Christmas Lessons & Carols 2020

A Christmas Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols

20 December 2020

4:00 pm

Opening Voluntary

Prelude on “The Holly and the Ivy”

Herbert Sumsion (1899-1995)

Stanzas 1 and 2 are sung by the choir alone, then all sing.

The Processional: Hymn 102, “Once in royal David’s City”

music: Irby, H.J. Gauntlett (English, 1805-1876), harm. A.H. Mann (English, 1850-1929) descants by Sir David Willcocks (English, 1919-2015) and Daniel Fortune (American, b. 1966) words: 1-2 & 4-6, Cecil Frances Alexander (Irish, 1818-1895), alt.; 3, James Waring McCrady (American, b. 1938)

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. 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, the scorned, the lowly, lived on earth our Savior holy. We, like Mary, rest confounded that a stable should display heaven’s Word, the world’s creator, cradled there on Christmas Day, yet this child, our Lord and brother, brought us love for one another. For he is our life-long pattern; daily, when on earth he grew, he was tempted, scorned, rejected, tears and smiles like us he knew. Thus he feels for all our sadness, and he shares in all our gladness. And our eyes at last shall see him, through his own redeeming love, for that child who seemed so helpless is our Lord in heaven above; and he leads his children on to the place where he is gone. Not in that poor lowly stable, with the oxen standing round, we shall see him; but in heaven, where his saints his throne surround: Christ, revealed to faithful eye, set at God’s right hand on high.

Bidding Prayer

Beloved in Christ, in this Christmastide, let it be our care and delight 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 place 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 the mission and unity of the Church for which he died, and especially in this country and within this city.

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 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 distanced themselves from 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 has taught us:

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, 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 to the fellowship of the citizens above, may the King of Angels bring us all.

Amen.

First Lesson: Genesis 3:1-15

Adam and Eve rebel against God and are cast out of the Garden of Eden.

Read by John Beane, President, Friends of Cathedral Music at the Cathedral of St. Philip.

Carol

music: Frank Boles (American, b. 1955), Adam lay ybounden words: Anonymous, 15th century. From the Cathedral Choir’s CD Tidings of Comfort & Joy, used by permission of Gothic Records (G-49323)

Adam lay ybounden, Bounden in a bond: Four thousand winter Thought he not too long. Deo gracias! [Thanks be to God!] And all was for an apple, An apple that he took, As clerkes finden Written in their book. Deo gracias! [Thanks be to God!] Ne had the apple taken been, The apple taken been, Ne had never our lady A-been heavnè queen. Blessed be the time That apple taken was. Therefore we moun singen Deo gracias! [Thanks be to God!]

Second Lesson: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7

Christ’s birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah.

Read by Nancy Qarmout, Executive Director, Cathedral Farmers Market.

Carol

music & words : I wonder as I wander, John Jacob Niles (1892-1980), based on an Appalachian folk carol arr. Andrew Carter (b.1939). From the Cathedral Choir’s CD Tidings of Comfort & Joy, used by permission of Gothic Records (G-49323)

I wonder as I wander, out under the sky, How Jesus the Saviour did come for to die For poor ornery people like you and like I. I wonder as I wander, out under the sky. When Mary birthed Jesus all in a cow’s stall, Came wise men and farmers and shepherds and all. But high from God’s heaven a star’s light did fall, And the promise of ages it then did recall. If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing, A star in the sky, or a bird on the wing, Or all of God’s creatures in heaven for to sing, He surely could have it, for he was the King. I wonder as I wander, out under the sky, How Jesus the Saviour did come for to die For poor ornery people like you and like I. I wonder as I wander, out under the sky.

Third Lesson: Isaiah 35:1-6

The prophet proclaims that God will come and save us.

Read by Melana Dickson, Program Coordinator for Membership & Stewardship.

Carol

music: There is no Rose of such virtue, Howard Helvey (American, b.1968) words: Luke 1:24, 42; traditional 15th-century Latin prayer. From the Cathedral Choir’s CD Tidings of Comfort & Joy, used by permission of Gothic Records (G-49323)

There is no rose of such virtue As is the rose that bare Jesu; There is no rose of such virtue As is the rose that bare Jesu; Alleluia. For in this rose containéd was Heaven and earth in little space; Res miranda [wonderful thing]. There is no rose of such virtue As is the rose that bare Jesu; By that rose we may well see That he is God in persons three; Pari forma [equal in form]. The angels sungen the shepherds to: Gloria in excelsis Deo [glory to God in the highest]: Gaudeamus [let us rejoice]. There is no rose of such virtue As is the rose that bare Jesu; Leave we all this worldly mirth, And follow we this joyful birth; Transeamus [let us proceed]. There is no rose of such virtue As is the rose that bare Jesu; Alleluia.

Fourth Lesson: Mark 1:2-8

St. John the Forerunner prepares the way of the Lord.

Read by Alfredo Baños, Lector.

Carol

music: Comfort, comfort ye my people, Charles Beaudrot (American, b.1951) words: Johann G. Olearius (1611-1684), tr. Catherine Winkworth (1827-1878). From the Cathedral Choir’s CD Tidings of Comfort & Joy, used by permission of Gothic Records (G-49323)

Comfort, comfort ye my people, Speak ye peace, thus saith our God; Comfort those who sit in darkness Mourning ’neath their sorrows’ load. Speak ye to Jerusalem Of the peace that waits for them; Tell her that her sins I cover, And her warfare now is over. Hark, the voice of one that crieth In the desert far and near, Calling us to new repentance Since the kingdom now is here. Oh, that warning cry obey! Now prepare for God a way; Let the valleys rise to meet him And the hills bow down to greet him. Make ye straight what long was crooked, Make the rougher places plain; Let your hearts be true and humble, As befits his holy reign. For the glory of the Lord Now o’er earth is shed abroad; And all flesh shall see the token That the word is never broken.

Fifth Lesson: Luke 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel greets the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Read by Sara Chapman, Christmas Pageant Director.

Carol

music: Gabriel’s Message, arr. Craig Phillips (American, b.1961), Basque carol based on c.13th century Latin hymn “Angelus ad virginem” words: Basque carol, paraphrase by Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924). From the Cathedral Choir’s CD Tidings of Comfort & Joy, used by permission of Gothic Records (G-49323)

The angel Gabriel from heaven came, His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame; “All hail,” said he, “thou lowly maiden Mary, Most highly favored lady,” Gloria! “For know a blessed Mother thou shalt be, All generations laud and honor thee, Thy Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold, Most highly favored lady,” Gloria! Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head, “To me be as it pleaseth God,” she said, “My soul shall laud and magnify his holy Name.” Most highly favored lady, Gloria! Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn, And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say “Most highly favored lady,” Gloria!

Hymn 92, “On this day earth shall ring”

music: Personent hodie, melody from Piae Cantiones (1582), harm. Gustav Holst (English, 1874-1934) words: from Piae Cantiones (1582), transl. Jane M. Joseph (English, 1894-1929)

On this day earth shall ring with the song children sing to the Lord, Christ our King, born on earth to save us; him the Father gave us. Ideo, gloria in excelsis Deo! [Therefore, glory to God in the highest!] His the doom, ours the mirth; when he came down to earth Bethlehem saw his birth; ox and ass beside him from the cold would hide him. Ideo, gloria in excelsis Deo! [Therefore, glory to God in the highest!] God’s bright star, o’er his head, Wise Men three to him led, kneel they low by his bed, lay their gifts before him, praise him and adore him. Ideo, gloria in excelsis Deo! [Therefore, glory to God in the highest!] On this day angels sing; with their song earth shall ring, praising Christ, heaven’s King, born on earth to save us; peace and love he gave us. Ideo, gloria in excelsis Deo! [Therefore, glory to God in the highest!]

Sixth Lesson: Matthew 1:18-23

An angel appears to Joseph.

Read by Anne Matthews, Chair, 50th Annual Cathedral Antiques Show.

Carol

music: Sing lullaby, Herbert Howells (English, 1892-1983) words: Frederick William Harvey (English, 1888-1957). From the Cathedral Choir’s CD Tidings of Comfort & Joy, used by permission of Gothic Records (G-49323)

Sing lullaby while snow doth gently fall, Sing lullaby to Jesus born in an oxen stall. Sing lullaby to Jesus born now in Bethlehem. The naked blackthorn’s growing to weave his diadem. Sing lullaby to Jesus. Sing lullaby while thickly snow doth fall. Sing lullaby to Jesus, the Saviour of all. Sing lullaby.

Seventh Lesson: Luke 2:8-16

The heavenly host bring tidings of great joy to the shepherds.

Read by Mary Mercer, Altar Guild Chair.

Hymn 105, “God rest you merry, gentlemen”

music: God rest you merry, melody from the Little Book of Christmas Carols (1850), st. 4 descant by Sir David Willcocks (English, 1919-2015) words: 18th-century English carol

The Eighth Lesson: Matthew 2:1-11

The wise men are led by a star to Jesus.

Read by Dale Adelmann, Canon for Music.

Carol

music: What child is this, Greensleeves, 16th c. English melody, arr. Paul Halley (b.1952) words: William Chatterton Dix (English, 1837-1898) & Luke 1:28. From the Cathedral Choir’s CD Tidings of Comfort & Joy, used by permission of Gothic Records (G-49323)

Ave Maria. [Hail Mary.] What child is this, who laid to rest, On Mary’s lap is sleeping, Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring him laud, The babe, the son of Mary. Why lies he in such mean estate Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear: for sinners here The silent Word is pleading. This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring him laud, The babe, the son of Mary. So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh, Come, peasant, king, to own him; The King of kings salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone him. This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring him laud, The babe, the son of Mary. Maria.

The Ninth Lesson: John 1:1-14

St. John unfolds the mystery of the Incarnation.

Read by The Rev. Julia Mitchener, Priest Associate.

Hymn 82, “Of the Father’s love begotten”

1-2 choir alone, 3–4 sung by all music: Divinum mysterium (11th century Sanctus trope) adapt. Piae Cantiones (Sweden, 1582), arr. Dale Adelmann words: Marcus Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (Roman, 348-c.410); transl. John Mason Neale (1818-1866) & William Henry Baker (1821-1877)

The Greeting

At the time of the Offertory, you may offer whatever you have to God. Each of us has something to offer, and every one of those offerings is accepted by God. God blesses all those offerings, wherever they are today.

The Anthem at the Offering

music: O magnum mysterium, Morten Lauridsen (American, b.1943) words: Ancient Latin. From the Cathedral Choir’s CD Tidings of Comfort & Joy, used by permission of Gothic Records (G-49323)

O magnum mysterium et admirabile sacramentum, O magnum mysterium ut animalia viderent Dominum natum jacentem in praesepio. Beata Virgo, cuius viscera meruerunt Beata Virgo, portare Dominum Jesum Christum. Alleluia! O magnum mysterium et admirabile sacramentum, ut animalia viderent Dominum natum acentem in praesepio. Alleluia. O great mystery and wondrous sacrament, O great mystery that animals should see the newborn Lord lying in the manger! Blessed is the Virgin whose womb was worthy Blessed Virgin, to bear the Lord Jesus Christ. Alleluia! O great mystery and wondrous sacrament, that animals should see the newborn Lord lying in the manger! Alleluia.

The Blessing

May Almighty God, who sent his Son to take our nature upon him, bless you in this holy season, scatter the darkness of sin, and brighten your heart with the light of his holiness. Amen.

May God, who sent his angels to proclaim the glad news of the Savior’s birth, fill you with joy, and make you heralds of the Gospel. Amen.

May God, who in the Word made flesh joined heaven to earth and earth to heaven, give you his peace and favor. Amen.

And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.

Hymn 87, “Hark! the herald angels sing”

music: Mendelssohn, Felix Mendelssohn (German, 1809-1847), adapt. Wm. H. Cummings (English, 1831-1915), arr. Craig Phillips (American, b.1961) words: Charles Wesley (English, 1707-1788), alt. From the Cathedral Choir’s CD Tidings of Comfort & Joy, used by permission of Gothic Records (G-49323)

Voluntary

Fantasia on In dulci jubilo, BWV 729

Johann Sebastian Bach (German, 1685-1750)

All music is reprinted by permission under ONE LICENSE (license number A-717455). Music from The Hymnal 1982 © Church Publishing, Inc., unless noted otherwise below: Hymn 92 words © G. Schirmer, Inc. Hymn 102 words stanza 3 © 1982 James Warring McCrady; music © 1957 Novello & Co. Ltd. Hymn 105 words by permission of Fleming H. Revell Co.

Our thanks to Gothic Records for permission to use music from The Cathedral Choir & Schola’s CD Tidings of Comfort & Joy: Christmas at the Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta during this virtual worship service.

The Reverend Julia B. Mitchener, Officiant

Musicians The Cathedral Choir & Schola Patrick Scott & Jack Mitchener, organists Caroline Robinson, organist (opening voluntary) Dale Adelmann, conductor

Members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra heard on the CD Tidings of Comfort & Joy: Christmas at the Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta Christina Smith, flute Stuart Stephenson, trumpet Anderson Romero, trumpet Susan Welty, French horn Jason Robins, trombone Brian Hecht, trombone with Jeff Kershner, timpani Carlisle Dent, tambourine

All of the singing during this service was recorded prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The organ voluntaries have been newly recorded for this service.