Once in royal David’s city (Solo first verse sung by Liam Butterworth, a chorister of The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy)

Words: Mrs C. F. Alexander (1818-1895)

Tune: ‘Irby’, H. J Gauntlett (1808-1876), rev. A. H. Mann (1850-1929)

Descant: Philip Berg (b. 1959)

WELCOME

The Chaplain

BIDDING PRAYER

My sisters and brothers in the name of Christ welcome to this Carol Service. Christmas draws near and we prepare for our celebration of the birth of God’s beloved Son. Through the days of Advent we follow the light of Christ, and 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. Amen.

Choir Anthem

Zion hört die Wächter singen

Words: P. Nicolai (1556 – 1608)

Music: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

First Lesson  Isaiah 9: 2, 6 & 7 (The Prophecy of the Messiah's Birth);

Read by Peter Charlton

Carol

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

Words: Edmund Sears (1810 – 76)

Music: Traditional English, adapted by Sir Arthur Sullivan (1842 –1900)

Second Lesson  Matthew 1:18-23 (The Birth of Emmanuel)

Read by Elizabeth Stanton Jones

Choir Anthem

I saw a fair mayden sytten and sing.

Words: 15th Century

Music: R. R. Terry (1865-1938)

Third Lesson  John 1; 1-14 (The Incarnation of the Word of God)

Read by Sir Andrew Parmley

Carol

The Three Kings

Words and music: Peter Cornelius (1824-94), arr. Philip Berg (b. 1959)

COLLECT FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

The Chaplain

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.

THE BLESSING

Carol

Hark! The Herald-Angels Sing

Words: Charles Wesley (1707-1788) and others

Music : Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809-1847)

CLOSING VOLUNTARY

I Saw Three Ships

English Traditional Carol, arr. for voices and organ by

Philip Berg MVO (b. 1959).

Transcribed for saxophone ensemble, and played, by

Alfie Beston (current chorister).