SAINT MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS EPISCOPAL CHURCH
THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 14, 2025
4 PM CHRISTMAS LESSONS AND CAROLS CHURCH
Christmas LESSONS AND CAROLS
Welcome to Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church and to this year’s observance of Christmas Lessons and Carols. We hope your experience of worship is a blessing to you, and that this service helps you prepare to celebrate the coming of the Christ child, God’s incarnate Word.
The service of Lessons and Carols dates back to the nineteenth century. Until about 1875, the singing of Christmas carols was generally restricted to performances at people’s homes; carols were not included in worship services held at churches. But in 1878, John Stainer, the organist at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, included carols in a service of Choral Evensong and other cathedrals soon followed suit. Two years later, the Right Reverend Edward White Benson, Bishop of Truro, conducted a service of “Nine Lessons and Carols” in the temporary structure that was being used while the cathedral of Truro was being built. Benson interspersed the carols and hymns with readings that recounted the story of Israel’s longing for the coming of the Messiah and the birth of Jesus. After Benson was appointed as the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1883, the observance of “Nine Lessons and Carols” spread further across England.
The form of the service used at Saint Michael follows the form adopted at King’s College at Cambridge University. The service was first observed at King’s College in 1918 as a way to celebrate the end of World War I and bring hope to the people, and in the years following several embellishments were made to the order for worship. The service at King’s College became so popular that in 1928 the BBC began to broadcast it, and it has been broadcast every year since that time (except for 1930, when the service was not observed at King’s, and in 2020, when the restrictions imposed by the Covid pandemic prompted King’s to record the service rather than broadcast it live).
This service is the second in a three-part series of Lessons and Carols we use at Saint Michael during our observance of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. The first of these services, Advent Lessons and Carols, was held on the first Sunday of Advent. The third service, Epiphany Lessons and Carols, will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026. We encourage you to make all three of these services a regular part of your seasonal observance and hope your experience of worship today was a blessing to you.
We hope the readings and music included in this service help deepen your awareness of the presence and activity of God in your life and Of God’s love for you and yours during this holy season.
The Rev. David M. Faulkner Associate for Worship & Liturgy
Christmas Christmas
ThurSDAY, DECEMBER
Handheld candles will be lit by acolytes moving from the back of the church to the front of the church.
CHRISTMAS LESSONS AND CAROLS
The hymn continues on the next page.
Prelude
Pastorale ‘Gesu Bambino’ Pietro Yon (1886-1943)
Offertoire on a Breton Noe César Franck (1822-1890)
Puer natus est Everett Titcomb (1884-1968)
Welcome (seated) The Reverend Kenneth H. Brannon
Entering Procession (standing, verse 1 Solo, verse 2 Choir, verses 3-6 All)
“Once in royal David’s city” Irby
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.
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 Savior holy.
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The Bidding Prayer (standing)
Officiant
Beloved in Christ, in this Christmastide, let it be 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, and see this thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in a manger.
Let us read and mark in Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God from the first days of our disobedience unto the glorious Redemption brought us by this holy Child; and let us make this sacred space glad with our carols of praise.
But first, let us pray for the needs of his whole world; for peace and goodwill over all the earth; for unity and brotherhood within the Church he came to build, and especially for the Episcopal Church in this diocese and in this country.
And because this of all things would rejoice his heart, let us at this time remember in his Name the poor and the helpless, the hungry and the oppressed; the sick in body and mind and those who mourn; the lonely and the unloved; the aged and the little children; and all those who know not the Lord Jesus, or who love him not, or who by sin have grieved his heart of love.
Lastly, let us remember before God his pure and lowly Mother, and all 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,
The congregation extinguishes their candles.
This beautiful arrangement brings together two cherished lullabies of the Christmas season: the traditional Spanish carol “A la Nanita Nana” and the English“Coventry Carol.”
Both melodies, though from different cultures, reflect the quiet awe and tender reverence surrounding the birth of Christ. Greg Gilpin’s sensitive setting honors the simplicity of the nativity while inviting us into a moment of stillness and worship. As the lullabies intertwine, we are reminded of the peace Christ brings to a world longing for hope and healing.
Mrs. Lynn McBee, President & CEO, Young Women's Preparatory Network
as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Almighty God bless us with his grace; Christ give us the joys of everlasting life; and unto the fellowship of the citizens above may the King of Angels bring us all. Amen.
Carol (seated, sung by the Saint Michael Choristers)
A La Nanita Nana with Coventry Carol arr. Greg Gilpin (b. 1964)
A la nanita nana, nanita ella, nanita ella.
Mi Jesus tiene sueño bendito sea, bendito sea.
Fuentecilla, que corres clara y sonora. Ruiseñor en la selva cantando lloras; Callad mientras la cuna se balancea
A la nanita nana, nanita ella
Lullay, thou little tiny child, Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
Lullay, thou little tiny child, Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
Translation of A La Nanita Nana
Hush-a-bye little baby, little baby.
My Jesus is sleepy, blessed be
Little fountain, running clear and loud
Nightingale that in the forest sings and weeps
Hush, while the cradle rocks
Hush-a-bye little baby, little baby.
- Spanish lyrics by Juan Francisco Muñoz y Pabón, Coventry Carol is a 16th Century English Carol
The First Lesson (seated) Genesis 17:1-8
God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. And I will make my covenant between me and you and will make you exceedingly
numerous.” Then Abram fell on his face, and God said to him, “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land where you are now an alien, all the land of Canaan, for a perpetual holding, and I will be their God.”
Carol (seated, sung by the Saint Michael Choir)
Candlelight Carol John Rutter (b. 1945)
How do you capture the wind on the water?
How do you count all the stars in the sky?
How can you measure the love of a mother, Or how can you write down a baby’s first cry?
Candlelight, angel light, firelight and star-glow
Shine on his cradle ‘til breaking of dawn
Gloria, gloria in excelsis Deo! [Glory to God in the highest!]
Angels are singing; the Christ child is born.
Shepherds and wise men will kneel and adore him, Seraphim ‘round him, their vigil will keep; Nations proclaim him their Lord and their savior, But Mary will hold him and sing him to sleep.
Candlelight, angel light, firelight and star-glow
Shine on his cradle till breaking of dawn.
Gloria, gloria in excelsis Deo! [Glory to God in the highest!]
Angels are singing; the Christ child is born.
Find him at Bethlehem laid in a manger: Christ our redeemer asleep in the hay.
Godhead incarnate and hope of salvation: A child with his mother that first Christmas Day.
Candlelight, angel light, firelight and star-glow
Shine on his cradle ‘til breaking of dawn
Gloria, gloria in excelsis Deo! [Glory to God in the highest!]
Angels are singing; the Christ child is born.
- John Rutter (b. 1945)
Written in 1984, John Rutter’s “Candlelight Carol” has quickly become a beloved modern Christmas anthem. With gentle melody and flowing harmonies, the piece invites listeners into the quiet intimacy of the nativity scene, focusing on Mary’s tender love for the Christ Child. Rutter’s gift for lyricism and warmth shines through, creating an atmosphere of peace and reflection. This carol continues to touch hearts with its simple beauty and message of light in the darkness.
Mr. Kelvin Walker, CEO, Dallas Citizens Council
Sir David Willcocks’ arrangement of “Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day” invites the congregation to experience the joyful essence of Christ’s life through its lively rhythms and celebratory text. The vibrant interplay of voices creates an uplifting atmosphere, connecting listeners with the imagery of dance and love inherent in the carol. This engaging music offers a delightful journey through key moments of Christ’s life, leaving congregants filled with joy and hope.
The Second Lesson (seated)
The prophet foretells the coming of the Savior.
Dr. Stephanie Elizalde,
Superintendent, DISD
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined. ... For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Carol (seated, sung by the Saint Michael Choir)
Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day arr. David Willcocks (1919-2015)
Tomorrow shall be my dancing day: I would my true love did so chance
To see the legend of my play,
To call my true love to my dance:
Sing O my love; This have I done for my true love.
Then was I born of a Virgin pure, Of her I took fleshly substance; Thus was I knit to man’s nature,
To call my true love to my dance:
Sing O my love; This have I done for my true love.
In a manger laid and wrapp’d I was, So very poor, this was my chance, Betwixt an ox and a silly poor ass, To call my true love to my dance:
Sing O my love; This have I done for my true love.
- Anonymous, 15th Century
The Third Lesson (seated) Isaiah 11:1-9
The peace that Christ will bring is foreshown.
A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the LORD shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. His delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the
rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins. The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
Hymn (standing, sung by all)
“Silent night, holy night” Stille Nacht
Mr. Stephen Butt, President, Central Market/HEB
Composed at age 16, Benjamin Britten’s “A Hymn to the Virgin” reveals the early brilliance of one of the 20th century’s most important choral composers. Set to a 13thcentury English text, the piece alternates between Middle English and Latin, with a solo or semi-chorus responding in Latin to the main choir’s English lines. This antiphonal structure gives the work a timeless, prayerful quality. The hymn honors the Virgin Mary with reverence and quiet devotion, embodying both youthful sincerity and mature musical insight.
The Virgin Mary greets Elizabeth and Elizabeth’s child leaps for joy.
In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”
Carol (seated, sung by the Saint Michael Choir)
Hymn to the Virgin Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
Of one that is so fair and bright Velut maris stella, [like the star of the sea]
Brighter than the day is light, Parens et puella: [mother and maiden]
I cry to thee, thou see to me, Lady, pray thy Son for me, Tam pia, [so holy]
That I may come to thee.
Maria! [Maria!]
All this world was forlorn Eva peccatrice, [Eve the sinner]
Till our Lord was yborn De te genetrice. [From thee, the mother]
With ave it went away Darkest night, and comes the day Salutis; [Of salvation]
The well springeth out of thee. Virtutis. [Of virtue]
Lady, flower of everything, Rosa sine spina, [Rose without thorn]
Thou bare Jesu, Heaven’s King, Gratia divina: [By divine grace]
Of all thou bear’st the prize, Lady, queen of paradise
Electa: [Chosen one]
Maid mild, mother es Effecta [Thou art made]
Effecta. - Anon, c. 1300
The Fifth Lesson (seated) Luke 2:1, 3-7
Saint Luke tells of the birth of Jesus. In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. ... 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.
Offertory Carol (seated, sung by the Saint Michael Choristers)
Balulalow
Margaret Burk (b. 1990)
O My deare hert, young Jesu sweit, prepare the creddil in my spreit, and I shall rock thee to my hert, and never mair from thee depart. But I shall praise thee evermore, with sanges sweet unto thy gloir; the knees of my hert sall I bow, and sing that richt Balulalow.
- Traditional Scottish Lullaby
The Sixth Lesson (seated) Luke 2:8-16
The shepherds go to the manger.
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 Savior, 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 favors!” 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.
Mr. Andy Smith, President,
Texas Instruments Foundation
Margaret Burk's "Balulalow" is drawn from her larger work This Holy Hour, commissioned by Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, Oregon, in 2022. Conceived as a contemporary counterpart to Benjamin Britten's Ceremony of Carols, the work combines traditional carols with new perspectives. "Balulalow" sets the traditional Scottish lullaby for the Christ Child, a text also featured in Britten's work. Burk's setting brings fresh harmonic colors to the tender scene of Mary cradling the infant Jesus, inviting listeners into a moment of quiet intimacy.
Hon. Jeanne Johnson Phillips, Diplomat & Businesswoman
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Former US Texas Senator & Diplomat
Hymn (standing, sung by all)
“While shepherds watched their flocks” Winchester Old
The Seventh Lesson (standing) John 1:1-18
The Word was made flesh and we have seen his glory.
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 testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
Hymn (standing, sung by all)
“O come, all ye faithful” Adeste fideles
1. O1. O
3. Sing,3. Sing, 4. Yea,4. Yea, come,come, 2. God2. God allall ofof choirschoirs
LordLord yeye ofof wewe faithfaith God,God, anan greetgreet ful,ful, gels,gels, thee,thee,JoyJoy LightLight SingSing BornBorn fulful inin thisthis - andand ofof exex haphap tritri ulul pypyumum Light,Light, tata mornmorn- tion,tion, ing,ing, phant,phant,-OO
comecome Lo!Lo! Sing,Sing, JeJe ye,ye, hehe allall su,su,OO abab yeye toto comecome horshors cici theetheetitiyeye notnot zenszens bebetoto thethe ofof
BethBeth VirVir heav’nheav’n gloglo
lele gin’sgin’s aa ryry-hem;hem; bove;bove; giv’n;giv’n; womb;womb;-
ComeCome
VeVe
GloGlo WordWord andand ryry ryry ofofbebe toto thethe holdhold God,God, GodGod FaFa - himhim BeBe ther,ther, -
BornBorn gotgot inin NowNowthethe ten,ten, ininKingKing notnot thethe fleshflesh ofof crecre apap AnAn aa highhigh pearpeargels:gels: ted:ted: est:est: ing:ing:-OO
come,come,letletususaadoredore - him,him,OOcome,come,letletususaadoredore - him,him,OO
come,come,letletususaadoredore - him,him, ChristChrist thetheLord!Lord!
Hymn permission used by Rite Song, a one-time use reprint license for congregational use. Streamed with permission under ONE LICENSE # M - 402151.
Collect (standing)
Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Let us pray.
O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Blessing (standing)
May Christ, who by his incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, grant you the fullness of inward peace and goodwill, and make you partakers of the divine nature; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen.
Hymn (standing, sung by all)
“Hark! the herald angels sing”
Postlude
Polish Carol Alexandre Guilmant (1837-1911)
SAINT MICHAEL Choristers
Saint Michael Choristers is a fun, comprehensive music education program for children and youth in 3rd grade through high school. Choristers receive training in singing skills, music theory and music history. They sing both as a separate treble ensemble and are regularly integrated with the Saint Michael Choir (adults) so that they can fully take part in helping lead music during worship services.
The Treble Choristers comprise of girls grades 3 – 8th, and boys starting in 3rd grade up through their voice change. Treble Choristers rehearse on Wednesday afternoons from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. and generally sing twice a month at the 9 a.m. Sunday service and special services throughout the liturgical year.
The Senior Choristers is for high school girls and boys whose voices have changed. Senior Choristers rehearse on Wednesday evenings with the Saint Michael Choir from 7 – 9 p.m. with additional rehearsals on the first and second Sunday of each month from 11 a.m. – Noon. They rehearse and sing alongside the Saint Michael Choir at the 9 a.m. Sunday service and special services throughout the liturgical year.
Want to learn more about this program or have any questions?
Email Catherine Seveney, Coordinator for Music and Choristers, at cseveney@saintmichael.org.
MISSION & OUTREACH
Christmas
At Saint Michael, we have a cherished tradition of giving 100% of our undesignated Christmas offerings to outreach efforts—locally, nationally, and internationally. This year, the Mission and Outreach Committee has chosen to support ministries that promote Family Stability, Security, and Safety. Your generous gifts will be shared among the following organizations:
Thank you for giving generously during this Christmas season. SaintMichael.org/ChristmasGiving
Plate
Provides safety, support, and individualized solutions to end homelessness in Dallas. Offers aid to Texans impacted by the July 4th flooding.
OurCalling Episcopal Diocese of West Texas Disaster Relief Fund Amistad for Families
Amistad: Strengthens families to prevent child abandonment in Bolivia