THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD, that is the ‘shining forth” of God in the person of Jesus Christ brings the celebration of Christmas to a climax and fulfillment. Join us Wednesday, January 6th, at 7:00 p.m. on “ zoom” for a special evening service from St. Mary’s that will include a “Blessing of the Waters” in anticipation of the Baptism of the Lord next Sunday. Please print off the attached order of service.
Join us “live” from St. Mary’s on Christmas Eve at 7:00 p.m. for Christmas Eve Vigil and Service of Lesson and Carol with the Blessing of the Creche. Our goal on this Holy Night of the celebration of our Savior’s Birth is to hold a “virtual gathering” and to “liturgize” together, that is to en-act the Word of God in Scripture, song, and prayer. The service will be conducted from the sanctuary at St. Mary’s, and will include readings by parishioners from their homes, musical accompaniment on the organ for the singing of the carols at home. Please join us at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81587105842?pwd=clUvb1lVYjNiblZKemZvcGZ0bngwUT09.
Passcode, if needed, is 801954.
Please be on time, and ready yourself by hitting the “mute” button on your computer, turning off the lights in your home, and ready to light candles!
NOTES ON TONIGHT’S SERVICE
Our service this evening consists of three elements. The first element is “The Service of Light” from the Church’s daily liturgy of Evening Prayer. The opening greeting, “Light and Peace in Jesus Christ” with which we light our tapers recalls the first words spoken by God in the creation account from the Book of Genesis, “Let there be light.” St. John, picks up on this theme in the prologue to His Gospel, when he writes, concerning the Word and Son of God who is Jesus Christ, “ The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not over come it ” and “The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. “ (John 1. 5,9) . The light that we pass from candle to candle tonight symbolizes for us the inner spiritual illumination we receive through the Gospel. Once all the candles are lit we join together in singing the “Phos Hilaron,” a hymn of praise to Christ who is our Light, and the oldest recorded Christian hymn outside the New Testament.
The second element of our service consists of the Advent hymn, “O come, O Come Emmanuel.” The text of this hymn dates back to the 9th century, and comprises a series of titles of Jesus Christ taken from Old Testament Scriptures, and expresses the deep yearning, hope, and expectation for God’s promised Messiah. Our singing of this hymn tonight establishes Christmas as a celebration of God’s faithfulness in the fulfillment of the promises to His people, Israel. The hymn will be sung in procession to a medieval plainchant tune, and will make station at various strategic places in the church: the lectern, the pulpit, the north doors, the font, the chancel, and the altar, thereby “illuminating” for us the character of our encounter with Jesus Christ mediated by each of these places.
In this way we will have prepared ourselves for our service of Lessons and Carols where we will “travel in spirit with Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem to acclaim with the multitude of the heavenly host the coming of the Prince of Peace.” The lessons for tonight will comprise of a prophecy from Isaiah, the Christmas story from St. Luke, the story of the arrival of the wise-men from St. Matthew , and the prologue to St. John’s Gospel, which takes us back to where we began our service: “In Him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”. (John 1.4,5)
With this service we enter into the Church’s 12 day celebration of Christmas. And, as we follow the example of Mary, who “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” ( Luke 2.19), may “the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15.13) .
THE SERVICE OF LIGHT
Light and peace in Jesus Christ our Lord. Thanks be to God.
Candles are lit.
Phos Hilaron
Hail, gladdening Light, of his pure glory poured Who is the immortal Father, heavenly, blest, Holiest of holies, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Now we are come to the sun’s hour of rest, The lights of evening round us shine, We hymn the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Divine.
Worthiest art thou at all times to be sung with undefilèd tongue, Son of our God, giver of life, alone: therefore in all the world thy glories, Lord, they own.
Thanksgiving
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
God, ruler of the universe, creator of light and darkness. In this holy season, when the sun’s light is swallowed up by the growing darkness of the night, you renew your promise to reveal among us the splendour of your glory, enfleshed and visible to us in Jesus Christ your Son. Through the prophets you teach us to hope for his reign of peace. Through the outpouring of his Spirit, you open our blindness to the glory of his presence. Strengthen us in our weakness. Support us in our stumbling efforts to do your will and free our tongues to sing your praise. For to you all honour and blessing are due, now and for ever. Amen.
O Lord, I call to you; come to me quickly; Hear my voice when I cry to you.
Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense, The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
HYMN IN PROCESSION: O COME, O COME EMMANUEL
Congregation: O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.
Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Antiphon: O Wisdom (lectern)
O wisdom, which camest out of the mouth of the Most High, and reachest from one end to another, mightily, and sweetly ordering all things:
Come and teach us the way of prudence.
O come, thou Wisdom from on high, who orders all things mightily; to us the path of knowledge show, and teach us in her ways to go. Refrain
Antiphon: O Adonai (pulpit)
O Adonai, and leader of the house of Israel, who appearst in the bush to Moses in a flame of fire, and gavest him the law in Sinai, Come and deliver us with an outstretched arm.
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. Refrain
Antiphon: O Key of David (north doors)
O Key of David and sceptre of the house of Israel, that openest and none can shut, and shuttest and no man openeth: Come and bring the prisoner out of the prison house, and him that sitteth in darkness.
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. Refrain
Antiphon: O Morning Star (font)
O Day Spring, Brightness of Light everlasting, and sun of righteousness; Come and enlighten him that sitteth in darkness, and the shadow of death.
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. Refrain
Antiphon: O King of the Nations (chancel steps)
O King of the nations and their Desire; the Cornerstone, who makest both one: Come and save mankind, whom thou formedst of clay
O come, Desire of nations, bind in one the hearts of all mankind; bid thou our sad divisions cease, and be thyself our King of Peace. Refrain
Antiphon: O Emmanuel (altar)
O Emmanuel our King and law-giver, the desire of all nations and their Salvation: Come and save us,O Lord our God.
O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Refrain
GRACE AND PEACE TO YOU from God our Father and from Jesus Christ our Lord. My brothers and sisters: We have come together as Christmas draws near to prepare for our celebration of the birth of God’s beloved Son. Through the days of Advent we have followed the light of Christ, and now we travel in spirit with Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem to acclaim with the multitude of the heavenly host the coming of the Prince of Peace. Through Scripture and silence, prayer and song, let us hear again the wonderful story of our redemption, and, hearing, let us rejoice and respond with lively faith.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, you make us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of your Son Jesus Christ: grant that, as we joyfully receive him as our redeemer, we may with sure confidence behold him when he shall come to be our judge; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
OPENING HYMN: Once in Royal David’s City
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 and mean and lowly, Lived on earth our Saviour Holy.
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.
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, When, like stars, His children crowned All in white, shall wait around.
THE WORD OF GOD
FIRST LESSON: Isaiah 9.2-7 (Reader: Emilia S.)
The Prophecy of the Messiah’s Birth
MUSICAL OFFERING: Variations on “In Dulci Jubilo” by Denis Bédard
COLLECT.
Holy Jesus, to deliver us from the power of darkness you humbled yourself to be born among us and were laid in a manger. Let the light of your love always shine in our hearts, and bring us at last to the joyful vision of your beauty, for you are now alive and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
SECOND LESSON: Luke 1.26-38 (Reader: Amelie L)
The Annunciation to Mary
MUSICAL OFFERING: Angelus ad Virginem 14th century Irish Carol
COLLECT.
Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord, that we who have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross and passion be brought to the glory of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy spirit, one God , now and for ever. Amen.
THIRD LESSON: Luke 2.1-7 (Reader: Lucy D)
The Birth of Jesus
MUSICAL OFFERING: O Christmas Tree – Lucy D
HYMN: O Little Town of Bethlehem
O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by; Yet in the dark street shineth The everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary, And fathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love. O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth And praises sing to God, the King, And peace to men on earth.
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.
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: Oh, come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Immanuel!
THE BLESSING OF THE CRIB
A hallowed day has dawned upon us. Come and worship the Lord: for a great light has shone on the earth.
Hear the words of the book of Wisdom: When peaceful silence lay over all and night was in the midst of her swift course, from your royal throne, O God, down from the heavens, leapt your almighty Word.
Thanks be to God.
CAROL AT THE CRIB: Away in a Manger – Music: The Der family.
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 cradle till 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.
Let us pray that God our Father will bless this crib, and that all who worship his Son, born of the Virgin Mary, may come to share His life in glory.
God our Father, on this night your Son Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary for us and for our salvation; bless this crib, which we have prepared to celebrate that holy birth; may all who see it be strengthened in faith and receive the fullness of life he came to bring; who lives and reigns for ever. Amen.
HYMN: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly – Music: The Der family.
Infant holy, Infant lowly, For His bed a cattle stall. Oxen lowing little knowing Christ the Babe is Lord of All. Swift are winging angels singing, Nowells ringing, tidings bringing: Christ the Babe is Lord of all! Christ the Babe is Lord of all!
Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping Vigil till the morning new Saw the glory, heard the story Tidings of a gospel true Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow Praises voicing greet tomorrow: Christ the Babe is born for you! Christ the Babe is born for you!
FOURTH LESSON: Luke 2.8-16 – Reader: Anya M
The Shepherds Go To The Manger
HYMN: Silent Night
Silent 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 Al-le-lu-ia! Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born!
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.
COLLECT
Eternal God, this holy night is radiant with the brilliance of your one true light. As we have known the revelation of that light on earth, bring us to see the splendour of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
FIFTH LESSON: Matthew 2. 1-11 – Reader: David K
The Wise Men are led by a Star to Jesus
As with gladness, men of old Did the guiding star behold; As with joy they hailed its light, Leading onward, beaming bright; So, most gracious Lord, may we Evermore be led to Thee.
As with joyful steps they sped To that lowly manger-bed; There to bend the knee before Him Whom heaven and earth adore; So may we with willing feet Ever seek thy mercy-seat.
As they offered gifts most rare At that mangerrude and bare; So may we, with holy joy, Pure and free from sin’s alloy, All our costliest treasures bring, Christ! to Thee our heavenly King.
Holy Jesus, every day Keep us in the narrow way; And, when earthly things are past, Bring our ransomed souls at last Where they need no star to guide, Where no clouds Thy Glory hide.
COLLECT.
Eternal God, who by a star led wisemen to the worship of your Son, guide by your light the nations of the earth, that the whole world may know your glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Sixth Reading: John 1.1-18 – Reader: Canon Claude Schroeder
St. John tells of the Incarnation
CAROL: OF the Father’s Love Begotten
Of 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.
O that birth forever blessed, when a virgin, full of grace, by the Holy Ghost conceiving, bore the Savior of our race; and the babe, the world’s Redeemer, first revealed his sacred face, evermore and evermore.
This is he whom seers in old time chanted of with one accord, whom the voices 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; angel hosts, his praises sing: All 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.
Christ, to thee, with God the Father and O Holy Ghost to thee, hymn and chant and high thanksgiving and unwearied praises be, honour, glory, and dominion and eternal victory evermore and evermore.
THE PRAYERS
Let us pray to Jesus our Saviour. Christ, born in a stable, give courage to all who are homeless.
Jesus, Saviour, hear our prayer.
Christ, for whom the angels sang, give the song of the kingdom to all who weep.
Jesus, Saviour, hear our prayer.
Christ, worshipped by the shepherds, give peace on earth to all who are oppressed.
Jesus, Saviour,hear our prayer.
Christ, before whom the wise men knelt, give humility and wisdom to all who govern.
Jesus, Saviour, hear our prayer.
Christ, whose radiance filled a lowly manger, give the glory of your resurrection to all who rest in you.
Jesus, Saviour, hear our prayer.
Jesus, Saviour, child of Mary, you know us and love us, you share our livesand hear our prayer. Glory to you for ever. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER.
THE 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 Godbearer, 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 upon you and remain with you always. Amen! Amen! Amen!
CAROL: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
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 th’ angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the new born King!”
Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord; late in time behold him come, offspring of a virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail th’ incarnate Deity, pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.
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 we no more may die, born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth.
This week’s service has been pre-recorded. To participate aurally, press PLAY as you encounter each of the embedded audio players, and follow along with the text until you encounter the next hymn or pre-recorded audio portion. Then press PLAY again for that portion.
Audio Part 1 of 5
Sentences of Scripture.
Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. St. Matthew 3. 2.
Opening Hymn: Hark a Herald Voice is Sounding
Choral Accompaniment
Hark! A herald voice is calling: ‘Christ is nigh’ it seems to say; ‘cast away the dreams of darkness, O ye children of the day!’
Startled at the solemn warning, let the earth-bound soul arise; Christ, her sun, all sloth dispelling, shines upon the morning skies.
Lo! The Lamb, so long expected, comes with pardon down from heaven; let us haste, with tears of sorrow, one and all to be forgiven.
So when next he comes with glory, wrapping all the earth in fear, may he then as our defender on the clouds of heaven appear.
Honour, glory, virtue, merit, to the Father and the Son, with the co-eternal Spirit, while unending ages run.
Audio part 2 of 5
The Minister,
DEARLY beloved brethren, the Scripture moveth us in sundry places to acknowledge and confess our manifold sins and wickedness; and that we should not dissemble nor cloke them before the face of Almighty God our heavenly Father; but confess them with an humble, lowly, penitent, and obedient heart; to the end that we may obtain forgiveness of the same, by his infinite goodness and mercy. And although we ought at all times humbly to acknowledge our sins before God; yet ought we most chiefly so to do, when we assemble and meet together to render thanks for the great benefits that we have received at his hands, to set forth his most worthy praise, to hear his most holy Word, and to ask those things which are requisite and necessary, as well for the body as the soul. Wherefore I pray and beseech you, as many as are here present, to accompany me with a pure heart and humble voice unto the throne of the heavenly grace.
ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, We have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep, We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts, We have offended against thy holy laws, We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, And we have done those things which we ought not to have done; And there is no health in us. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou them, O God, which confess their faults. Restore thou them that are penitent; According to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesu our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, To the glory of thy holy Name. Amen.
ALMIGHTY Father, who of thy great love to men didst give thy dearly beloved Son to die for us; Grant that through his Cross our sins may be put away, and remembered no more against us, and that, cleansed by his Blood, and mindful of his sufferings, we may take up our cross daily, and follow him in newness of life, until we come to his everlasting kingdom; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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 them that 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.
O Lord, open thou our lips; And our mouth shall show forth thy praise.
O God, make speed to save us; O Lord, make haste to help us.
GLORY be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Praise ye the Lord; The Lord’s Name be praised.
Worship in Song: Creator of the Starry Height.
Choral Accompaniment
Creator of the starry height, Thy people’s everlasting light, O Christ, Redeemer of us all, We pray you hear us when we call.
Come, oh, come…to us.
When this old world drew on toward night You came, but not in splendour bright Not as monarch, but the Child Of Mary blameless mother mild.
Come, oh, come…to us.
Audio Part 3 of 5
THE FIRST LESSON: Isaiah 40:1-11
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, Make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” A voice says, “Cry!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people is grass. The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand for ever. Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!” Behold, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms, he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 85.1-2, 8-13
LORD, thou art become gracious unto thy land: / thou hast restored the fortunes of Jacob.
Thou hast forgiven the offence of thy people, / and covered all their sin.
I WILL hearken what the LORD God will say: / for he shall speak peace unto his people and to his saints, / and unto them that turn their heart to him.
Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him, / that glory may dwell in our land.
Mercy and truth are met together: / right- eousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth springeth out of the earth; / and righteousness hath looked down from heaven.
Yea, the LORD shall give what is good; / and our land shall yield her increase.
Righteousness shall go before him, / and shall direct his going in the way.
SECOND LESSON: 2 Peter 3:8-15
But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise as some count slowness, but is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be kindled and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire! But according to his promise we wait for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you wait for these, be zealous to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the forbearance of our Lord as salvation. So also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given him,
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Hymn: There’s a Voice in the Wilderness Crying
Choral Accompaniment
There’s a voice in the wilderness crying, a call from the ways untrod: prepare in the desert a highway, a highway for our God! The valleys shall be exalted, the lofty hills brought low; make straight all the crooked places, where the God, our God, may go!
O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up to the heights and sing! Proclaim to a desolate people the coming of their King. Like the flowers of the field they perish, like grass our works decay, the power and pomp of nations shall pass like a dream away.
But the word of our God endureth, the arm of the Lord is strong; He stands in the midst of nations, and He will right the wrong. He shall feed His flock like a shepherd, the lambs He will gently hold; to pastures of peace will lead them, and bring them safe to His fold.
Audio Part 4 of 5
THE HOLY GOSPEL: Mark 1:1-8
R. / Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’ John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
R./ Praise be to thee, O Christ.
BENEDICTUS. ST LUKE 1:68
BLESSED be the Lord God of Israel; / for he hath visited and redeemed his people; And hath raised up a mighty salvation for us, / in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy Prophets, / which have been since the world began; That we should be saved from our enemies, / and from the hands of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our forefathers, / and to remember his holy covenant; To perform the oath which he sware to our forefather Abraham, / that he would grant us That we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies / might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, / all the days of our life. AND thou, child, shalt be called the Prophet of the Highest: / for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people / for the remission of their sins; Through the tender mercy of our God; / whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited us; To give light to them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death, / and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
GLORY be to the Father, and to the Son, / and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, / world without end. Amen.
Then shall be said or sung the Confession of the Faith, called the Apostles’ Creed.
I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried: He descended into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; The holy Catholic Church; The Communion of Saints; The Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body, And the Life everlasting. Amen.
Come, thou long expected Jesus Born to set thy people free From our fears and sins release us Let us find our rest in thee
Israel’s strength and consolation Hope of all the earth thou art Dear desire of every nation Joy of every longing heart
Born thy people to deliver Born a child and yet a king Born to reign in us forever Now thy gracious kingdom bring
By thine own eternal spirit Rule in all our hearts alone By thine own sufficient merit Raise us to thy glorious throne
Audio 5 of 5
The Great Litany
O GOD the Father, Creator of heaven and earth : have mercy upon us. O God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth : have mercy upon us.
O God the Son, Redeemer of the world : have mercy upon us. O God the Son, Redeemer of the world : have mercy upon us
O God the Holy Ghost, Sanctifier of the faithful: have mercy upon us. O God the Holy Ghost, Sanctifier of the faithful: have mercy upon us.
O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, three Persons and one God : have mercy upon us. O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, three Persons and one God: have mercy upon us.
REMEMBER not, Lord, our offences, nor the offences of our forefathers; spare us, good Lord, spare thy people, whom thou hast redeemed with thy most precious blood. Spare us, good Lord.
FROM all evil and mischief; from sin, from the crafts and assaults of the devil; from thy wrath, and from everlasting condemnation, Good Lord, deliver us.
From all blindness of heart; from pride, vainglory, and hypocrisy; from envy, hatred, and malice, and all uncharitableness, Good Lord, deliver us.
From all uncleanness in thought, word, and deed; and from all the deceits of the world, the flesh, and the devil, Good Lord, deliver us.
From lightning and tempest; from earthquake, fire, and flood; from plague, pestilence, and famine; from battle and murder, and from sudden death, Good Lord, deliver us.
From all sedition, conspiracy, and rebellion; from all false doctrine, heresy, and schism; from hardness of heart, and contempt of thy Word and Commandment, Good Lord, deliver us.
By the mystery of thy holy Incarnation; by thy holy Nativity; by thy Baptism, Fasting, and Temptation, Good Lord, deliver us.
By thine Agony and bloody Sweat; by thy Cross and Passion; by thy precious Death and Burial, Good Lord, deliver us.
By thy glorious Resurrection and Ascension; by thy sending of the Holy Spirit; by thy heavenly Intercession; and by thy Coming again in glory, Good Lord, deliver us.
In all times of tribulation; in all times of prosperity; in the hour of death, and in the day of judgement, Good Lord, deliver us.
WE sinners do beseech thee to hear us, O Lord God: and that it may please thee to rule and govern thy holy Church universal in the right way. We beseech thee, good Lord.
To keep and strengthen in the true worshipping of thee, in holiness of life, and in devotion to her people, thy servant ELIZABETH, our most gracious Queen and Governor, We beseech thee, good Lord.
To be her defender and keeper, giving her the victory over all her enemies, We beseech thee, good Lord.
To bless and preserve all the Royal Family, We beseech thee, good Lord.
To give to all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, true knowledge and understanding of thy Word; and that both by their preaching and living they may set it forth and show it accordingly, We beseech thee, good Lord.
To send forth labourers into thy harvest; to prosper their work by thy Holy Spirit; to make thy saving health known unto all nations; and to hasten thy kingdom, We beseech thee, good Lord.
To bless the people of our Country and the Commonwealth, and to endue those set in authority with grace, wisdom, and understanding, We beseech thee, good Lord.
To bless and guide the Judges and Magistrates, giving them grace to execute justice, and to maintain truth, We beseech thee, good Lord.
To bless and keep the Queen’s forces by sea, and land, and air, and to shield them in all dangers and adversities, We beseech thee, good Lord.
To give to all nations unity, peace, and concord, that they may serve thee without fear, We beseech thee, good Lord.
To bless and protect all who serve mankind by their labour and learning, We beseech thee, good Lord.
To preserve all that travel, all women labouring of child, all sick persons and young children; and to show thy pity upon all prisoners and captives, We beseech thee, good Lord.
To defend, and provide for, all widows and orphans, and all who are desolate and oppressed, We beseech thee, good Lord.
To bless and keep all thy people, We beseech thee, good Lord.
To give to all thy people increase of grace, to hear meekly thy Word, and to receive it with pure affection, and to bring forth the fruit of the Spirit, We beseech thee, good Lord.
To bring into the way of truth all who have erred and are deceived, We beseech thee, good Lord.
To strengthen such as do stand; to encourage the faint-hearted; to raise up those who fall; and finally to beat down Satan under our feet, We beseech thee, good Lord.
To succour, help, and comfort all that are in danger, necessity, and tribulation, We beseech thee, good Lord.
To have mercy upon all men, We beseech thee, good Lord.
To give and preserve to our use the kindly fruits of the earth, so that in due time we may enjoy them, We beseech thee, good Lord.
To forgive our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers, and to turn their hearts, We beseech thee, good Lord.
To give us true repentance; to forgive us all our sins, negligences, and ignorances; and to endue us with the grace of thy Holy Spirit, to amend our lives according to thy holy Word, We beseech thee, good Lord.
SON of God, we beseech thee to hear us. Son of God, we beseech thee to hear us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world; Have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world; Grant us thy peace.
O Christ, hear us. O Christ, hear us.
Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon 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 them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.
Then shall follow the Collect of the day.
BLESSED Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
ALMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious Majesty, to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, now and ever. Amen.
A SUPPLICATION
Which may be used before the Prayer of Saint Chrysostom in the Litany, or at other Services, especially in the Penitential Seasons and in times of trouble.
Minister and People.O Lord, arise, help us, and deliver us for thy Name’s sake.
Minister. O God, we have heard with our ears, and our fathers have declared unto us, the noble works that thou didst in their days, and in the old time before them.
Minister and People.O Lord, arise, help us, and deliver us for thine honour.
Minister. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; People.As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Minister and People.O Lord, arise, help us, and deliver us for thy Name’s sake.
From our enemies defend us, O Christ; Graciously look upon our afflictions.
Pitifully behold the sorrows of our hearts; Mercifully forgive the sins of thy people.
Favourably with mercy hear our prayers; O Son of David, have mercy upon us.
Both now and ever vouchsafe to hear us, O Christ; Graciously hear us, O Christ; graciously hear us, O Lord Christ.
Then shall be said one or both of these prayers, with the versicles preceding:
Minister. O Lord, let thy mercy be shown upon us;
People. As we do put our trust in thee.
WE humbly beseech thee, O Father, mercifully to look upon our infirmities; and, for the glory of thy Name, turn from us all those evils that we most justly have deserved; and grant that in all our troubles we may put our whole trust and confidence in thy mercy, and evermore serve thee in holiness and pureness of living, to thy honour and glory; through our only Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Minister. O Lord, deal not with us according to our sins; People. Neither reward us according to our iniquities.
Minister. O GOD, merciful Father, that despisest not the sighing of a contrite heart, nor the desire of such as be sorrowful: Mercifully assist our prayers that we make before thee in all our troubles and adversities, whensoever they oppress us; and graciously hear us, that those evils, which the craft and subtilty of the devil or man worketh against us, be brought to nought; and by the providence of thy goodness they may be dispersed; that we thy servants, being hurt by no persecutions, may evermore give thanks unto thee in thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer of Saint Chrysostom.
ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications unto thee; and dost promise that when two or three are gathered together in thy Name thou wilt grant their requests: Fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.
2 Corinthians 13. 14.
THE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.
Hymn: When the King shall come again
When the King shall come again all his power revealing, splendour shall announce his reign, life and joy and healing: earth no longer in decay, hope no more frustrated; this is God’s redemption day longingly awaited.
There God’s highway shall be seen where no roaring lion, nothing evil or unclean walks the road to Zion: ransomed people homeward bound all your praises voicing, see your Lord with glory crowned, share in his rejoicing!
Opening Hymn: Hark; a Herald Voice is Sounding (CP #108)
Hark, a herald voice is sounding: “Christ is nigh,” it seems to say. “Cast away the dreams of darkness, O ye children of the day!”
Wakened by the solemn warning, let the earth-bound soul arise; Christ, our sun, all sloth dispelling, shines upon the morning skies.
Lo, the Lamb, so long expected, comes with pardon down from heaven; let us all, with deep repentance, pray that we may be forgiven,
that when next he comes with glory, and the world is wrapped in fear, with his mercy he may shield us, and with words of love draw near.
Honour, glory, might, and blessing to the Father and the Son, with the everlasting Spirit, while eternal ages run.
The Minister,
DEARLY beloved brethren, the Scripture moveth us in sundry places to acknowledge and confess our manifold sins and wickedness; and that we should not dissemble nor cloke them before the face of Almighty God our heavenly Father; but confess them with an humble, lowly, penitent, and obedient heart; to the end that we may obtain forgiveness of the same, by his infinite goodness and mercy. And although we ought at all times humbly to acknowledge our sins before God; yet ought we most chiefly so to do, when we assemble and meet together to render thanks for the great benefits that we have received at his hands, to set forth his most worthy praise, to hear his most holy Word, and to ask those things which are requisite and necessary, as well for the body as the soul. Wherefore I pray and beseech you, as many as are here present, to accompany me with a pure heart and humble voice unto the throne of the heavenly grace.
ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, We have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep, We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts, We have offended against thy holy laws, We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, And we have done those things which we ought not to have done; And there is no health in us. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou them, O God, which confess their faults. Restore thou them that are penitent; According to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesu our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, To the glory of thy holy Name. Amen.
ALMIGHTY God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who desireth not the death of a sinner, but rather that he may turn from his wickedness, and live, hath given power and commandment to his Ministers, to declare and pronounce to his people, being penitent, the Absolution and Remission of their sins. He pardoneth and absolveth all them that truly repent and unfeignedly believe his holy Gospel.
Wherefore we beseech him to grant us true repentance and his Holy Spirit, that those things may please him which we do at this present, and that the rest of our life hereafter may be pure and holy; so that at the last we may come to his eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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 them that 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.
O Lord, open thou our lips; And our mouth shall show forth thy praise.
O God, make speed to save us; O Lord, make haste to help us.
GLORY be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Praise ye the Lord; The Lord’s Name be praised.
Worship in Song: Creator of the Stars of Night (CP #96)
Creator of the starry height, thy people’s everlasting light, Jesu, redeemer of us all, hear thou thy servants when they call.
Thou, sorrowing at the helpless cry of all creation doomed to die, didst come to save our fallen race by healing gifts of heavenly grace.
When earth was near its evening hour, thou didst, in love’s redeeming power, like bridegroom from his chamber, come forth from a virgin-mother’s womb.
At thy great name, exalted now, all knees in lowly homage bow; all things in heaven and earth adore, and own thee King for evermore.
To God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit, Three in One, praise, honour, might, and glory be from age to age eternally.
THE FIRST LESSON: Jeremiah 23:5-8
“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’ “Therefore, behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when men shall no longer say, ‘As the Lord lives who brought up the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt,’ but ‘As the Lord lives who brought up and led the descendants of the house of Israel out of the north country and out of all the countries where he had driven them.’ Then they shall dwell in their own land.”
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
GRADUAL Psalm 85
LORD, thou art become gracious unto thy land: / thou hast restored the fortunes of Jacob. Thou hast forgiven the offence of thy people, / and covered all their sin.
Thou hast taken away all thy displeasure, / and turned thyself from thy wrathful indigna-tion. TURN us, O God our Saviour, / and let thine anger cease from us.
Wilt thou be displeased at us for ever? / andwilt thou stretch out thy wrath from one genera- tion to another? Wilt thou not turn again and quicken us, / that thy people may rejoice in thee?
O LORD, show thy mercy upon us, / and grant us thy salvation. I WILL hearken what the LORD God will say: / for he shall speak peace unto his people and to his saints, / and unto them that turn their heart to him.
Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him, / that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth are met together: / right- eousness and peace have kissed each other.
Truth springeth out of the earth; / and righteousness hath looked down from heaven.Yea, the LORD shall give what is good; / and our land shall yield her increase.
Righteousness shall go before him, / and shall direct his going in the way.
SECOND LESSON 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
But as to the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When people say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as travail comes upon a woman with child, and there will be no escape. But you are not in darkness, brethren, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But, since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we wake or sleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Hymn: Word of God, Come down on Earth (CP # 446)
Word of God, come down on earth, living rain from heaven descending; touch our hearts and bring to birth faith and hope and love unending.
Word almighty we revere you; Word made flesh, we long to hear you.
Word eternal, throned on high, word that brought to life creation, word that came from heaven to die, crucified for our salvation,
saving Word, the world restoring, speak to us, your love outpouring.
Word that caused blind eyes to see, speak and heal our mortal blindness; deaf we are: our healer be; loose our tongues to tell your kindness.
Be our Word in pity spoken; heal the world, by our sin broken.
Word that speaks your Father’s love, one with him beyond all telling, Word that sends us from above God the Spirit, with us dwelling,
Word of truth, to all truth lead us, Word of life, with one Bread feed us.
THE HOLY GOSPEL: John 1:35-45
R. / Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter). The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” R./ Praise be to thee, O Christ.
BENEDICTUS. ST LUKE 1:68
BLESSED be the Lord God of Israel; / for he hath visited and redeemed his people; And hath raised up a mighty salvation for us, / in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy Prophets, / which have been since the world began; That we should be saved from our enemies, / and from the hands of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our forefathers, / and to remember his holy covenant; To perform the oath which he sware to our forefather Abraham, / that he would grant us That we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies / might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, / all the days of our life. AND thou, child, shalt be called the Prophet of the Highest: / for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people / for the remission of their sins; Through the tender mercy of our God; / whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited us; To give light to them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death, / and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
GLORY be to the Father, and to the Son, / and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, / world without end. Amen.
Then shall be said or sung the Confession of the Faith, called the Apostles’ Creed.
I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried: He descended into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; The holy Catholic Church; The Communion of Saints; The Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body, And the Life everlasting. Amen.
And after the Creed these prayers following, the Minister first pronouncing:
The Lord be with you; And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon 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 them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.
O Lord, show thy mercy upon us; And grant us thy salvation.
O Lord, save the Queen; And mercifully hear us when we call upon thee.
Endue thy Ministers with righteousness; And make thy chosen people joyful.
O Lord, save thy people; And bless thine inheritance.
Give peace in our time, O Lord; And evermore mightily defend us.
O God, make clean our hearts within us; And take not thy Holy Spirit from us.
The Collect for Sunday next before Advent.
STIR up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may of thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Second Collect, for Peace.
O GOD, who art the author of peace and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom: Defend us thy humble servants in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in thy defence, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Third Collect, for Grace.
O LORD our heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, who hast safely brought us to the beginning of this day: Defend us in the same with thy mighty power; and grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger; but that all our doings may be ordered by thy governance, to do always that is righteous in thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer for the Clergy and People.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, from whom cometh every good and perfect gift: Send down upon our Bishops and Clergy, and all Congregations committed to their charge, the healthful Spirit of thy grace; and that they may truly please thee, pour upon them the continual dew of thy blessing. Grant this, O Lord, for the honour of our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Hymn : Comfort, Comfort Ye My People (CP # 100)
Comfort, comfort ye My people, Speak ye peace, thus saith our God; Comfort those who sit in darkness, Mourning ’neath their sorrow’s 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.
For the herald’s voice is crying In the desert far and near, Bidding all men to repentance, Since the kingdom now is here. O 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 the earth is shed abroad, And all flesh shall see the token That His Word is never broken.
O GOD, the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health unto all nations.
More especially we pray for the good estate of the Catholic Church; that it may be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life.
Finally we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those, who are any ways afflicted or distressed in mind, body, or estate; [* especially those for whom our prayers are desired;] that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them, according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ his sake. Amen.
A General Thanksgiving
ALMIGHTY God, Father of all mercies, We thine unworthy servants do give thee most humble and hearty thanks For all thy goodness and loving-kindness To us and to all men; We bless thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; But above all for thine inestimable love In the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; For the means of grace, And for the hope of glory. And we beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies, That our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, And that we show forth thy praise, Not only with our lips, but in our lives; By giving up ourselves to thy service, And by walking before thee in holiness and righteousness all our days; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, To whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen
A Prayer of Saint Chrysostom.
ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications unto thee; and dost promise that when two or three are gathered together in thy Name thou wilt grant their requests: Fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.
2 Corinthians 13:14.
THE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.
The Hymn: Come, Thou Long- expected Jesus (CP#88)
Come, O long-expected Jesus, born to set your people free; from our fear and sins release us, Christ, in whom our rest shall be.
Israel’s strength and consolation, born salvation to impart; dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.
Born your people to deliver, born a child, and yet a King; born to reign in us for ever, now your gracious kingdom bring.
By your own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by your all-sufficient merit raise us to your glorious throne.
10.30 Morning Prayer with Hymns and Sermon 7.00 p.m. Evening Prayer and Rector’s Class
THE ORDER OF SERVICE FOR MORNING PRAYER
Sentences of Scripture.
Opening Hymn: Hark, a Herald Voice is Sounding (CP #108)
Hark, a herald voice is sounding: “Christ is nigh,” it seems to say. “Cast away the dreams of darkness, O ye children of the day!”
Wakened by the solemn warning, let the earth-bound soul arise; Christ, our sun, all sloth dispelling, shines upon the morning skies.
Lo, the Lamb, so long expected, comes with pardon down from heaven; let us all, with deep repentance, pray that we may be forgiven,
that when next he comes with glory, and the world is wrapped in fear, with his mercy he may shield us, and with words of love draw near.
Honour, glory, might, and blessing to the Father and the Son, with the everlasting Spirit, while eternal ages run.
The Minister,
DEARLY beloved brethren, the Scripture moveth us in sundry places to acknowledge and confess our manifold sins and wickedness; and that we should not dissemble nor cloke them before the face of Almighty God our heavenly Father; but confess them with an humble, lowly, penitent, and obedient heart; to the end that we may obtain forgiveness of the same, by his infinite goodness and mercy. And although we ought at all times humbly to acknowledge our sins before God; yet ought we most chiefly so to do, when we assemble and meet together to render thanks for the great benefits that we have received at his hands, to set forth his most worthy praise, to hear his most holy Word, and to ask those things which are requisite and necessary, as well for the body as the soul. Wherefore I pray and beseech you, as many as are here present, to accompany me with a pure heart and humble voice unto the throne of the heavenly grace.
ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, We have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep, We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts, We have offended against thy holy laws, We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, And we have done those things which we ought not to have done; And there is no health in us. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou them, O God, which confess their faults. Restore thou them that are penitent; According to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesu our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, To the glory of thy holy Name. Amen.
ALMIGHTY God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who desireth not the death of a sinner, but rather that he may turn from his wickedness, and live, hath given power and commandment to his Ministers, to declare and pronounce to his people, being penitent, the Absolution and Remission of their sins. He pardoneth and absolveth all them that truly repent and unfeignedly believe his holy Gospel.
Wherefore we beseech him to grant us true repentance and his Holy Spirit, that those things may please him which we do at this present, and that the rest of our life hereafter may be pure and holy; so that at the last we may come to his eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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 them that 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.
O Lord, open thou our lips; And our mouth shall show forth thy praise.
O God, make speed to save us; O Lord, make haste to help us.
GLORY be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Praise ye the Lord; The Lord’s Name be praised.
Worship in Song: Laudate Omnes Gentes (Common Praise #314)
Laudate omnes gentes, laudate Dominum Laudate omnes gentes, laudate Dominum! Sing praises, all you peoples, sing praises to the Lord. Sing praises, all you peoples, sing praises to the Lord!
THE FIRST LESSON: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18
Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the Lord is at hand; the Lord has prepared a sacrifice and consecrated his guests. At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will punish the men who are thickening upon their lees,those who say in their hearts, ‘The Lord will not do good, nor will he do ill.’ Their goods shall be plundered, and their houses laid waste. Though they build houses,they shall not inhabit them; though they plant vineyards, they shall not drink wine from them.” The great day of the Lord is near, near and hastening fast; the sound of the day of the Lord is bitter, the mighty man cries aloud there. A day of wrath is that day, a day of distress and anguish, a day of ruin and devastation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of trumpet blast and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the lofty battlements.
I will bring distress on men, so that they shall walk like the blind, because they have sinned against the Lord; their blood shall be poured out like dust,
and their flesh like dung. Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them on the day of the wrath of the Lord. In the fire of his jealous wrath, all the earth shall be consumed; for a full, yea, sudden end he will make of all the inhabitants of the earth.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
GRADUAL Psalm 90:1-12
LORD, thou hast been our refuge, / from one generation to another. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever the earth and the world were made, / thou art God from everlasting, and world without end.
Thou turnest man back to the dust, / and thou sayest, “Return, ye children of men.’ For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, / and as a watch in the night.
Thou carriest them away as with a flood, and they are even as a sleep; / in the morning they are like grass that groweth up. In the morning it is green and groweth up, / but in the evening it is cut down and withered.
For we consume away in thy displeasure, / and are afraid at thy wrathful indignation. Thou hast set our misdeeds before thee, / and our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.
For when thou art angry all our days are gone: / we bring our years to an end, as it were a tale that is told. The days of our age are threescore years and ten, / or, if men be so strong, they may come to fourscore years;
Yet is their pride but labour and sorrow: / so soon passeth it away, and we are gone. But who regardeth the power of thy wrath, / or feareth aright thine indignation?
SECOND LESSON 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
But as to the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When people say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as travail comes upon a woman with child, and there will be no escape. But you are not in darkness, brethren, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But, since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we wake or sleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
Hymn: Word of God, Come Down on Earth (CP #446)
Word of God; come down on earth, living rain from heaven descending; touch our hearts and bring to birth faith and hope and love unending.
Word almighty we revere you; Word made flesh, we long to hear you.
Word eternal, throned on high, Word that brought to life creation, Word that came from heaven to die, crucified for our salvation,
Saving Word, the world restoring, speak to us, your love outpouring.
Word that caused blind eyes to see, speak and heal our mortal blindness; deaf we are: our healer be; loose our tongues to tell your kindness.
Be our Word in pity spoken; heal the world, by our sin broken.
Word that speaks your Father’s love, one with him beyond all telling, word that sends us from above God the Spirit, with us dwelling,
Word of truth, to all truth lead us, Word of life, with one Bread feed us.
THE HOLY GOSPEL: Matthew 25:14-30
R. / Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
“For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
R./ Praise be to thee, O Christ.
BENEDICTUS. ST LUKE 1:68
BLESSED be the Lord God of Israel; / for he hath visited and redeemed his people; And hath raised up a mighty salvation for us, / in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy Prophets, / which have been since the world began; That we should be saved from our enemies, / and from the hands of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our forefathers, / and to remember his holy covenant; To perform the oath which he sware to our forefather Abraham, / that he would grant us That we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies / might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, / all the days of our life. AND thou, child, shalt be called the Prophet of the Highest: / for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people / for the remission of their sins; Through the tender mercy of our God; / whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited us; To give light to them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death, / and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
GLORY be to the Father, and to the Son, / and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, / world without end. Amen.
Then shall be said or sung the Confession of the Faith, called the Apostles’ Creed.
I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried: He descended into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; The holy Catholic Church; The Communion of Saints; The Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body, And the Life everlasting. Amen.
And after the Creed these prayers following, the Minister first pronouncing:
The Lord be with you; And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon 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 them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.
O Lord, show thy mercy upon us; And grant us thy salvation.
O Lord, save the Queen; And mercifully hear us when we call upon thee.
Endue thy Ministers with righteousness; And make thy chosen people joyful.
O Lord, save thy people; And bless thine inheritance.
Give peace in our time, O Lord; And evermore mightily defend us.
O God, make clean our hearts within us; And take not thy Holy Spirit from us.
The Collect for the Twenty- Third Sunday after Trinity.
O GOD, our refuge and strength, who art the author of all godliness: Be ready, we beseech thee, to hear the devout prayers of thy Church; and grant that those things which we ask faithfully we may obtain effectually; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Second Collect, for Peace.
O GOD, who art the author of peace and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom: Defend us thy humble servants in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in thy defence, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Third Collect, for Grace.
O LORD our heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, who hast safely brought us to the beginning of this day: Defend us in the same with thy mighty power; and grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger; but that all our doings may be ordered by thy governance, to do always that is righteous in thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer for the Clergy and People.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, from whom cometh every good and perfect gift: Send down upon our Bishops and Clergy, and all Congregations committed to their charge, the healthful Spirit of thy grace; and that they may truly please thee, pour upon them the continual dew of thy blessing. Grant this, O Lord, for the honour of our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Hymn : Jesus Came, the Heavens Adoring (CP# 97)
Jesus came, the heav’ns adoring, Came with peace from realms on high; Jesus came to win redemption, Lowly came on earth to die;
Alleluia! Alleluia! Came in deep humility.
Jesus comes again in mercy When our hearts are worn with care; Jesus comes again in answer To an earnest, heart-felt prayer;
Alleluia! Alleluia! Comes to save us from despair.
Jesus comes to hearts rejoicing, Bringing news of sins forgiv’n; Jesus comes with words of gladness, Leading souls redeemed to heav’n.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Hope to all the world is giv’n.
Jesus comes in joy and sorrow, Shares alike our hopes and fears; Jesus comes, whate’er befalls us, Cheers our hearts and dries our tears;
O GOD, the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health unto all nations.
More especially we pray for the good estate of the Catholic Church; that it may be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life.
Finally we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those, who are any ways afflicted or distressed in mind, body, or estate; [* especially those for whom our prayers are desired;] that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them, according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ his sake. Amen.
A General Thanksgiving
ALMIGHTY God, Father of all mercies, We thine unworthy servants do give thee most humble and hearty thanks For all thy goodness and loving-kindness To us and to all men; We bless thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; But above all for thine inestimable love In the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; For the means of grace, And for the hope of glory. And we beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies, That our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, And that we show forth thy praise, Not only with our lips, but in our lives; By giving up ourselves to thy service, And by walking before thee in holiness and righteousness all our days; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, To whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen
A Prayer of Saint Chrysostom.
ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications unto thee; and dost promise that when two or three are gathered together in thy Name thou wilt grant their requests: Fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.
2 Corinthians 13:14.
THE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.
The Hymn: I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say (CP # 508)
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto me and rest; Lay down, O weary one, lay down Your head upon my breast.”
I came to Jesus as I was, So weary, worn, and sad; I found in him a resting place, And he has made me glad.
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Behold, I freely give The living water; thirsty one, Stoop down, and drink, and live.”
I came to Jesus, and I drank Of that life-giving stream; My thirst was quenched, my soul revived, And now I live in him.
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “I am this dark world’s light; Look unto me, your morn shall rise, And all your day be bright.”
I looked to Jesus, and I found In him my star, my sun; And in that light of life I’ll walk Till trav’ling days are done.
