooting The Revd Lynda Barley for assistance with the Pilot Study questionnaire Professor Paul Ballard for advising on the Questionnaire The Deans and Chapters of York Minster and Derby Cathedral for allowing me to conduct research in their cathedrals, and Jeremy and Julia Fletcher for their hospitality The 446 Respondents and many others who completed questionnaires, and/or participated in interviews and/or focus groups in York and Derby in 2006 and 2007 The Rt Revd Pete Broadbent and the Revd Stephen Dando for allowing me time to complete the first year of this research and study leave during my curacy The Ministry Division of the Archbishops‟ Council and the Willesden Area of the Diocese of London for financial assistance My family, for proof-reading and general encouragement iii Contents Chapter 1 Introduction: background, methodology 1 and ethical issues Chapter 2 The Pilot Study 19 Chapter 3 The Questionnaire and the Respondents 27 Chapter 4 Data analysis and the Christmas Texts 35 Chapter 5 Question 1 Data and the Paradigm Story 47 Chapter 6 Question 2 Data and the Themes 122 Chapter 7 How do the Christmas Texts and the Church tell 191 the Christmas Story? Chapter 8 Concluding Theories 222 iv Appendices 1 The Questionnaire 227 2 Glossary 229 3 Data Reference decoder 232 4 Authors of Top Six Carols 233 Tables 1A Elements, with rankings and demographic variations 235 1B Elements in Christmas Texts 242 2A Themes, with rankings and demographic variations 261 2B Themes in Christmas Texts 269 3 Names and descriptions used for Jesus Christ 297 4 Elements, Themes, and names for Jesus Christ in Christmas 306 Texts v Graphs 1 Paradigm Story Elements 319 2 Themes 319 Pie charts 1 Demographic groups: all Respondents 320 2 Reasons for attending 322 3 Elements in Luke, Matthew and Nine Lessons 323 4 Elements in Christmas Texts 324 5 Elements in Bidding Prayer and Nine Lessons 325 6 Elements in Top Six Carols 326 vi Venn Diagrams 1 Elements in Luke, Matthew and Nine Lessons 327 2 Paradigm Story Elements in Christmas Texts 328 3 Themes in Christmas Texts 329 4 Elements and Themes in Christmas Texts 330 Bibliography 331 vii Chapter 1 Introduction: background, methodology and ethical issues This research explores the Christmas Story and its meaning, as expressed, in response to a written questionnaire („the Questionnaire‟1), by members of the congregation at the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols held at York Minster on Christmas Eve 2007 („the 2007 Service‟2). The primary data for the research were qualitative and quantitative data collected from 446 questionnaires completed at the 2007 Service. The decision to use this approach was informed by the Pilot Study,3 undertaken in York Minster and Derby Cathedral around Christmas 2006, using questionnaires, email and telephone interviews, and Focus Groups.4 In the Pilot Study (particularly in Focus Group discussions) many people mentioned the Christmas Story, but few elaborated on its content or meaning. This indicated that a more detailed qualitative study focusing on the Christmas Story would be fruitful. Background Why the Christmas Story? The Christmas Story is embedded in 21st century British culture. It would be difficult to be living in Britain at Christmas time and not know that it 1 Defined in Appendix 2. 2 Defined in Appendix 2. 3 Defined in Appendix 2. 4 Defined in Appendix 2. 1 was Christmas. Millions of people attend Christmas carol services, in churches and elsewhere. My aim was to explore what people regard as the content and meaning of the Christmas Story. In the Pilot Study, people had referred simply to „the Christmas Story‟, as if it were one single story, which everyone would know in the same form – and yet it had been evident from other comments that this was not the case, but rather that different people had different ideas about what constitutes „the Christmas Story‟ and what it means. The idea of a single story was also apparent in the survey by Christian theology thinktank Theos at Christmas 2007 (much heralded in the media), when it was said that people did not know „the Christmas Story‟ – but the survey was oddly selective about the elements of the Christmas Story it used, asking just four direct questions about particular elements of the story.5 I therefore decided to invite members of the congregation to tell the Christmas Story in their own words, so as to indicate what elements might reasonably be thought to constitute „the Christmas Story‟. I also wanted to explore what meaning people attributed to the Christmas Story, as they had told it, as this was something that had not been overtly discussed in the Pilot Study, but which, like the content of the story, had appeared to be underlying much of what was said. 5 www.theosthinktank.co.uk. http://campaigndirector.moodia.com/Client/Theos/Files/Christmas.pdf. 2 Why York Minster? Between 2000 and 2006, Christmas congregations at Church of England cathedrals increased by 37%. More than 130,000 people attended services in cathedrals on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day in 2006.6 Until Christmas 2006, no research had been undertaken to establish why cathedral congregations in particular were increasing, or how people in the congregation perceived the services they attended. These were questions I wanted to research, and which my theological and church musical training had equipped me to research. I had become convinced that research in this area would be worthwhile when I took informal soundings from the precentors of over 30 cathedrals in November/December 2005: many felt a tension between providing what people expect of Christmas services and providing what Christian ministers think they need; accompanying the rejoicing at burgeoning congregation numbers was the frustration of not knowing who was in the congregation and how they were interpreting the services. The precentor of York Minster was keen to explore these questions, so the Dean and Chapter of York Minster agreed to my conducting research there.7 Originality/contribution to knowledge and scholarship So far as I have been able to establish, no research of this type had been done before Christmas 2006; no one I contacted8 mentioned being aware 6 Official statistics published 3 April 2007 http://cofe.anglican.org/news/pr2807.html. 7 I also conducted the Pilot Study at Derby Cathedral. 8 Including the precentors of all 42 Church of England cathedrals, the Archbishops’ Council and the Liturgical Commission. 3 of any, nor could I find any published research on the topic.9 Much had been written about the history of carols and carol services, about Christmas liturgy, incarnational theology and Christmas as a mission opportunity, but without considering in depth the theology of the Christmas Story as presented in carol services and how that might be received by members of the congregation. Nor was there any qualitative research into the perceptions of people attending carol services. I believe that research in this area will benefit the mission of the Church of England, and that my research will assist further research.10 As well as making an original contribution to knowledge about the research topic itself, my research also makes an original contribution to scholarship at the interface of qualitative research with practical theology. The use of qualitative research methods in practical theology is a recent development.11 There is some way to go before the two disciplines sit comfortably together; even those who have combined the two disciplines more successfully12 indicate a bias towards theology, thereby losing some of the objectivity that qualitative research ought to have.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Download CD Booklet
    The Cambridge Singers Christmas Album directed by JOHN RUTTER AROLS AND CHRISTMAS MUSIC have always formed a part of the CCambridge Singers’ recorded repertoire, and this album picks out some of my The Cambridge Singers personal favourites. Most of the 23 items are taken from the two albums Christmas with the Cambridge Singers and Christmas Day in the Morning, and there are four previously unreleased tracks which were squeezed out of those two albums and which I am happy Christmas Album to have found space for here. There are three strands to the programme: traditional carols; choruses and motets; and composers’ carols. In fact these categories are not as separate as they might appear. Composers have always loved to take traditional melodies and incorporate them into their own compositions, sometimes considerably elaborating them in the process: think of all those L’homme armé masses or of Bach’s chorale treatments. The art of the arranger, widely thought of as a twentieth-century invention, is as old as composition itself. When we listen to a ‘traditional’ carol sung by a choir, we are in fact generally hear- ing the work of an identifiable composer who has arranged, in his own style, a melody by an unidentifiable or obscure composer from an earlier era. The earliest examples on this album are Victoria’s O magnum mysterium (1572), a four-voiced motet where the melodic outlines are based on a Gregorian chant, and Scheidt’s In dulci jubilo (1620), which takes one of the best-loved of all Christmas carols and turns it into a resplendent double-choir motet with two antiphonal trumpet parts.
    [Show full text]
  • In Terra Pax
    Lewisham Choral Society In terra pax Christmas music for choir and audience Piano & organ: Nico de Villiers Conductor: Dan Ludford-Thomas Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Street Saturday 19 December 2015 In terra pax Choir: Alleluya, a new work is come on hand Peter Wishart Angelus ad Virginem 14th century Irish carol arr. Willcocks A Maiden most gentle French traditional melody arr. Carter Choir and audience: Of the Father's heart begotten Piae Cantiones arr. Willcocks Choir: The Shepherds' Farewell From The Childhood of Christ by Hector Berlioz Il est né le divin enfant French traditional carol arr. Willcocks Joys seven English traditional carol arr. Stephen Cleobury Choir and audience: Silent night Franz Gruber arr. John Cullen Choir: Deck the hall Welsh traditional carol arr. Willcocks Wexford Carol Irish traditional carol arr. Rutter Star Carol John Rutter INTERVAL Please join us for seasonal refreshments at the rear of the church Choir: Make we joy David Morgan Choir and audience: Unto us is born a Son Piae Cantiones arr. Willcocks Choir: In Terra Pax Gerald Finzi Choir and audience: O come, all ye faithful John Wade arr. Willcocks Peace on earth and goodwill to all! Lewisham Choral Society welcome you this year to a new venue for our annual Christmas concert: the wonderful late nineteenth century Arts and Crafts church of Holy Trinity, Sloane Street. On this occasion our theme, In Terra Pax, Peace on Earth, is reflected in traditional music from around the British Isles and across the Channel: English, Welsh, Irish and French – along with classical music from England and France – to mark this festive season.
    [Show full text]
  • The Carol and Its Context in Twentieth-Century England Sean Vogt
    The Carol and Its Context in Twentieth-century England Sean Vogt loria in excelsis deo, et in terra G pax hominibus (“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to all people”), Luke 2:14, was likely the fi rst carol ever heard, sung by the angels over the fi elds of Bethlehem. It would be more than a millennium before the next documented account of carol singing. In this case, it happened in Greccio, Italy, where St. Francis made the fi rst Christ- mas crèche (crib) in 1223, in response to the Manichaeism1 of the eleventh and twelfth centuries—recreating the stable, even obtaining an ox and ass. People from around the village began to gather around St. Francis’s biblical re-creation. As a result, the people “poured out their hearts in praises to God; and the friars sang new canticles…”2 The dawn of the Protestant Reforma- tion brought carol singing—amongst a myriad of other activities—to an abrupt halt. The Reformation during the six- teenth and seventeenth centuries re- sulted in a fragmented church. The Lu- therans viewed the feast of Christmas as a popish abuse. Since the Calvinist Gustav Holst (early 1920s) in front of movement was quite popular, Christmas Queen’s Hall (©Holst Birthplace Museum/ was consequently unpopular in England. Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum) Christmas Day was abolished by Parlia- ment from 1644–1660; The Book of Com- Christmas Carols New and Old (1871) mon Prayer had no seasonal hymns. It being just a few examples. was not until the Supplement to the New From the Piae Cantiones, which itself Version of the Psalms (1700) that interest contained medieval carols, to the Vic- in carols was rekindled.
    [Show full text]
  • 100 Carols for Choirs Table of Contents
    100 Carols for Choirs Table of Contents Adam lay ybounden, Warlock In the bleak mid-winter, Holst All my heart this night rejoices, Ebeling In the bleak mid-winter, Darke Alleluya, a new work is come on hand, Infant holy, infant lowly, Willcocks Wishart The Infant King, Willcocks Angels, from the realms of glory, It came upon the midnight clear, Willcocks Willcocks Jesus child, Rutter Angelus ad virginem, Willcocks Jesus Christ is risen today, Willcocks As with gladness men of old, Willcocks Jesus Christ the apple tree, Poston Ave plena gracia, Maxwell Davies Jingle, bells, Pierpont/Willcocks Away in a manger, Kirkpatrick/Willcocks Joy to the world, Mason/Rutter A babe is born, Mathias Joys seven, Cleobury Birthday Carol, Willcocks King Jesus hath a garden, Wood The cherry tree carol, Willcocks Kings of Orient, Hopkins/Willcocks Child in a manger, Rutter Lo! he comes with clouds descending, A child is born in Bethlehem, Willcocks Willcocks Christmas night, Rutter Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming, Praetorius Coventry carol, Rutter Longfellow's carol, Percival Coventry carol, Shaw Lord of the Dance, Carter/Willcocks Cradle song, Rutter Lute-book lullaby, Ballet/Shaw The crown of roses, Tchaikovsky A maiden most gentle, Carter Deck the hall, Willcocks Mary's Lullaby, Rutter Ding dong! merrily on high, Willcocks A merry Christmas, Warrell Ding dong! merrily on high, Wood Myn lyking, R. R. Terry The first Nowell, Willcocks Nativity carol, Rutter Gabriel to Mary came, Willcocks A New Year carol, Britten Gabriel's message, Willcocks O come, all ye faithful, Wade/Willcocks God rest you merry, gentlemen, Willcocks O come, o come, Emmanuel, Willcocks Good King Wenceslas, Willcocks O little one sweet, J.
    [Show full text]
  • Carols for Choirs: Vocal Score Free
    FREE CAROLS FOR CHOIRS: VOCAL SCORE PDF David Willcocks,John Rutter | 208 pages | 23 Oct 1980 | Oxford University Press | 9780193535732 | English, French, Latin | Oxford, United Kingdom Free Choir Sheet Music - Go To Product. Sign In. Musicnotes features the world's largest online digital sheet music catalogue with overarrangements available to print and play instantly. Plus, organize your music into folders and set lists and much more! At a Glance. Musicnotes Pro Send a Gift Card. Toggle Carols for Choirs: Vocal Score. Save on Every Order! Musicnotes Pro. Become a Member Today! Instrument All Instruments Choir. For any instrument. See All Instruments. Scoring Choral Ensemble. Chamber Ensemble. See All Scoring. Genre Avant-Garde. See All Genres. Newest Sheet Music. Most Popular Sheet Music. Average Rating. Browse All Sheet Music. My Account. About Musicnotes. Subscribe to our Newsletter Stay Connected. We think your country is: United States Change Country. Carols for Choirs: Vocal Score House I Live In. Garrett Breeze. Come from Away. Traditional Christmas Carol. Carol of the Bells. Peter J. Nearer, My God, To Thee. BYU Vocal Point. Savior, Redeemer of My Soul. Rob Gardner. May the Road Rise to Meet You. Lori True. Just As I Am. Travis Cottrell. Avinu Malkeinu. Max Janowski. Pie Jesu. On Eagle's Wings. Michael Joncas. He Will Hold Me Fast. The Little Carols for Choirs: Vocal Score Boy. And So It Goes. Billy Joel. For All He's Done. Greater Vision. You Will Be Found. Dear Evan Hansen. You Raise Me Up. Josh Groban. This Is Me. The Greatest Showman. All Are Welcome.
    [Show full text]
  • 100 Carols for Choirs: Paperback Free
    FREE 100 CAROLS FOR CHOIRS: PAPERBACK PDF David Willcocks,John Rutter | 388 pages | 07 Jan 1988 | Oxford University Press | 9780193532274 | English, French, German, Latin | Oxford, United Kingdom Carols For Choirs - Paperback: Arr. (David Willcocks): SATB | If you have changed your email address then contact us and we will update your details. Would you like to proceed to the App store to download the Waterstones App? We have recently updated our Privacy Policy. The site uses cookies to offer you a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you accept our Cookie Policy, you can change your settings at any time. Applied filters Choral Music. Page Prev of 91 Next. Review ratings. Geographic region. Educational qualifications. Key Stage 3. Added to basket. Add to Basket. View basket 100 Carols for Choirs: Paperback. Common Worship Psalter with Chants. Carols for Choirs 1. The John Rutter Piano Album. Making of Handel's Messiah, The. A New Heaven. I Saw Eternity the 100 Carols for Choirs: Paperback Night. Carols for Choirs 2. O Sing unto the Lord. European Sacred Music. Feel the 100 Carols for Choirs: Paperback. Carols of Comfort and Joy. Carols for Choirs 3. Carols for Choirs 4. Sacred Choruses. Four Coronation Anthems. Choir Boy. The Oxford and Cambridge Services. For the Time Being. The Novello Book of Carols. English Church Music. Not registered? Remember me? Forgotten password Please enter your email address below and we'll send you a link to reset your password. Not you? Reset password. Download Now Dismiss. 100 Carols for Choirs: Paperback reserve online and pay at the counter when you collect.
    [Show full text]
  • An Evening of Carols
    The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology presents the thirty-third annual Holiday Cathedral Choral Concert Concert Choir University Choir Master Chorale directed by James D. Feiszli An evening of carols Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Rapid City, SD December 5 & 6, 2015, 7:30pm Carols evolved from folkdance traditions. Sung at winter and spring solstice celebrations, carols existed before pre- Christian times. The early church overlaid pre-Christian celebrations with Christian holidays (“holy-days”), but the elements of boisterous joy and dance remained in the songs that became popular with the uneducated populace of Western Europe. Since the general populace did not speak, read, or write Latin, macaronic carols (songs using both Latin and the local language) arose. Nativity plays in the Middle Ages frequently used carols to teach biblical doctrine to the illiterate. This development is partially responsible for the spread of the carol through Europe. As Europe emerged from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the influence of the Church waned – particularly after the Reformation and the secularism of the Enlightenment. Holiday celebrations became associated with other ancient traditions which, in turn, led to a re-birth of carols as Christian musicians and clergy sought to reclaim the awe and joy of the Christmas season. The four-part hymn-like carols of the nineteenth century became what most of us think about when we hear the term. Tonight we present an entire concert of carols both old and modern from Europe and the U.S. I – Candlelight Carols Jesus Christ the Apple Tree ……………….….. Elizabeth Poston Infant Holy, Infant Lowly ………………………… David Willcocks Carol of the Drum ………………..…………… Katherine K.
    [Show full text]
  • Composer Arranged by Category Instrumentation Condition Location Note 1 the Holy City Adams, Stephen Salter, Sumner Choir SATB A
    Quantity Title Composer Arranged by Category Instrumentation Condition Location Note 1 The Holy City Adams, Stephen Salter, Sumner Choir SATB and Piano (2) Good Drawers (A) 28! If I Go Not Away Adams, Thomas Choir Tenor solo, SATB and Organ (3) Satisfactory Drawers (A) 20! Miserere (Psalm LI) Allegri, Gregorio Atkins, Igor Choir SSATB (3) Satisfactory Drawers (A) 36! Blessed Be The Lord God Amner, John Greening, Anthony (ed.) Choir SATB and Organ (1) Great Drawers (A) 1 Two Christmas Carols 3rd Set: Oh, Little Children Lead Us Now & Hark! All Around The Welkin Rings Anderson, W.H. Choir SATB and Piano (2) Good Drawers (A) 22! Ave Maria ("Give Ear Unto My Prayer") Arcadelt, Jacques Choir SATB (and Organ) (2) Good Drawers (A) 14! The Gentle Silver Swan Arcadelt, Jacques Parkinson, John A. (ed.) Choir SATB (2) Good Drawers (A) 1 Pie Jesu Archer, Malcolm Choir SATB and Piano (2) Good Drawers (A) 11! Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in A Arnold, Dr. Samuel Choir SATB and Organ (3) Satisfactory Drawers (A) 41! Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in A Arnold, Samuel Ley, H.G. (ed.) Choir SATB (and Organ) (4) Bad Drawers (A) + a loose page 1 Salvator Mundi Ashfield, Robert Choir SATB and Organ (2) Good Drawers (A) 28! Alleluya Psallat Aston, Peter Choir SATB (3) Satisfactory Drawers (A) 1 And I Saw A New Heaven Aston, Peter Choir Soprano solo, SATB (and Organ) (1) Great Drawers (A) 39! For I Went With The Multitude Aston, Peter Choir SATB and Organ (2) Good Drawers (A) 1 Praise Ye The Lord Aston, Peter Choir SATB and Organ (2) Good Drawers (A) 1 There Was
    [Show full text]
  • A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
    A FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS & CAROLS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2014 S T . P A U L ’ S E PISCOPAL C HURCH F AIRFIELD , C ONNECTICUT 2 ELCOME TO THIS SERVICE , which anticipates the great feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The liturgy of Lessons and Carols was first used in the chapel of WKing’s College, Cambridge, on Christmas Eve, 1918, with the candle-lit splendor of the chapel, the prayers and scripture readings, the great hymns and the soaring music of the choir and organ standing in eloquent contrast to the darkness of a cold winter night and the tragic shadows of the recently concluded Great War. The intervening years have seen the worldwide broadcast of this service become a much beloved Christmas tradition. As in 1918, we in our own day turn again to these sacred words and songs in a world troubled by war, natural disaster, violence, and economic uncertainty. Tonight’s service is offered in the spirit of that first service at King’s, as a light shining in the darkness; with fervent prayer for peace, goodwill and understanding among all people rising amidst the strains of glorious hymns and carols. Although much of the music at this service is sung by the choir, the congregation plays a central role. Please listen intently, pray and sing with your heart, mind, and voice, as indicated below. Again, welcome ! Of course, a major part of this service involves the joining together of everyone in making a joyful noise to the Lord. Should your child be further inspired to the making of extended joyful noise while others are trying to listen, we do ask that you escort your little one to the gathering area or outside for a brief moment or two until he or she becomes more contemplative.
    [Show full text]
  • Concert Programme
    Winter Concert 2012 Karl Jenkins The Armed Man: A Mass For Peace Victoria - O Magnum Mysterium Vaughan Williams - Fantasia on Christmas Carols Britten - A Boy was Born Conductor: Cathal Garvey Saturday 15th December 2012, 7:30pm St Nicolas Church, Newbury Conductor: Cathal Garvey Baritone Soloist: Joe Corbett Organist: Steve Bowey Muezzin: Abderrahim Aboutaj Musicians from Southern Sinfonia The solo parts in movements 8 and 13 of The Armed Man will be sung by the following members of the choir Sopranos: Debbie Murphy and Margaret Owen Altos: Margaret Baker, Leonie Cooke and Penny Daly Tenors: Mike Barthorpe and Mat Evans Bass: Greg Choules 2 The Programme Joy to the World! - Lowell Mason, arr. Carl Rochford A Boy was Born - Benjamin Britten Torches - John Joubert Coventry Carol - Arr. Martin Shaw Wexford Carol - Arr. John Rutter Sussex Carol - Arr. David Willcocks O Magnum Mysterium - Tomás Luis de Victoria The Shepherds' Farewell - Hector Berlioz Today the Virgin - John Tavener Fantasia on Christmas Carols - Ralph Vaughan Williams Interval The Armed Man: A Mass For Peace - Karl Jenkins 3 Programme Notes by Jane Hawker Joy to the World! Lowell Mason (1792–1872) A prolific writer of hymns, Isaac Watts first published the words for Joy to the World! in 1719. Based on Psalm 98, they rejoice in the triumphant return of Christ at the Second Coming. An American composer, Lowell Mason, arranged Watt's lyrics in 1839 using a tune reminiscent of Handel. This 1998 arrangement is by Carl Rochford. A Boy was Born Benjamin Britten (1913–1976) This is the first movement in a set of Choral Variations first performed in 1934.
    [Show full text]
  • St. Andrew Presbyterian Church a Service of Lessons and Carols
    Welcome! Prayer Concerns This Week Margaret Plunkett e proclaim that ALL people are created St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in the image of God and affirm that Arminta Jacobson W Matt Hogarth Denton, Texas each person is a beloved child of God, worthy Steven Hill, son of Doug and Carol Hill of God’s love and grace. We welcome all, Stephanie Proctor, friend of Darcy Loveless Third Sunday in Advent celebrating our differences while finding unity Brad Burks, brother-in-law of Juli Carradine December 11, 2016, 10:30 a.m. in Christ. No matter who you are or where you Jack Strutton, father of David Strutton Beth Hindman Lofton, daughter of Jannette Hindman and Steve Hindman are on life’s journey, you are welcome here. A complete list of the ongoing prayer concerns is available in the Narthex. A Service of Lessons and Carols Join us in the Narthex following worship so that we can get acquainted. The refreshments Name Tags Prelude Let the merry organ sound Colin Mawby are provided this month by the Pastor’s Sunday If you ordered a new magnetic name tag, you can pick it up in the Mighty Acts classroom. Those who have not paid, please see Lynn Carrico. School Class. Welcome and Announcements The session, our governing body, will be in Flower Roster the parlor immediately following the 10:30am The flower roster is now available for sign up for 2017. Please put your name and contact Ringing of the Bell Rachel Odei worship service to receive new members. number. You will be contacted before your date for bulletin information.
    [Show full text]
  • Darkness to Light
    Darkness to Light Worship, Prayer and Christian Formation at Ely Cathedral Advent, Christmas and Epiphany Darkness to Light A Journey of Hope and Transformation at Ely Cathedral At the darkest time of the year, we turn in urgent expectation towards the light that is coming. We look for the dawning of a renewed relationship between God and humanity. During these seasons of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany we move from waiting to fulfilment, darkness to light, celebrating the coming of Jesus, light of the world, as frail infant and as eternal redeemer of the whole of creation - our Lord Jesus Christ, who was, and is, and is to come. Worship is offered daily, all are welcome. Monday - Saturday 7.30am Morning Prayer (a short said service with bible readings, canticles and prayers) 8.00am Holy Communion (said) 5.30pm Evensong Sunday 8.15am Holy Communion (a said service, in traditional language with a short address) 10.30am Sung Eucharist with music, hymns and sermon 4.00pm Choral Evensong with short address On Thursdays and Saints’ Days there is an additional Eucharist at 12.10pm. A full list of services can be found on the Cathedral website. Advent Advent literally means ‘coming towards’. It’s a time of expectation - and of preparation. We look towards our Lord Jesus Christ who is coming towards us, and we make ourselves ready for his appearing. We recall his coming as newborn infant; but we also look towards his coming at the end of all things, as redeemer and judge. We prepare ourselves, then, for the ultimate realities of judgement, for that day when ‘the secrets of all hearts will be revealed’.
    [Show full text]