A CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL OF LESSONS & CAROLS

Sunday, December 20, 2020 at 7:00 pm

Grace Church Cathedral In the City of Charleston The Diocese of South Carolina Lessons and Carols

Our Christmas service of Lessons and Carols is based on a similar service celebrated at King’s College, Cambridge. The first Lessons and Carols service there was held on Christmas Eve in 1918. It was conceived by Eric Milner-White, the Dean of the College, whose experience as an army chaplain had led him to believe that more imaginative worship was needed by the Church of . The order of service was adapted from an order drawn up by , who would later become , for use at a 10:00 p.m. service on Christmas Eve in 1880 that took place in a temporary wooden shed serving as his cathedral in , Cornwall. The purpose of the service, which was based on an idea of the future Bishop of , George Henry , was to keep men out of pubs on Christmas Eve.

The format of the service has not changed substantially from the one in use at King’s College to this day. The order of the lessons was revised in 1919, and since that time the service has always begun with the hymn “Once in Royal David’s City”. These days, the first verse is sung unaccompanied by a solo chorister. To avoid putting the chorister under undue stress, he is not told that he will be singing the solo until just before the service is to begin.

Grace Church Cathedral is pleased to share this tradition with our community. It is a true Christmas gift.

The Very Reverend J. Michael A. Wright, Rector and Dean

† † † Service Participants

Officiant The Very Reverend J. Michael A. Wright Dean and Rector, Grace Church Cathedral

Music St. Gregory Chamber Choir Bill Anonie & Kyle Lane, Trumpets Nigel Potts, Canon Organist and Master of the Music Parks Greene, Sub-Organist

Lectors Canon Jean Bender Dr. James Hutchisson The Reverend Ross Tortora The Reverend Mac Magee The Reverend Bryce Wandrey The Reverend Canon Caleb J. Lee The Venerable Calhoun Walpole

St. Thomas Guild of Acolytes Dr. James Hutchisson, Verger

Cover image: The Nativity, Domenico Ghirlandaio, c. 1492, tempera on panel

Grace Church Cathedral In the City of Charleston Christmas Lessons and Carols December 13, 2020

Welcome to Grace Church Cathedral, celebrating our 175th year of service and worship in Charleston. Please silence all electronic devices before the liturgy begins.

Prelude “Adeste Fidelis” in an Organ Prelude Charles Ives (1874-1954) The Sussex Carol arr. Christina Harmon Chorale Prelude on “Silent Night” Samuel Barber (1910-1981)

Please stand.

Hymn Once in royal David’s city Irby, arr. James O’Donnell Solo: Once in royal David’s city Choir: He came down to earth from heaven Stood a lowly cattle shed, Who is God and Lord of all, Where a mother laid her baby And his shelter was a stable, In a manger for his bed: And his cradle was a stall; Mary was that mother mild, With the poor and mean and lowly Jesus Christ her little child. Lived on earth our Savior holy.

The procession begins. The congregation is invited to sing, but we ask that you please keep your mask on.

All: And through all his wondrous childhood He would honor and obey Love and watch the lowly maiden, In whose gentle arms he lay: Christian children all must be Mild, obedient, good as he.

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 he knew: And he feeleth for our sadness, And he shareth in our gladness.

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; When like stars his children crowned All in white shall wait around.

Words: Cecil Frances Alexander

Page 3 Bidding Prayer

The Dean: Beloved in Christ, in this season, let it be our care and delight to hear again the message of the Angels, and in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in a manger.

Let us read and mark in Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God from the first days of our disobedience unto the glorious Redemption brought us by this holy Child; and let us make this place glad with our carols of praise.

But first, let us pray for the needs of his whole world; for peace and goodwill over all the earth; for the mission and unity of the Church for which he died, and especially in this country and within this city.

And because this of all things would rejoice his heart, let us at this time remember in his name the poor and the helpless, the hungry and the oppressed; the sick and those who mourn; the lonely and the unloved; the aged and the little children; and all those who know not the Lord Jesus, or who love him not, or who by sin have grieved his heart of love.

Lastly, let us remember before God his pure and lowly Mother, and all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore and in a greater light, that multitude which no one can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom, in this Lord Jesus, we for evermore are one.

These prayers and praises let us humbly offer up to the throne of heaven, in the words which Christ himself hath taught us:

The Lord’s Prayer

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.

The Dean: The Almighty God bless us with his grace; Christ give us the joys of everlasting life; and unto the fellowship of the citizens above may the King of Angels bring us all. People: Amen.

Please be seated.

Page 4 The Invitatory

Choir What cheer Sir William Walton What cheer? Good cheer! Be merry and glad this good New Year!

“Lift up your hearts and be glad In Christ’s birth,” the angel bade, Say each to other, if any be sad: “What cheer? What cheer?”

Now the King of heav’n his birth hath take, Joy and mirth we ought to make; Say each to other, for his sake: “What cheer? What cheer?”

I tell you all with heart so free: Right welcome, welcome, ye be to me; Be glad and merry, for charity! What cheer? Good cheer! Be merry and glad this good New Year! -From Richard Hill’s Commonplace Book

I. GOD TELLS SINFUL ADAM THAT HE HAS LOST THE LIFE OF PARADISE

Genesis 3:8-15 Reader: Canon Jean Bender And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. And the Lord God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Reader: The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

Choir Adam lay ybounden Boris Ord

Adam lay ybounden, bounden in a bond; four thousand winter thought he not too long. And all was for an apple, an apple that he took, as clerkes finden written in their book.

Ne had the apple taken been, the apple taken been, ne had never our lady abeen heavené queen. Blessed be the time that apple taken was, therefore we moun singen, Deo gracias!

Words: Anonymous, 15th century

Please stand.

Page 5 Hymn Joy to the world! Antioch (Hymn 100) 1. Joy to the world! The Lord is come: 3. No more let sins and sorrows grow, let earth receive her King; nor thorns infest the ground; let every heart prepare him room, he comes to make his blessings flow and heaven and nature sing, far as the curse is found, and heaven and nature sing, far as the curse is found, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing. far as, far as the curse is found.

2. Joy to the world! The Savior reigns; 4. He rules the world with truth and grace, let us our songs employ, and makes the nations prove while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains the glories of his righteousness, repeat the sounding joy, and wonders of his love, repeat the sounding joy, and wonders of his love, repeat, repeat the sounding joy. and wonders, wonders of his love.

Please be seated.

II. CHRIST’S BIRTH AND KINGDOM ARE FORETOLD BY ISAIAH Isaiah 9:2-7 Reader: Dr. James Hutchisson

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Reader: The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

Choir O mortal man Herbert Howells

O mortal man, remember well God bless the master of this house, When Christ our Lord was born. With happiness beside;

He was crucified between two thieves, Where e’re his body rides or walks, And crownèd with the thorn. Lord Jesus be his guide. -Traditional Sussex carol

Page 6 III. THE PEACE THAT CHRIST WILL BRING IS FORESHOWN Isaiah 11:1-10 Reader: The Reverend Ross Tortora

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots: and the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; and shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord. With righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. Reader: The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

Choir A Christmas Carol Charles Ives Little Star of Bethlehem! Do we see Thee now? Do we see Thee shining o’er the tall trees? Little Child of Bethlehem! Do we hear Thee in our hearts? Hear the Angels singing: Peace on earth, good will to men! Noel!

O’er the cradle of a King, Hear the Angels sing: In excelsis Gloria, Gloria! From His Father’s home on high, Lo! for us he came to die; Hear the Angels sing: Venite adoremus Dominum.

Please stand.

Hymn In the bleak mid-winter Cranham (112)

1. In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, 3. Angels and archangels may have gathered there, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; cherubim and seraphim thronged the air; snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, but his mother only, in her maiden bliss, in the bleak midwinter, long ago. worshiped the beloved with a kiss.

2. Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain; 4. What can I give him, poor as I am? heaven and earth shall flee away If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; when he comes to reign: if I were a wise man, I would do my part; in the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed yet what I can I give him--give my heart. the Lord God incarnate, Jesus Christ.

Page 7 IV. THE ANGEL GABRIEL SALUTES THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Luke 1:26-38 Reader: The Reverend Mac Magee

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. Reader: The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

Choir All bells in paradise John Rutter

Deep in the cold of winter, Lost in awe and wonder,

Darkness and silence were everywhere; Doubting, I asked what this sign might be: Softly and clearly, there came through the stillness Christ our Messiah revealed in a stable, a wonderful sound, a wonderful sound to hear: A marvellous sight to see.

All bells in paradise I heard them ring, All bells in paradise I heard them ring, Sounding in majesty the news that they bring; Sounding in majesty the news that they bring; All bells in paradise I heard them ring, All bells in paradise I heard them ring, Welcoming our Saviour, born on earth a heavenly Welcoming our Saviour, born on earth a heavenly

King. King. All bells in paradise I heard them ring: ‘Glory to God on high' the angel voices sing.

He comes down in peace, a child in humility,

The keys to his kingdom belong to the poor; Before him shall kneel the kings with their treasures, gold incense and myrrh, incense and myrrh. All bells in paradise I heard them ring, Sounding in majesty the news that they bring; All bells in paradise I heard them ring, Welcoming our Saviour, born on earth a heavenly King. All bells in paradise I heard them ring: ‘Glory to God on high' the angel voices sing, The angel voices sweetly sing.

V. ST. LUKE TELLS OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS Luke 2:1-7 Reader: The Reverend Canon Bryce Wandrey

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Reader: The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

Page 8 Choir Calypso Carol Michael Perry, arr. John Bertalot See him lying on a bed of straw; See where the star of silver sweeps across the skies A draughty stable with an open door, To show where Jesus in a manger lies. Mary smiling at the babe she bore; Shepherds swiftly from their stupor arise The King of Glory is his name. To see the savior of the world. Refrain Refrain: Come along with me to Bethlehem Angels, sing again the song you sang To see the Savior who is born for men, To bring God’s glory to the heart of man; In a stable lying on the straw, For that tiny little baby can The King of Glory evermore. Become salvation to the soul. Refrain

Mine are riches from thy poverty, And from thy innocence, eternity; Mine, forgiveness by thy death for me, Thou child of sorrow for my joy. Refrain

Please stand.

Hymn (Verse 3 choir only) O little town of Bethlehem Forest Green Descant: Thomas Armstrong 1. O little town of Bethlehem, 3. How silently, how silently, How still we see thee lie! The wondrous gift is given! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep So God imparts to human hearts The silent stars go by; The blessings of His heaven. Yet in thy dark streets shineth No ear may hear His coming, The everlasting Light; But in this world of sin, The hopes and fears of all the years Where meek souls will receive him, still Are met in thee tonight. The dear Christ enters in.

2. O morning stars, together 4. O holy Child of Bethlehem, Proclaim the holy birth! Descend to us, we pray; And praises sing to God the King, Cast out our sin and enter in, And Peace to men on earth. Be born in us today. For Christ is born of Mary; We hear the Christmas angels And gathered all above, The great glad tidings tell; While mortals sleep, the angels keep O come to us, abide with us, Their watch of wondering love. Our Lord Emmanuel!

Please be seated.

VI. THE SHEPHERDS GO TO THE MANGER Luke 2:8-16 Reader: The Reverend Canon Caleb J. Lee

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. Reader: The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. Page 9 Choir Lullaby my Jesus Peter Warlock

Lullaby my Jesus, lullaby my King. Lullaby my Jesus, lullaby my son. Lullaby my lording whom I sweetly sing. Lullaby my child in whom God’s will is done. Slumber softly, slumber on your mother’s arm; Be at peace, soft dreams beguile you as you lie; She will rock you, she will keep you safe from harm. I will rock you, I will sing a lullaby. Lalulla, lullaby. -Andrew Carter

Please stand.

Hymn The First Nowell The First Nowell Descant: Sir David Willcocks

1. The first Nowell the angel did say 3. And by the light of that same star, was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; Three wise men came from country far; In fields where they lay keeping their sheep, To seek for a King was their intent, On a cold winter’s night that was so deep. And to follow the star wherever it went.

Refrain: Refrain Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell: 4. Then let us all with one accord Born is the King of Israel. Sing praises to our heave’nly Lord, 2. They lookéd up and saw a star That hath made heaven and earth of nought,

Shining in the east beyond them far; And with his blood our life hath bought. And to the earth it gave great light, Refrain And to follow the star wherever it went. Refrain

Please remain standing for the Gospel of the Incarnation.

VII. ST. JOHN UNFOLDS THE GREAT MYSTERY OF THE INCARNATION John 1:1-14 Reader: The Venerable Calhoun Walpole

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of all. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth everyone that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. Reader: The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

Page 10 Hymn O come, all ye faithful Adeste fideles Descant: Sir David Willcocks

1. O come, all ye faithful, 2. God of God, 4. Sing, choirs of angels, Joyful and triumphant, Light of Light, Sing in exultation, O come ye, O come ye Lo! he abhors not Sing, all ye citizens

To Bethlehem; The Virgin’s womb; Of heav’n above; Come and behold him, Very God, be- Glory to God Born the King of angels; gotten, not created: In the highest,

Refrain Refrain Refrain

O come, let us adore him, 3. See how the shepherds, O come, let us adore him, Summoned to his cradle, O come, let us adore him, Leaving their flocks draw nigh Christ the Lord. With lowly fear; We too will thither Bend our joyful footsteps; Refrain

Please make use of the plate at the entrance of Grace to make your offering tonight. If you would like to make an online offering to Grace Church Cathedral, you can do so by following this link: https://www.gracechurchcharleston.org/giving-serving

The Collect for Christmas

Dean: O God, who makest us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of thy only Son, Jesus Christ: Grant that as we joyfully receive him for our redeemer, so we may with sure confidence behold him, when he shall come again in glory; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.

Christmas Blessing

Dean: The Humility of the Shepherds, The Perseverance of the wise men, The Joy of the angels, And the Peace of the Christ-child, May these be God’s gifts to you this Christmas, And the Blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Be amongst you and remain with you always. Amen.

Closing Hymn Hark! the herald angels sing Mendelssohn Descant: Sir David Willcocks 1. Hark! the herald angels sing 2. Christ, by highest 3. Hail, the heav’n-born Glory to the newborn King! heaven adored; Prince of Peace! Peace on earth and mercy mild, Christ, the everlasting Lord; Hail the Sun of Righteousness! God and sinners reconciled! Late in time behold him come, Light and life to all he brings, Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Offspring of a virgin’s womb. Risen with healing in his wings Join the triumph of the skies; Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Mild he lays his glory by, With th’angelic host proclaim Hail th’incarnate Deity! Born that man no more may die, Christ is born in Bethlehem! Pleased as man Born to raise the sons of earth, Hark! the herald angels sing with man to dwell; Born to give them second birth. Glory to the newborn King! Jesus, our Emmanuel! Hark! the herald angels sing Hark! the herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King. Glory to the newborn King! Voluntaries In dulci jubilo J.S. Bach (1685-1750) Fanfare on “Mendelssohn” Alec Wyton (1921-2007)

The piece “All bells in paradise” is sung tonight in memory of Maria Vereen Page 11 Advent and Christmas Services

Christmas Eve Thursday, December 24 1:00—3:45 p.m. Living Nativity outside Grace Church Cathedral Come hear the Christmas Story, share communion and receive a treat from St. Nicholas! (This will be offered every 15 minutes to allow for social distancing) 4:00 p.m. Family Eucharist * St. Gregory Chamber Choir 6:00 p.m. Choral Eucharist St. Gregory Chamber Choir; organ, trumpet 8:00 p.m. Choral Eucharist * St. Gregory Chamber Choir; organ, trumpet 11:00 p.m. Choral Eucharist, Rite I St. Gregory Chamber Choir; organ, trumpet

Christmas Day Friday, December 25 10:00 a.m. Choral Eucharist with Choir & Carols

Feast of St. Stephen, Deacon and Martyr 12:00 p.m. Saturday, December 26, Holy Eucharist

Sunday, December 27, Christmas I 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, 9:00 a.m. Family Eucharist*, 11:00 a.m. Choral Eucharist*, & 5:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist

Services marked with an asterisk will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/GraceChurchChrlstn

98 Wentworth Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401 (843) 723-4575 gracechurchcharleston.org

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