Malmesbury Abbey Nine Lessons & Carols 2015

 NINE LESSONS & CAROLS

BY CANDLELIGHT The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

For a child has been born for us, a son given to us.

(Isaiah 9:2,6)

19TH & 20TH DECEMBER 2015, 6.30PM

THE MALMESBURY NATIVITY Each year approximately 1000 people come to see The Malmesbury Nativity at the Abbey. Young professional Wiltshire actors, carols led by a live band, mulled wine, cider and Christmas nibbles, and the authentic biblical Nativity story told by four characters from Malmesbury’s history: Aldhelm, William, Eilmer & Hannah Twynnoy.

One hour of amazing Christmas joy for all ages.

Wed 23rd December at 7pm. Christmas Eve at 1pm, 3pm & 5pm.

Tickets (Adults ÂŁ2.50, Children free) are available on the door.

CHRISTMAS EVE & DAY Christmas Eve

11.30pm Midnight Communion (with carols from 11.15pm)

Christmas Day

9am Holy Communion 11am Family Celebration 12pm Champagne

VICAR'S WELCOME I’d like to warmly welcome you to Malmesbury Abbey for tonight’s service of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight. The Abbey Nine Lessons might well be an important part of your Christmas each year, the moment when Christmas really begins. Or this might be your very first time inside our 12th century walls. Regardless, you are very welcome and I hope tonight’s service, one of immense beauty and joy, allows you a brief window to consider afresh how the birth of Jesus Christ changed the course of human history.

With the many distressing global events of 2015, and sadly no doubt 2016 too, a candlelit service with transcendent music, ancient readings and joyous carols might on the surface appear to be ninety minutes of escapism. And perhaps that is no bad thing in itself, a moment of peace in troubled times. But our nine ancient readings, lessons, reveal to us something quite different. The baby is born in a manger, the light comes to the increasing darkness, and God is in the midst of us, not turning his back on the reality a broken world.

On that holy night in Bethlehem Mary held the Christ in her arms, that He might hold all of human history in His. So may the mystery and the beauty of this night be a rich blessing to you. And may the truth of this night bring you renewed hope throughout the coming year.

Revd Canon Neill Archer Christmas, 2015.

Guidance for the Service • • •

•

Because of the large number of candles in this service there is a significant risk – please take care with your candle at all times Please secure all loose hair and clothing, and when candles are being lit please take great care when passing the light to others Please stand for hymns and sit for all readings; except the 9th Lesson when we all stand and face the gospel in the centre of the Abbey.

There is a retiring collection for the ministry of Malmesbury Abbey. If you are a UK taxpayer please use the gift aid envelope provided. Many thanks.

Organist & Choirmaster Associate Conductor Lay Precentor

John Hughes M.A. (Cantab) A.R.C.O. Becky Saunders B.Mus. (Hons) Dr Annie Davis MRCVS

Organ Preludes (from 6.10pm) ‘Les Bergers’ from ‘La Nativité du Seigneur’ Joseph et bien Marie

Messiaen Balbastre

Please remain seated in silence during the final organ preludes as the Abbey is gradually darkened and candles are lit.

Prelude on ‘In dulci Jubilo’ O Antiphon Prelude: O Emmanuel

Buxtehude Nico Muhly

Hymn

Once in Royal David’s city

A soloist and the Malmesbury Abbey Choir sing the first two verses

A

nd through all His wondrous childhood He would honour and obey, Love and watch the lowly maiden, In whose gentle arms He lay: Christian children all must be Mild, obedient, good as He. For He is our childhood’s pattern; Day by day, like us He grew; He was little, weak and helpless, Tears and smiles like us He knew; And He feeleth for our sadness, And He shareth in our gladness.

And our eyes at last shall see Him, Through His own redeeming love, For that Child so dear and gentle Is our Lord in Heav’n above, And He leads His children on To the place where He is gone.

Not in that poor lowly stable, With the oxen standing by, We shall see Him; but in Heaven, Set at God’s right hand on high; Where like stars His children crowned All in white shall wait around.

Please sit

Bidding Prayer

Revd Canon Neill Archer Vicar, Malmesbury Abbey

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 those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Choir

Veni Redemptor Gentium Andrew Smith

Saviour of the nations, come, Recognised as the Virgin’s child, so that the world marvels that God ordained such a birth for him.

Wondrous birth! O wondrous Child Of the virgin undefiled!

Though by all the world disowned, Still to be in heaven enthroned From the Father forth He came And returneth to the same; Captive leading death and hell, High the song of triumph swell!

Brightly doth the manger shine Glorious in its light divine.

Let no sin overcloud this light; Ever be our faith thus bright.

To Christ the most holy King And to you the Father be glory, And with the Holy Spirit, World without end. Amen.

1st Lesson

Hebrews 1:1-5a The Radiance of God

Dr Annie Davis, Lay Precentor, Malmesbury Abbey (19th) Catherine Price, Lay Prior, Malmesbury Abbey. (20th)

This is the word of the Lord Thanks be to God

Hymn

O come O come Emmanuel

O

come, O come, Emmanuel!

And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, thou Rod of Jesse! free Thine own from Satan’s tyranny From depths of hell, thy people save, And give them victory o’er the grave: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, thou dayspring come and cheer Our spirits by thine advent here; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadows put to flight: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, thou Key of David come And open wide our heav’nly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, thou Lord of Might, Who to thy tribes on Sinai’s height, In ancient times did give the law In cloud and majesty and awe: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

2nd Lesson

Micah 5:2-5a The Ruler from Bethlehem

Dan Wyatt, Abbey Kitchen Manager (19th) Rob Hitchings, Abbey Bookshop Manager (20th)

This is the word of the Lord Thanks be to God

Choir

Christ the Apple Tree Stanford Scriven

The tree of life my soul hath seen, Laden with fruit and always green: The trees of nature fruitless be Compared with Christ the apple tree.

His beauty doth all things excel: By faith I know, but ne'er can tell The glory which I now can see In Jesus Christ the apple tree.

For happiness I long have sought, And pleasure dearly I have bought: I missed of all; but now I see 'Tis found in Christ the apple tree.

I'm wearied with my former toil, Here I will sit and rest awhile: Under the shadow I will be, Of Jesus Christ the apple tree.

This fruit doth make my soul to thrive, It keeps my dying faith alive; Which makes my soul in haste to be With Jesus Christ the apple tree.

(Text inspired by Song of Songs 2:3)

Hymn

It came upon a Midnight Clear

I

t came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth, To touch their harps of gold: "Peace on the earth, goodwill to men From heavens all gracious King!"

The world in solemn stillness lay To hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come, With peaceful wings unfurled; And still their heavenly music floats O'er all the weary world: Above its sad and lowly plains They bend on hovering wing, And ever o'er its Babel sounds The blessed angels sing.

Yet with the woes of sin and strife The world has suffered long; Beneath the angel-strain have rolled Two thousand years of wrong; And man, at war with man, hears not The love-song which they bring: O hush the noise, ye men of strife, And hear the angels sing!

For lo! the days are hastening on, By prophet-bards foretold, When with the ever-circling years Comes round the age of gold; When peace shall over all the earth Its ancient splendours fling, And the whole world send back the song Which now the angels sing.

3rd Lesson

Isaiah 9:2,6,7 The Prophecy of the Messiah

Charlotte Cox, Foundation Governor MCEPS (19th) Jeff Staton, Head, Malmesbury CE Primary School (20th) This is the word of the Lord Thanks be to God

Choir

Ecce virgo concipiet William Byrd

Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

(Isaiah 7:14)

Hymn

In the bleak mid-winter

I

n the bleak mid-winter frosty wind made moan, Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, In the bleak mid-winter long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him nor earth sustain; Heav’n and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.

In the bleak mid-winter a stable-place sufficed The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

Enough for Him, whom cherubim worship night and day, A breastful of milk, and a mangerful of hay; Enough for Him, whom angels fall down before, The ox and ass and camel which adore.

Angels and archangels may have gathered there, Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air But only His mother in her maiden bliss Worshipped the Beloved with a kiss.

What can I give Him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb; If I were a wise man I would do my part; Yet what I can, I give Him - give my heart.

4th Lesson

Luke 1:26-38 The Annunciation to Mary

Alan McAdam, Abbey PCC Treasurer (19th) Geoff Canning, Abbey PCC Secretary (20th) This is the word of the Lord Thanks be to God

Choir

Ave Maria Franz Biebl

The angel of the Lord visited Mary and she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.

Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Mary said: See the servant of the Lord.

May it happen to me according to your word.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.

Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us.

Glory and honour to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen. Amen. Amen.

(Based on Luke 1:28, 38, 42 & John 1:14)

5th Lesson

Luke 2:1-7 The Birth of Jesus

Diana Crowe, Malmesbury Abbey Churchwarden (19th) Lesley Wilson, Malmesbury Abbey Churchwarden (20th)

This is the word of the Lord Thanks be to God

Choir

Away in a Manger Basque traditional, arr. Jacques

Away in a manger, no crib for His 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, ‘til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever and love me I pray Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care And fit us for heaven to live with Thee there

Hymn

Silent Night

S Â

ilent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright round yon virgin mother and child.

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, heavenly hosts sing alleluia; Christ, the Saviour, is born!

Christ, the Saviour, is born!

(unaccompanied) Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love's pure light radiant beams from thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord at thy birth, Jesus, Lord at thy birth.

Choir

Det är en ros utsprungen Jan Sandström

A rose has sprung up, from a tender root.

As the ancients sang to us, its lineage was from Jesse.

And it has brought forth a flower in the depths of the coldest winter, in the midst of darkest night.

6th Lesson

Luke 2:8-20 The Shepherds & the Angels

Sophie Campbell, Malmesbury Abbey Youth Group (19th) Andrew Beebee, Abbey Children & Youth Minister (20th)

This is the word of the Lord Thanks be to God

Choir

Quelle est cette odeur agréable?

Sir David Willcocks (1919-2015)

From where does this pleasing fragrance come, Shepherds, that ravishes our senses?

Nothing has been breathed like it, not even in the midst of spring’s flowers.

And what is that light that bursts, even in the night, across our eyes?

Surely the sun on its course from dawn to dusk has never been so radiant.

At Bethlehem, in a manger, a Saviour is born for you.

Go quick, let nothing impede you!

Adore your Redeemer.

Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace, goodwill to all.

Hymn

God rest ye merry gentlemen

G

od rest you merry, gentlemen, Let nothing you dismay, For Jesus Christ our Saviour Was born upon this day, To save us all from Satan's power When we were gone astray: O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy.

From God our heavenly Father A blessed angel came, And unto certain shepherds Brought tidings of the same, How that in Bethlehem was born The Son of God by name:

The shepherds at those tidings Rejoiced much in mind, And left their flocks a-feeding In tempest, storm and wind, And went to Bethlehem straightway, This blessed Babe to find: O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy.

But when to Bethlehem they came, Whereat this Infant lay, They found Him in a manger, Where oxen feed on hay; His mother Mary kneeling, Unto the Lord did pray: Now to the Lord sing praises, All you within this place, And with true love and charity Each other now embrace; This holy tide of Christmas All other doth deface: 7th Lesson

Luke 2:21-35 The Eighth Day

John Sunderland, Abbey PCC Lay Chair (19th) Rachel Robertson, Ordinand, Trinity College Bristol (20th) This is the word of the Lord Thanks be to God

Choir

Spaséñiye sodéelal yesí Pavel Chesnokov

Salvation is worked in the midst of the earth, O God. Alleluia.

(Psalm 74:12)

8th Lesson

Matthew 2:1-11 The Magi

Revd Linda Sullivan, Curate, Malmesbury Abbey (19th) Revd John Monaghan, Curate, Malmesbury Abbey (20th)

This is the word of the Lord Thanks be to God

Choir

Come and thank him from ‘Christmas Oratorio’ JS Bach

Come and thank Him, come and praise Him, Fall before God’s throne of grace.

God’s own Son, of his mercy, is our Saviour and Redeemer; God’s own Son all the foes of man subdueth.

Hymn

Of the Father’s love begotten

Please turn to face the gospel as it is processed and read during the following hymn:

O

f the Father’s love begotten, Ere the worlds began to be, 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!

At His Word the worlds created; He commanded; it was done: Heaven and earth and depths of ocean In their threefold order one; All that grows beneath the shining Of the light of moon and sun, Evermore and evermore!

9th Lesson

John 1:1-14 The Word

The Ven Christine Froude, Archdeacon of Malmesbury (19th) The Revd Canon Neill Archer, Vicar (20th) This is the word of the Lord Thanks be to God

This is He whom seers and sages Sang of old with one accord; Whom the writings of the prophets promised in their faithful word; Now He shines, the long expected, Let creation praise its Lord, Evermore and evermore!

O ye heights of heaven adore him Angels and Archangels sing Powers, dominions bow before him and extol our God and King Let no tongue on earth be silent, every voice in concert ring, Evermore and evermore!

Sermon

Revd Canon Neill Archer Vicar, Malmesbury Abbey

Prayers

Revd Mandy Churcher Associate Minister & May Moore Chaplain, Malmesbury Abbey

Hymn

O Come all ye faithful

O

Come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.

Come and behold him, born the King of angels; 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; Child, for us sinners, poor and in the manger, Fain we embrace thee with love and awe; Who would not love thee, Loving us so dearly?

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation; Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!

Glory to God, in the highest;

Yea Lord, we greet thee, born that happy morning, Jesu to thee be glory given; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing:

The Christmas Blessing May the Father, who has loved the eternal Son from before the foundation of the world, shed that love upon you his children.

Amen.

May Christ, who by his incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, fill you with joy and peace.

Amen.

May the Holy Spirit, by whose overshadowing Mary became the God-bearer, give you grace to carry the good news of Christ.

Amen.

And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.

Amen

Hymn

Hark the herald angels sing

H

ark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”

Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With the angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Christ, by highest Heav’n adored; Christ the everlasting Lord; Late in time, behold Him come, Offspring of a virgin’s womb.

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail the incarnate Deity, Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel.

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace!

Hail the Sun of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings, Ris’n with healing in His wings.

Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die.

Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth.

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Please remain standing Dismissal May God, who has called us out of darkness into his marvellous light, bless us and fill us with peace.

Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Organ Voluntaries In dulci jubilo (BWV 729) Toccata from 5th Symphony in F

During which the choir and clergy recess

JS Bach Widor

THE MALMESBURY NATIVITY Each year approximately 1000 people come to see The Malmesbury Nativity at the Abbey. Young professional Wiltshire actors, carols led by a live band, mulled wine, cider and Christmas nibbles, and the authentic biblical Nativity story told by four characters from Malmesbury’s history: Aldhelm, William, Eilmer & Hannah Twynnoy.

One hour of amazing Christmas joy for all ages.

Wed 23rd December at 7pm. Christmas Eve at 1pm, 3pm & 5pm.

Tickets (Adults £2.50, Children free) are available on the door.

CHRISTMAS EVE & DAY Christmas Eve

11.30pm Midnight Communion (with carols from 11.15pm)

Christmas Day

9am Holy Communion 11am Family Celebration 12pm Champagne

Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, material for which is included in this service, is copyright ©The Archbishops’ Council 2000.

CCLI License no. 2127.