NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS 2018: ORDER OF SERVICE

ORGAN MUSIC: Pietro Yon, Christmas in Sicily Olivier Messiaen, Les Bergers (La Nativité)

Once in royal David’s city (v 1 solo, v 2 choir) [Hymn No. 34]

Choir: Trad. arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams, This is the truth sent from above

FIRST LESSON

Genesis 3: “God announces in the Garden of Eden that the seed of woman shall bruise the serpent’s head.”

Choir: Malcolm Archer, Adam lay ybounden

SECOND LESSON

Genesis 22: “God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.”

Choir: Howells, A spotless rose

It came upon a midnight clear [Hymn No. 29]

THIRD LESSON

Isaiah 9: “Christ’s birth and Kingdom are foretold by Isaiah.”

Choir: G F Handel, For unto us a child is born (Messiah)

FOURTH LESSON

Isaiah 11: “The peace that Christ will bring is foreshown.”

O little town of Bethlehem [Hymn No. 32, omit v 4]

FIFTH LESSON

Luke 1: “The Angel Gabriel visits the Blessed Virgin Mary.”

Choir: Victoria, Ave Maria a 4

SIXTH LESSON

Luke 2: “St Luke tells of the birth of Jesus.”

Choir: Panufnik, A Cradle Song

In the bleak midwinter [Hymn No. 28]

SEVENTH LESSON

Luke 2: “The shepherds go to the manger.”

Choir: Rutter, Shepherd’s Pipe Carol

EIGHTH LESSON

Matthew 2: “The wise men are led by the star to Jesus.”

We three kings of Orient are

Choir: Poulenc, Videntes stellam

NINTH LESSON

John 1: “St John unfolds the mystery of the Incarnation.”

Choir: Trad. arr. Willcocks, Sussex Carol

O come, all ye faithful (vv 1-3, 5-6) [Hymn No. 30] during which the collection will be taken.

COLLECT AND BLESSING

Voluntary: Bach, Prelude and Fugue in G Major BWV 541