Christ Church December 4, 2016 at 5:00 PM From Darkness to Light From Darkness to Light December 4, 2016 Page 1 The Advent Procession Salisbury Cathedral writes: “The Advent Procession is entitled From Darkness to Light in order to encapsulate in a telling phrase what will happen in the next hour.” With bible readings and music, the service reminds us that, while our beautiful world is marred by the darkness of human willfulness, greed and violence, the light still shines in this world. That light tonight begins as a flickering candle at the west end, and from it all other lights in the Cathedral are lit. The light that shines in our service represents the light of Jesus Christ shining in our dark world. The light of Christ sees us as we are— unable to disguise the truth of our human condition – but the light of Christ is also the illumination and the warmth, the guiding light, which leads us from darkness into light. Tonight we will hear sung phrases, drawn from scripture, known as the Advent Antiphons. Each antiphon begins with the word “O”, addressed to God. With one exception, all refer more specifically to Jesus, who is regarded as the fulfillment of Jewish expectation and Old Testament prophecy. There is also a later addition, the antiphon O Virgo Virginum (O Virgin of Virgins), which clearly refers to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary is given prominence among the Advent Antiphons as the human agent called by God to bring forth God’s own word and being. The pairs of readings from the Old and New Testament (read alternately from the lectern and pulpit) reflect the theological imperatives contained in the antiphons. The readings, darkness and light, stillness and movement, spoken word and song (in unison, plainchant and thundering congregational hymnody) -- all contribute to the multi-layered fabric of the service, inviting us to prepare anew for the coming of our Lord. Christ Church is indebted to The Rev’d Canon Jeremy Davies (Precentor of Salisbury Cathedral, 1985–2012) and the Chapter and Staff of Salisbury Cathedral for sharing this service with us. Page 2 Christ Church Preparing for Worship Welcome to Christ Church. This worship bulletin is designed to make it as easy as possible to participate. But there are a few things we suggest you do before the service begins to make following along easier. Children’s crayons and paper are available at the rear of the Worship space and at the Ramp door entrance. Our CRAWLZone is OPEN during the service for Infants and Toddlers. Please turn off your mobile or electronic devices prior to the start of service. Prelude Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme J. S. Bach BWV 645 (1685-1750) By the conclusion of the Prelude, the house lights will be turned off. Acolytes will distribute the light to the congregation along the side aisles. Please do NOT light center aisle candles. Opening Music Even so Come From Darkness to Light December 4, 2016 Page 3 The congregation STANDS and turns to face the rear of the Church, where a candle is lit. During the hymn, the procession moves to the Resurrection Transept. The congregation joins at v. 3. Come, Thou Redeemer of the Earth Children’s Choir Adult Choir 1. Come, thou Redeemer of the earth, 2. Begotten of no human will, and manifest thy virgin-birth: but of the Spirit, thou art still let every age adoring fall; the Word of God, in flesh arrayed, such birth befits the God of all. the promised fruit to man displayed. Page 4 Christ Church The congregation SITS. A member of the choir sings the Antiphon, followed by the congregation singing the refrain come thou WISDOM from on high, who orderest all things mightily; to us the pathO of knowledge show, and teach us in her ways to go. Cantor: Brendan Fors Sung by all: From Darkness to Light December 4, 2016 Page 5 Readings With you is wisdom, she who knows your works and was present when you made the world; she understands what is pleasing in your sight and what is right according to your commandments. Send her forth from the holy heavens, and from the throne of your glory send her, that she may labor at my side, and that I may learn what is pleasing to you. For she knows and understands all things, and she will guide me wisely in my actions and guard me with her glory. Wisdom 9: 9–11 When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God. Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age. But we speak God’s wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. 1 Corinthians 2: 1–7 Carol sung by the Adult choir Adam lay ybounden 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 ladie abeen heav'ne queen. Blessed be the time that apple taken was, therefore we moun singen. Deo gratias! Music: Boris Ord (1897-1961) The congregation SITS. A member of the choir sings the Antiphon, followed by the congregation singing the refrain come, thou DAYSPRING from on high, and cheer us by thy drawing nigh; disperseO the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadow put to flight. Cantor: Tisiphone Hallet Sung by all: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel! Page 6 Christ Church Readings Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Isaiah 60: 1–3 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1: 76–79 Everyone sings the Refrain and final line of each verse; the verses will be sung by members of the Children’s Choir. Rain down justice Verses (sung by the members of the Children’s Choir as indicated): Refrain: 1. Gathering as travelers and pilgrims, with our faces turned to the brightness of the sun. Listening to the words of the promise: (Duet: Elysia Cornier & Ava Hill) Sung by all: [Refrain] 2. Gathering with prophets and teachers, with their vision piercing the watches of the night. Calling out the words of the promise: (Trio: Isabella Flaherty, Brendan Fors & Calista Hallet ) Sung by all: He will come, he will surely come. [Refrain] 3. Gathering with John the Baptist, in the wilderness, seeking out the Lamb of God. Echoing the words of the promise: (Duet: Cameron Fors & Zachary Hill) Sung by all: He will come, he will surely come. [Refrain] 4. Gathering with Mary and Joseph, with their empty hands and hearts on fire with love. Pondering the words of the promise: (Duet: Tisiphone Hallet & James Roy) Sung by all: He will come, he will surely come. [Refrain] Words: Michael O’Connor; Music: David Ogden, FRSCM (b. 1966-) © 2004 The Royal School of Church Music From Darkness to Light December 4, 2016 Page 7 During the hymn, sung by all, the procession moves to the Baptismal Font. Into the Darkness Page 8 Christ Church Words & Music: The Rev’d Dr. Maggi Dawn © 1993 Kingsway Thankyou Music The congregation SITS. A member of the choir sings the Antiphon, followed by the congregation singing the refrain come, thou KEY OF DAVID, come, and open wide our heavenly home; make safeO the way that leads on high, and close the path to misery. Cantor: Cameron Fors Sung by all: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel! Readings Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. Isaiah 42: 5–7 When Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom.