SCHOOL OF MUSIC
Dear Augustana family and friends,
Welcome to Augustana University’s Christmas Vespers, presented by the Augustana School of Music. For generations, this service has invited our community to gather in song and story. We are especially grateful to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church for their partnership and hospitality, as well as to Thrivent for helping sustain this beloved tradition.
This year’s theme, “O Come Let Us Adore Him,” is drawn from the treasured carol “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” At the heart of this lyric is an invitation: to come, to see and to worship the infant Christ.
The Advent season overflows with invitations — gatherings with family and friends, concerts, programs and parties. It is not always possible to accept them all, yet the most important invitation of Christmas remains the simplest: to come and adore the Christ child — God’s incredible gift of love to each of us.
Tonight, through music, word and prayer, we respond to that invitation. We gather to remember the miracle of Jesus’ birth — a story that calls us again and again with the promise of peace, hope and eternal life.
To the parents, families and friends with us this evening, thank you for sharing your remarkable students with Augustana University. Their gifts and dedication enrich this community and inspire us all.
It is my prayer that this service renews your spirit and fills your heart with the wonder and joy of that holy night. May you and your loved ones be blessed with hope and peace throughout this Advent and Christmas season, and in the year ahead.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin President
Augustana University extends a most sincere thank you to:
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church & Thrivent
Thank you for your generous support of our students and our mission:
“Inspired by Lutheran scholarly tradition and the liberal arts, Augustana provides an education of enduring worth that challenges the intellect, fosters integrity and integrates faith with learning and service in a diverse world.”
Augustana University Pastors
Rev. Ann Elizabeth Rosendale ‘04, Sr. University Pastor and Vice President for Mission Integration Rev. Shawna Day, Associate University Pastor
PRELUDE
Toccata Girolamo Frescobaldi (1583-1643) arr. Michael Allen (living)
SERVICE
Welcome and Prayer
Rev. Ann Elizabeth Rosendale
PROLOGUE arr. Jeremy Hegg (living)
Of the Father’s Love Begotten
Marcus A. C. Prudentius (348-412) Of the Father’s love begotten, ere the worlds began to be, Plainsong Mode V, 13th century (anon.) He is Alpha and Omega, He the Source, the Ending He. Of the things that are, that have been, and that future years shall see, evermore and evermore!
NARRATION
The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is written in Isaiah the prophet: I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way — a voice of one calling in the desert, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.
— Mark 1:1-3
Verbum caro factum est de Virgine
John 1:14
The Word was made flesh from the Virgin. Anonymous
NARRATION
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him.
— Isaiah 11:1-2
Verbum caro factum est de Virgine
NARRATION
Awake my soul, and with the sun arise, for the night is safely ended. Come, my soul, it is time for waking, shake off your drowsy sleep and see the new dawn breaking over the earth.
— Thomas Ken (1637-1711)
Verbum caro factum est de Virgine
NARRATION
This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. — Psalm 118:1
Alleluia!
NARRATION
Come, all ye faithful–come and adore him!
CONGREGATION STANDS
O Come All Ye Faithful words and melody by J.F. Wade (c. 1711-86) O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, arr. David Willcocks O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; (1919-2015) Come and behold Him, born the King of Angels: Refrain: O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
God of God, Light of Light, Lo! He abhors not the virgin’s womb; Very God, begotten not created:
Refrain
Sing choirs of angels, sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above; Glory to God in the highest:
Refrain
Yea, Lord we greet thee, born this happy morning, Jesu, to thee be glory giv’n; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing:
Refrain
CONGREGATION IS SEATED
NARRATION
The angel’s song still echoes across the ages — calling all nations, all peoples, to rejoice. The Word made flesh has come to dwell among us, the Light no darkness can overcome. In awe and adoration we join the heavenly chorus to proclaim the good news of great joy; Christ the Lord is born. Frohlocket, ihr Völker auf Erden — rejoice, all ye nations of the earth!
Frohlocket ihr Võlker auf Erden (sung in German) attr. to Martin Luther (1483-1546) Rejoice, ye people on earth, and praise the Lord! Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy The Saviour has appeared, whom the Lord has promised. (1809-47) He has manifested his justice to the world. Hallelujah!
NARRATION
I heard a voice say, Come, and I obeyed; living, I left the world where I had died. Now, with the company of the glorified, I walk upon the hills I once surveyed. The firmament above is blue and wide—the air is music, and I am not afraid. — From Diary of an Old Soul, George MacDonald (1824-1905)
Resonet in laudibus (sung in Latin) from the Moosburg Gradual (1360)
Let praises resound, with joyous acclaim, Zion and their faithful. Orlando di Lasso
He whom Mary bore has appeared. (1532-94) The prophecies of Gabriel are fulfilled.
O joy, O joy! The Virgin has given birth to God: That which divine mercy willed.
Today a king has appeared in Israel, Born of the Virgin Mary.
Great is the name of the Lord, Emmanuel, which was announced by Gabriel.
O joy, O joy! The Virgin has given birth to God: That which divine mercy willed.
NARRATION
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews?
For we have seen his star in the east, and come to worship him. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts, gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
— Matthew 2:1-2, 10-11
On yesternight I saw a sight text by Rt. Rev. George W Stubbs On yesternight I saw a sight, a star as bright as day, (1845-1912) and heard among the heav’ns a song, the Christ is born today. Gareth Treseder (living)
O joy and bliss! ‘Tis true, I wis, this word the angels say: He comes, my dear, to bring us cheer, for ever and for aye.
Good will and peace, they ne’er shall cease in men of love to live; for this Christ-king –O wondrous thing! To earth God’s Hope doth give.
And it shall be that good kings three shall bring on His Twelfth Night a crown of gold and gifts foretold with jewels all endight.
And spice and myrrh, alas! for her (Sweet Mary, bless thy boy!); For here is laid the great world’s aid, her sorrow and its joy.
What child or man who will or can not merry be today? For news like this of joy and bliss we know is sad no way.
O Holy Child, thou undefiled, send us God’s grace, we pray! O come to us, abide with us, be born in us today!
We Three Kings text by John H. Hopkins Jr.
We three Kings of Orient are: bearing gifts we come from afar, (1820-1891) field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder Star. Donald Rippling Refrain: O, Star of wonder, Star of night, Star with royal beauty bright, (1927-2025) Westward leading still proceeding, guide us to Thy perfect light.
Born a king on Bethlehem’s plain, gold I bring to crown Him again, King forever, ceasing never over us all to reign.
Refrain
Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and Sacrifice, Alleluia, Worship Him, God most high.
Refrain NARRATION
There he lies, the Infant Jesus, fast asleep upon the hay… Mary sits beside Him, singing, as mothers do, with her arms encircling God. — Sister M. Chrysotom (1890-1980)
Mary’s Lullaby words and music by John Rutter
See the child that Mary bore, (living) on her lap so softly sleeping. In a stable cold and poor, ox and ass their vigil keeping. Refrain: Sing lullaby, sing lullaby, my own dear son, my child. Lullaby, sing lullaby, go to sleep, my little baby.
Flights of angels ‘round his head, sing him joyful hymns of greeting. “Peace on earth, good will to men,” each to each the song repeating.
Refrain
Shepherds kneeling by his bed, offer homage without measure. Wise men by a bright star led, bring him gifts of richest treasure.
Refrain NARRATION
Lo! in the silent night a child to God is born, and all is brought again that ere was lost or lorn. Could but thy soul, O man, become a silent night, God would be born in thee and set all things aright. — Angelus Silesius (1624-77)
CONGREGATION STANDS
Silent Night text by Joseph Mohr (1742-1848)
Silent night! Holy night! original carol by Franz Xavier Gruber (1787-1863) All is calm, all is bright, arr. Patrick Hawes ‘round yon virgin mother and child. (living) Holy infant so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight! Glories stream from heaven afar, heav’nly hosts sing alleluia; Christ, the Savior is born! Christ, the Savior is born!
The Choirs Sing
Silent night! Holy night! Wondrous star, lend thy light; with the angels let us sing alleluias to our King; Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!
CONGREGATION IS SEATED
NARRATION
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. — Luke 2:8-11, 15-16
Angels from the Realms of Glory text by James Montgomery (1771-1854) Angels, from the realms of glory, wing you flight o’er all the earth; Will Todd ye who sang creation’s story now proclaim Messiah’s birth; (living) Refrain: Come and worship the King, come and worship Christ, the newborn King!
Shepherds, in the field abiding, watching o’er your flocks by night, God with us is now residing; yonder shines the infant light:
Refrain
Sages, leave your contemplations; brighter visions beam a far; seek the great Desire, the great Desire of Nations; ye have seen his natal star.
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Though an infant now we view Him, he shall fill His Father’s throne, gather all the nations to him; ev’ry knee shall then bow down:
Refrain
NARRATION
I do not think I’m likely to forget the brilliance of the star that blazed that night, and in my ear the song’s resounding yet of that celestial choir whose voices bright with hope and promise filled the shining air; rang from the nestling hills, rang from the earth where slept our flocks that night, all unaware these voices heralded a Saviour’s birth.
We went into the stable where He lay and my poor gift of love placed at His feet. He smiled on me. The place grew bright as day, and there was peace, ineffable and sweet.
— John Davenport Womack
Lullaby on Christmas Eve text by Albert J. Lange (1856-1922) Mother her vigil is keeping, hush, little babe, to her song; arr. F. Melius Christiansen Rest three secure in thy sleeping, grow thee more stately and strong. (1871-1955) Slumber, slumber, gently thine eyelids close: Slumber, slumber, cradled in sweet repose.
Babe of my bosom, be winging, softly where dream-lands begin, Christmas eve bells are a-ringing, festively calling thee in. Kling-kläng, kling-kläng, dream of the Child divine, Kling-kläng, kling-kläng, dear little babe of mine.
NARRATION
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. — Romans 15:13
A Christmas Blessing from the Church of Ireland May the joy of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, Book of Common Prayer the worship of the wise men, and the peace of the Christ child Philip Stopford be yours, be yours this Christmas. (living)
May Christ, who by his incarnation gathered into one all things earthly, all things heavenly, and fill you with joy, fill you with joy and peace.
And the blessing of God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit be with you and remain with you always, with you always. Amen.
NARRATION
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep, God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; the Wrong shall fail, the Right prevail, with peace on earth good will to all. — From Christmas Bells (1863), Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-82)
On Christmas Night attr. to Luke Wadding (1588-1657)
On Christmas night all Christians sing to hear the news the angels bring. arr. B. Wayne Brisbee News of great joy, news of great mirth, news of our merciful King’s birth. (1934-2002)
Then why should we on earth be sad, since our Redeemer made us glad, When from our sin He set us free, all to gain our liberty?
When sin departs before His grace, then life and health come in its place; Angels and we with joy may sing, all for to see the newborn King
All out of darkness we have light, which made the angels sing this night; Glory to God and peace to all, now and forevermore. Amen.
NARRATION
In him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.
— John 1:4-5, 9
O Radiant Dawn Antiphon for Dec. 21
O Radiant Dawn, Splendour of eternal Light, Sun of Justice: James MacMillan come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. (living) Isaiah had prophesied: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom, a light has shone. Amen.
NARRATION
Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love Divine. Love was born at Christmas, Star and Angels gave the sign. Love shall be our token, Love be yours and love be mine. Love to God and all men, Love for plea and gift and sign. — Christina Rossetti (1830-94)
I Saw Three Ships arr. Roger Harvey (living)
EPILOGUE arr. Jeremy Hegg
Verbum caro factum est de Virgine John 1:14 The Word was made flesh from the Virgin. Anonymous
Continued on next page...
Ding Dong Merrily on High text by George R. Woodward (1848-1934)
Ding! Dong! Merrily on high in heav’n the bells are ringing! Thoinot Arbeau (1520-95)
Ding! Dong! Verily the sky is riv’n with angels singing! arr. Mack Wilberg Gloria! Hosanna in excelsis! (living)
E’en so her below, below, let steeple bells be swungen, And Io, io, io! by priest and people sungen! Gloria! Hosanna in excelsis!
Pray you, dutifully prime your matin chime, ye ringers! May you beautifully rime your evetime song, ye singers! Gloria! Hosanna in excelsis!
NARRATION
In the quiet after the angels’ song, the cry of humanity still rises—Grant us peace. The Child who drew shepherds and kings now calls all hearts to reconciliation, to mercy, to love made flesh. As we come to adore Him, we offer our prayer with one voice: Dona nobis pacem—grant us peace.
“Dona nobis pacem,” from B Minor Mass from the Latin Mass Grant us peace. Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Closing Prayer
Rev. Ann Elizabeth Rosendale
CONGREGATION STANDS
Joy to the World
text by Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! arr. Jeremy Hegg Let earth receive her king; let ev’ry heart prepare Him room and heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n and heav’n and nature sing.
Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let all their songs employ, while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness and wonders of His love, and wonders of His love, and wonders, wonders of His love.
Thank you for joining us for our annual Christmas Vespers. Please join us in the Narthex and Fellowship Hall for hot cocoa and cookies immediately following the Vespers Service — generously provided by Thrivent.
Thank you to our student ensembles for helping us create a memorable Christmas Vespers: Augustana Choir, Augustana Bach Collegium, Angelus, VikingKor, Augustana Brass Choir, Augustana Trombone Choir and Jazz Combo.
SCHOOL OF MUSIC PERFORMANCES | SPRING 2026
Augustana Day of Percussion
Jan. 22, 2026 in Hamre Recital Hall, Fryxell Humanities Center, Augustana University
Concerto Aria Finals
Feb. 8, 2026, at 1 p.m. in Hamre Recital Hall, Fryxell Humanities Center, Augustana University
Augustana Jazz on the Upper Great Plains Festival Finale Concert
March 3, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the Orpheum Theater
Augustana Choir Twin Cities Tour and Recording Session
March 7, 2026, Recording session for Tiårasang II, Chapel Shattuck-St. Marys, Faribault, Minnesota
March 8, 2026, Service and Concert at Augustana Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minnesota
Augustana Choir Spring Concert
March 21, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at Cathedral of St. Joseph
Angelus & VikingKor Concert
March 24, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Reconciliation, Augustana University
Augustana Band and Blue & Gold Band Spring Concert
April 9, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington Pavilion
Augustana Orchestra and All City Middle School Honors Orchestra Side-by-Side
April 12, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
Augustana String Festival
April 18, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in Hamre Recital Hall, Fryxell Humanities Center, Augustana University
Augustana Band 130th Anniversary Concert
April 24, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington Pavilion
Augustana Brass Choir and Trombone Choir Spring Concert
April 28, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in Hamre Recital Hall, Fryxell Humanities Center, Augustana University
Bach: Mass in B-minor
May 9, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
Augustana Percussion Ensemble Spring Concert
May 12, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in Hamre Recital Hall, Fryxell Humanities Center, Augustana University
SCHOOL OF MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Augustana offers music scholarships for incoming students of any major ranging from $1,000-$9,000 per year, stackable with academic scholarships.
ALL students become eligible for additional music scholarship opportunities after their first year. Visit augie.edu/MusicScholarships to learn more.
