King's Carol Service 2020

The King’s School, Canterbury

The King’s School Carol Service

December 2020

Choir

Matin Responsory

Palestrina

V. I look from afar R. And lo! I see the power of God coming, and a cloud covering the whole earth.

V. Go ye out to meet him and say: R. Tell us, art thou he that should come to reign over thy people Israel?

V. High and low, rich and poor, one with another, R. Go ye out to meet him and say: V. Hear, O thou shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep.

R. Tell us, art thou he that should come?

V. Stir up thy strength O Lord and come R. To reign over thy people Israel.

V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.

R. I look from afar: and lo! I see the power of God coming, and a cloud covering the whole earth.

V. Go ye out to meet him and say: R. Tell us, art thou he that should come to reign over thy people Israel?

Carol Solo 1 Once in royal David’s city Stood a lowly cattle shed, Where a mother laid her baby In a manger for his bed: Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ her little child.

3 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.

Choir 2 He came down to earth from heaven Who is God and Lord of all, And his shelter was a stable, And his cradle was a stall; With the poor, and mean, and lowly, Lived on earth our Saviour holy.

4 And our eyes at last shall see him, Through his own redeeming love, For that child so dear and gentle Is our Lord in heaven above; And he leads his children on To the place where he is gone.

The Bidding Prayer read by The Captain of School.

Beloved in Christ, be it our care and delight to prepare ourselves to hear again the message of the angels, and in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem to see this thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in a manger.

Therefore let us hear again from Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God from the first days of our sin unto the glorious Redemption brought us by this Holy Child.

But first, in this time of pandemic let us remember all those who are caring for the sick, that they may receive skill, sympathy and resilience as they seek to bring healing and comfort to those in their care. As we give thanks for the progress being made on a vaccination, let us pray for scientists who are searching for a cure, that you will give them your wisdom and understanding.

Let us also pray for those who are ill, afraid or in isolation. In their loneliness be their consolation, in their anxiety be their hope and in their darkness may the Christ child who came as the light of the world be their light and peace.

Lastly, let us remember those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore and in a greater light, that multitude which no one can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom in this Lord Jesus, we for evermore are one.

These prayers and praises let us humbly offer up to the Throne of Heaven, in the words which Christ Himself hath taught us.

All

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name, Thy Kingdom come.

Thy will be done, on 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.

The Prophet Isaiah foretells the coming of the one who shall restore God’s Kingdom of peace and reconciliation read by 6b pupils The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined. You have multiplied the nation and increased its joy; they rejoice before You according to the joy of harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For You have broken the yoke of his burden and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 9: 2-4, 6-7 Choir

Es ist ein Ros' Entsprungen

Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen Aus einer Wurzel zart.

Als uns die Alten sungen, Von Jesse kam die Art Und hat ein Blümlein bracht, Mitten im kalten Winter, Wohl zu der halben Nacht.

arr. Sandström

Lo, how a rose e'er blooming From tender stem hath sprung!

Of Jesse's lineage coming, As men of old have sung.

It came, a flow'ret bright, Amid the cold of winter, When half-spent was the night.

Carol 1 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.

3 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:

2 O come, O come, thou Lord of might, Who to thy tribes, on Sinai’s height, In ancient times didst give the law In cloud, and majesty, and awe:

4 O come, thou Key of David, come And open wide our heavenly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery:

The angel Gabriel foretells the birth of Jesus Read by Remove pupils And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, ‘Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.’ And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, ‘Fear not, Mary: for thou has found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.’

Then said Mary unto the Angel, ‘How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?’ And the angel answered and said unto her, ‘The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.’ And Mary said, ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.’ And the angel departed from her.

Luke 1: 26-38 Choir

Ave Maris Stella

Grieg

Ave, maris stella, Dei Mater alma, Atque semper Virgo, Felix caeli porta.

Hail, star of the sea, loving Mother of God, and also always a virgin, Happy gate of heaven.

Solve vincia reis, Profer lumen caecis, Mala nostra pelle, Bona cuncta posce

Break the chains of sinners, Bring light to the blind, Drive away our evils, Ask for all good.

Vitam praesta puram, Iter para tutum, Ut videntes Jesum, Semper collaetemur.

Keep life pure, Make the journey safe, So that, seeing Jesus, We may always rejoice together.

Sit laus Deo Patri, Summo Christo decus Spiritui Sancto, Tribus honor unus. Amen.

Let there be praise to God the Father, Glory to Christ in the highest, To the Holy Spirit, One honour to all three. Amen.

St Luke tells of the birth of Jesus read by Shell pupils In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Luke 2: 1-7 Choir

Jesus Christ The Apple Tree 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 weary 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

Poston

Carol 1 O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie!

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by.

Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting light; The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight.

3 How silently, how silently, The wondrous gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of his heaven.

No ear may hear his coming; But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive him, still The dear Christ enters in.

2 O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth And praises sing to God the King, And peace to men on earth; For Christ is born of Mary; And, gathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wond’ring love.

4 O Holy child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in, Be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell: O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel.

The angels bring a message of peace and joy to the shepherds Read by 6a pupils In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace among those whom he favours!”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Luke 2: 8-20

Choir

No Small Wonder Small wonder the star. small wonder the light, the angels in chorus, the shepherds in fright; but stable and manger for God: no small wonder!

Paul Edwards

Small wonder the kings, small wonder they bore the gold and the incense, the myrrh, to adore; but God gives his life on a cross: no small wonder!

Small wonder the love, small wonder the grace, the power, the glory, the light of his face; but all to redeem my poor heart: no small wonder!

The wise men follow a star to find the Christ child read by Fifth pupils After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Matthew 2:1-12

Carol 1 We three kings of Orient are; Bearing gifts we traverse afar Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star.

O star of wonder, star of night Star with royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us to thy perfect light

3 Frankincense to offer have I; Incense owns a deity nigh Prayer and praising, all men raising, Worship him, God most high.

2 Born a king on Bethlehem's plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again King forever, ceasing never, Over us all to reign.

5 Glorious now, behold him arise, King, and God, and sacrifice!

Heav’n sings alleluia, Alleluya the earth replies.

4 Myrrh is mine, it's bitter perfume Breathes a life of gathering gloom Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding dying Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.

St John unfolds the great mystery of the incarnation read by The Dean of Canterbury, The Very Reverend Dr Robert Willis In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

John 1: 1-14

Choir

Benedicamus Domino

Procedenti puero, Eya, nobis annus est: Virginis ex utero - Gloria, laudes!

Deus homo factus est - et immortalis.

Sine viri semine Natus est de virgine; Sine viri copia Natus est ex Maria.

In hoc festo determine Benedicamus Domino.

For the advent of a child, Hurrah! the season is upon us.

From a virgin's womb - Glory, praises!

God has been made man - and immortal.

Without a husband's seed He has been born of a virgin; Without recourse to a husband He has been born of Mary.

Upon this festal tide.

Let us bless the Lord.

The Collect for Christmas (read by the Chaplain) Eternal God, in the stillness of this night you sent your almighty Word to pierce the world’s darkness with the light of salvation: give to the earth the peace that we long for and fill our hearts with the joy of heaven through our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

All

Amen

The Blessing (given by the Senior Chaplain) May the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance of the wise men, the obedience of Joseph and Mary, and the peace of the Christ-child be yours this Christmas; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be with you all for evermore.

All

Amen

Warlock

Carol 1 Hark! the herald angels sing Glory to the new-born 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 new-born King.

2 Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord, Late in time behold him come, Offspring of a Virgin’s womb.

Now 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 new-born King.

3 Hail, the heaven-born Prince of Peace!

Hail, the Sun of Righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings, Risen 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 new-born King.

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