ORDER OF SERVICE

BBC RADIO ’S ‘VIRTUAL’ CAROL SERVICE 2020

Introduced by Mike Ziolek

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Christmas Introit - The Cathedral Girls’ Choir

Introduction - Mike Ziolek

Preface & Bidding Prayer – The Rev’d Canon Chris Stone

Welcome - The Rt Rev’d James Langstaff, Bishop of Rochester, followed by

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done, In earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.

Once in Royal David’s City – Ashford Sings (Ashford)

FIRST LESSON - read by Libby Sutcliffe Genesis 3: “God tells sinful Adam that he has lost the life of Paradise and that his seed will bruise the serpent's head.”

O Holy Night – Virtual Village Voices (Cuxton and Meopham)

SECOND LESSON – read by Rosemary Main Genesis 22: “God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed. “

In the Bleak Midwinter – Cantiaci Vocal Ensemble (Tunbridge Wells)

THIRD LESSON – read by Anna Cookson Isaiah 9: “The prophet foretells the coming of the Saviour.”

This Truth from Above – King Charles’ Singers (Tunbridge Wells)

Silent Night – Glee Club, Free Church (Ramsgate)

FOURTH LESSON – read by Dominic King Isaiah 11: “The peace that Christ will bring is foreshown.”

The Lamb – Maidstone Singers (Maidstone)

Carol of the Bells – Canterbury Voices (Canterbury)

FIFTH LESSON – read by Phil Harrison Luke 1: “The angel Gabriel salutes the Blessed Virgin Mary. “

Gabriel’s Message – Holmewood House Year 6 Choir ()

O Little Town of Bethlehem – St Nicholas’ Church Choir ()

SIXTH LESSON – read by Steve Ladner Luke 2: “St Luke tells of the birth of Jesus.”

Away in a Manger – St Thomas of Canterbury Virtual Choir (Rainham)

Holy Child – Maidstone Voices (Maidstone)

SEVENTH LESSON – read by Leo Ulph Luke 2: “The shepherds go to the manger.”

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night – St Mary’s Choir (Walmer)

EIGHTH LESSON – read by Erika North Matthew 2: “The wise men are led by the star to Jesus.”

Do You Hear What I Hear? – Harmony ()

NINTH LESSON – read by The Rt. Rev’d. Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of John 1: “St John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation.”

O Come All Ye Faithful – The Canterbury Cathedral Girls’ Choir

The Blessing - The Rt. Rev’d. Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover

Hark, the Herald Angels Sing – The Choir of Rochester Cathedral

In Dulci Jubilo (organ solo) – Richard Marlow (Trinity College, Cambridge)

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BBC Radio Kent would like to thank all those who have taken part in this Carol Service, all those who sent in recordings, and all those who have helped in any way. Grateful thanks to our Special Advisor – Rev’d Canon Chris Stone for his assistance in creating this programme.

BBC RADIO KENT’S ‘VIRTUAL’ Carol Service 2020 is broadcast on Christmas Eve at 5pm with further chances to listen at 1pm on Christmas Day and on BBC Sounds.

Everyone at BBC Radio Kent sends their greetings and very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.