Happy Christmas and welcome to Saint Gregory’s Church!

It is an understatement to say that things did not go according to plan this

Christmas. We can all name the ways that we are adapting our plans this year in

order to keep one another safe and healthy. This Christmas, we can take heart from the fact that the first Christmas did not go according to plan either. I am sure Mary did not expect to find herself pregnant with the Messiah, or to give Christmas Eve 7:00 p.m. Service birth in a cave, or to flee to Egypt as a refugee shortly after giving birth. Life, it seems, does not always go according to plan. The good news for us this Christmas is the same good news as it was that first Christmas when things also did not go according to plan—that being the gift of the incarnation. That Emmanuel came, that God is with us.

This Christmas, like last Christmas and like the first Christmas, I pray that you receive the gift of the Emmanuel anew. I pray that as we receive the gift of the incarnation, that the true spirit of Christmas permeates your heart, your home, and your neighborhood, and—like a festively lit home—that you allow your light to shine brilliantly in the darkness, knowing that because of the incarnation of Christ, darkness can no longer overcome the light.

If you are new to Saint Gregory’s or are looking for a church home, we’d love for you to join us as we follow Jesus. At this time, we have worship services every Sunday and Thursday at 9:00 a.m. livestreamed through our Facebook page and later uploaded to our YouTube channel. We’d love for you to join us in one of our weekly small groups that meet via ZOOM or to serve alongside us as we serve our local community. For more information, please contact the church office ([email protected]). I would love to meet with you too, Photo: Robert Thiemann / Unsplash either over ZOOM, on the phone, or outside at the church. 6653 W. Chatfield Ave., Littleton CO 80128 Phone (303) 979-5236 Your Sister in Christ, [email protected] Mother Liz Costello Office Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. www.saingregs.org 2 Christmas Eucharist 2. Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; now ye hear of endless bliss; Jesus Christ was born for this! Prelude: In Dulci Jubilo Liszt He hath opened heaven’s door, and we are blest for evermore. Christ was born for this! Christ was born for this! Welcome The Entrance Rite Collect of the Day Celebrant: The Lord be with you. Processional People: And also with you. Celebrant: Let us pray. O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with Hark the Herald Angels Sing 87 (v. 1, 3) Hymnal the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of 1. Hark! The herald angels sing glory to the new-born King! that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled! the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies; with the angelic host proclaim Christ is born in Bethlehem! The Liturgy of the Word: Lessons and Carols Refrain: Hark! The herald angels sing glory to the new-born King!. Lesson 1: Genesis 3:1-15 Bonnie Frank 3. Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die, Now the serpent was more subtle than any other wild creator that the Lord God born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth. had made. He said to the woman, “Did God say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree of Risen with healing in his wings, light and life to all he brings, the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent “We may eat of the fruit of the hail, the Sun of Righteousness! hail, the heaven-born Prince of Peace! trees of the garden; but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the Acclamation serpent said to the woman “You will not die. For God knows that when you eat Priest: The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” People: And we behold his glory. So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of it’s Carol: Good Christian Friends 107 (v. 1, 2) Hymnal fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, and he ate. Then the eyes 1. Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; of both were open, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves give ye heed to what we say: Jesus Christ is born today; together and made themselves aprons. ox and ass before him bow, and he is in the manger now. Christ is born today! Christ is born today! They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the

3 4 Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, the Lord to the test. Then Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too and said to him, “Where are you?” He said, “I heard the sound of you in the little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” He said, “Who himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I son, and shall name him Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey by the time he commanded you not to eat?” The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent tricked me, and I ate.” The Lord God said to the serpent, Carol: O Come all Ye Faithful 83 (v. 1,3) Hymnal “Because you have done this, 1.O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to cursed are you among all animals Bethlehem; come, and behold him, born the King of angels; and among all wild creatures; Refrain: O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, upon your belly you shall go, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord. and dust you shall eat 3. Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, sing, all ye citizens of heaven above; all the days of your life. glory to God, glory in the highest; (Refrain) I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike your head, Lesson 3: Isaiah 9:2-4, 6-7 Deb Kelly and you will strike his heel.” The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness--on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as Carol: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel 56 (v. 1, 7) Hymnal people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar 1. O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. of Midian. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Refrain: Rejoice, Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel! Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. 7. O come, Desire of nations, bind in one the hearts of all mankind; He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time bid thou our sad divisions cease, and be thyself our King of Peace. (Refrain) onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Lesson 2: Isaiah 7:10-15 Jan Blankenship Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be Choir Anthem: Do You Have Room? Edwards deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put Soloist: Jane Lestition

5 6 Lesson 4: Luke 1:26-38 Anne Kelly governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, not be afraid; for see-- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” "Glory to God in the highest heaven, Then the angel departed from her. and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"

Carol: Most Highly Favored Lady 265 (v. 1, 2) Hymnal Carol: Angels We Have Heard On High 96 (v. 1, 2, 3) Hymnal 1. The angel Gabriel from heaven came, his wings as drifted snow, 1. Angels we have heard on high, singing sweetly through the night, his eyes as flame; "All hail," said he, "thou lowly maiden Mary, and the mountains in reply echoing their brave delight. most highly favored lady," Gloria! Refrain: Gloria in excelsis Deo. Gloria in excelsis Deo. 2. "For know a blessed Mother thou shalt be, all generations laud and honor thee, thy Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold, 2. Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why these songs of happy cheer? most highly favored lady," Gloria! What great brightness did you see? What glad tidings did you hear? (Refrain) 3. Come to Bethlehem and see him whose birth the angels sing; Lesson 5: Luke 2:1-14 Scott Emerson come, adore on bended knee Christ, the Lord, the newborn King. (Refrain) In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was

7 8 Lesson 6: Luke 2:15-20 Kathy Kreidler 4. He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one the glories of his righteousness, and wonders of his love, another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, and wonders of his love, and wonders, wonders of his love. which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were The Gospel: John 1:1-14 amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and Celebrant: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God People: Glory to you, Lord Christ. for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him Carol: Angels, from the realms of glory 93 (v. 1-2) Hymnal was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, Angels, from the realms of glory, wing your flight o'er all the earth; and the darkness did not overcome it. ye, who sang creation's story, now proclaim Messiah's birth; come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn King. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the Shepherd in the field abiding, watching o'er your flocks by night, light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, God with you is now residing; yonder shines the infant Light: was coming into the world. come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn King. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not Lesson 7: Titus 2:11-14 Milly Stevens accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are flesh or of the will of man, but of God. self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. Celebrant: The Gospel of the Lord. Carol: Joy to the World 100 (v.1, 4) Hymnal People: Praise to you, Lord Christ. 1. Joy to the world! the Lord is come; let earth receive her King; let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing, The Sermon The Rev. Elizabeth Costello and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

9 10 Nicene Creed The Peace We believe in one God, Celebrant: The Peace of the Lord be always with you. the Father, the Almighty, People: And also with you. maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. The Great Thanksgiving We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, SIT: Offertory: Lo How A Rose eternally begotten of the Father, Soloist - Deb & Anne Kelly God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, STAND: Presentation of the Gifts: begotten, not made, What can I give Him, of one Being with the Father. Poor as I am? Through him all things were made. If I were a shepherd For us and for our salvation I would bring a lamb, he came down from heaven: If I were a wise man by the power of the Holy Spirit I would do my part, he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, Yet what can I give Him, and was made man. Give my heart. 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 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 and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He 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

11 12 Celebrant The Celebrant continues: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; because you gave Jesus Christ, known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word your only Son, to be born for us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your was made perfect Man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; so that we Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to might be delivered from the bondage of sin, and receive power to become your be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from children. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life. glory of your Name; Celebrant and People On the night before he died for us, our Lord 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 he 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 his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory;

The Celebrant continues And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord 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 Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your

14 13 The Breaking of the Bread Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread. our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation. Fraction Anthem By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray, People and Celebrant

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. The Communion Following the service, Communion will be offered on the altar/table located on the front lawn. Communion For thine is the kingdom, will be offered every Sunday, until 10:15 a.m. You are also invited to receive Spiritual Communion by and the power, and the glory, reading the prayer below during the virtual service or by emailing the office to set up a Eucharistic Visitation for ever and ever. Amen. at your home.

Spiritual Communion You are welcome to receive what is called “Spiritual Communion.” The Book of Common Prayer states, “If a person desires to receive the Sacrament, but, by reason of extreme sickness or physical disability is unable to eat and drink the Bread and Wine, the Celebrant is to assure that person that all the benefits of Communion is received, even though the Sacrament is not received with the mouth (BCP, 457). A pandemic with no vaccine is considered a reason for extreme sickness. To receive Spiritual Communion, say the following prayer at the moment of administration.

15 16 Communion Carols During Silent Night you are invited to light a candle in your home. What Child is This? 115 (v. 1, 2) Hymnal 1. What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary's lap is sleeping? Silent Night 111 (v. 1 - 3) Hymnal Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping? 1. Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright round yon virgin mother and child. Holy infant, so tender and mild, Refrain: This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; sleep in heavenly peace. Sleep in heavenly peace. Haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary. 2. Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake at the sight 2. Why lies he in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding? glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing alleluia; Good Christian, fear; for sinners here the silent Word is pleading. (Refrain) Christ, the savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!

3. Silent night, holy night, Son of God, Love's pure light It Came Upon the Midnight Clear 89 (v. 1, 2) Hymnal radiant beams from thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace, 1. It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold; "Peace on the earth, good will to men, from heaven's all gracious King." Please extinguish the candles following the hymn. The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing. The Blessing 2. Still through the cloven skies they come with peaceful wings unfurled, Celebrant and still their heavenly music floats o'er all the weary world; May God, who sent God’s angels to proclaim the glad news of the Savior’s above its sad and lowly plains they bend on hovering wing, birth, fill you with joy, and make you heralds of the Gospel. And the and ever o'er its Babel-sounds the blessed angels sing. blessing of God Almighty, the Father , the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.

After Communion, the Celebrant says: Let us pray. Dismissal Celebrant and People Celebrant Let us go to love and serve the Lord. Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living People Thanks be to God! members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into Postlude: Joy to the World the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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