MARY BORE SWEET JESUS CHRIST READING
A Dissenter’s Hail Mary James Badcock read by Tabitha Piggott, Head of Capon You bore him, fed him, clothed him, led him, You carried him, suckled him, sang him to sleep. You nursed him, enfolded him, encouraged him, Scolded him, you suffered him, Moved him to laugh (and to weep). You were the chosen one, you were the maiden. He was yours before he was ours. With your flesh the Word was laden, Seed of eternity, Hope of the years. For your obedience, your faith and your firmness, For your humility, tenderness, grace, Sinners salute you, presume to say ‘Thank you’, who love him and serve him, But had not your place.
CAROL
Bogoróditse Djévo
Arvo Pärt
Bogoróditse dyévo, raduisya, Blagodatnaya Mariye Gospod s Toboyu. Blagoslovenna Ty v zhenakh, I blagosloven plod chreva Tvoyevo, Yako Spasa rodila yesi dush nashikh.
CAROL
Away in a Manger
The Choir
Rejoice, O mother of God. Virgin Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, for thou hast borne the Saviour of our souls.
Traditional arr. David Willcocks
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the bright sky, looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky, And stay by my side until morning is nigh. Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay Close by me for ever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, And fit us for heaven, to live with thee there.
The Choir