FIRST READING  Hebrews 2: 14-end

Since the children share flesh and blood, Jesus himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

SECOND READING    Luke 2: 22-40

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’ Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, ‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.’ And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed - and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’ There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.

FIRST READING  Genesis 14.17–20

After Abram’s return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). And King Melchizedek of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was priest of God Most High. He blessed him and said, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, maker of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!’ And Abram gave him one-tenth of everything.

PSALM 128

1.  Blessed  are all they that fear the Lord : and walk in his ways.

2.  For thou shalt eat the labours of thine hands : O well is thee, and happy shalt thou be.

3.  Thy wife shall be as the fruitful vine : upon the walls of thine house.

4.  Thy children like the olive-branches : round about thy table.

5.  Lo, thus shall the man be blessed : that feareth the Lord.

6.  The Lord from out of Sion shall so bless thee : that thou shalt see Jerusalem in prosperity all thy life long.

7.  Yea, that thou shalt see thy children's children : and peace upon Israel.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it as in the beginning, is now

and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

SECOND READING   John 2: 1-11

There was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’

Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ So they took it.

When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from

(though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

FIRST READING    Revelation 5: 1-10

Then I saw in the right hand of the one seated on the throne a scroll written on the inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals; and I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?’ And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it. And I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep. See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.’ Then I saw between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders a Lamb standing as if it had been slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne. When he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. They sing a new song: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God    saints from every tribe and language and people and nation; you have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God, and they will reign on earth.’

PSALM 139: 1-5

1.  O Lord thou hast searched me out and known me : thou knowest my down-sitting and mine up-rising, thou understandest my thoughts long before.

2.  Thou art about my path, and about my bed : and spiest out all my ways.

3.  For lo, there is not a word in my tongue : but thou, O Lord, knowest it altogether.

4.  Thou hast fashioned me behind and before : and laid thine hand upon me.

5.  Such knowledge is too wonderful and excellent for me : I cannot attain unto it.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it as in the beginning, is now

and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

SECOND READING   John 1: 43-end

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.’ Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’ When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, ‘Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!’ Nathanael asked him, ‘Where did you come to know me?’ Jesus answered, ‘I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.’ Nathanael replied, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.’ And he said to him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.’

FIRST READING  Titus 3.4–7

When the goodness and loving-kindness of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

SECOND READING    LUKE 2: 8-20

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

THE COLLECT FOR THE DAY

Almighty God, you have given us your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin: grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Once in royal David’s city

(Solo first verse sung by Tom Sears one of the Chapel’s choristers)

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

CAROL

Adam lay ybounden,

Words: Traditional English, 15th Century

Music: Peter Warlock (1894–1930)

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

Read by Jonathan Ford, Secretary of the Athenaeum

CAROL

O little town of Bethlehem,

Words: Phillips Brooks (1835–93)

Music: Traditional English

Harmony: Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958), adapted: Philip Berg (b. 1959)

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

Read by Jane Barker CBE, chairman of the General Committee

CAROL

When Christ was born of Mary free

Words: 15th century

Music: Timothy Hamilton (b. 1973)

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

Read by Alan Titchmarsh MBE, chairman of the Works of Art Committee

CAROL

God rest you merry, gentlemen,

Words: English traditional

Music: Traditional, 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).

Once in royal David’s city

(Solo first verse sung by Raphael Loges, 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

CAROL

Adam lay ybounden,

Words: Traditional English, 15th Century

Music: Peter Warlock (1894–1930)

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

Read by Squadron Leader Thomas Leyland RAF rtd

CAROL

O little town of Bethlehem,

Words: Phillips Brooks (1835–93)

Music: Traditional English

Harmony: Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958), adapted: Philip Berg (b. 1959)

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

Read by Pamela Leyland

CAROL

When Christ was born of Mary free

Words: 15th century

Music: Timothy Hamilton (b. 1973)

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

Read by Philip Berg MVO

CAROL

God rest you merry, gentlemen,

Words: English traditional

Music: Traditional, arr. Philip Berg (b. 1959)

The Chaplain

COLLECT FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

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).

Once in royal David’s city

(Solo first verse sung by David Wade 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

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 Professor Danielle A George

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 Air Marshal Sir Julian Young

CAROL

When Christ was born of Mary free

Words: 15th century

Music: Timothy Hamilton (b. 1973)

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

Read by Mrs Toni Allen

CAROL

God rest you merry, gentlemen,

Words: English traditional

Music: Traditional, arr. Philip Berg (b. 1959)

The Chaplain

COLLECT FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

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).

Once in royal David’s city

(Solo first verse sung by Darragh Keane 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

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 Sir Michael Hirst

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 The Rt Hon Sir Gary Hickinbottom

CAROL

When Christ was born of Mary free

Words: 15th century

Music: Timothy Hamilton (b. 1973)

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

Read by Professor Sir Colin Berry

God rest you merry, gentlemen,

Words: English traditional

Music: Traditional, arr. Philip Berg (b. 1959)

The Chaplain

THE COLLECT FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

THE SOCIETY’S COLLECT

Almighty and eternal God, we thank thee on this day for our forebears who by their vision

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).

FIRST READING   1 THESSALONIANS 5.16–24

My brothers and sisters, Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.

PSALM 126

1.  When the Lord turned again the captivity of Sion : then were we like unto them

that dream.

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.

SECOND READING    JOHN 1.6–8, 19–28

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, ‘I am not the Messiah.’ And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ Then they said to him, ‘Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord,”’ as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, ‘Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?’ John answered them, ‘I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.’ This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

WELCOME

The Chaplain

BIDDING PRAYER

An Anthem

Adam lay ybounden,

Words: Traditional English, 15th Century

Music: Peter Warlock (1894–1930)

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

Read by Marcus Rose, Member of the Duchy of Lancaster Council

A Carol

O little town of Bethlehem,

Words: Phillips Brooks (1835–93)

Music: Traditional English

Harmony: Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958), adapted: Philip Berg (b. 1959)

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

Read by Lara Thompson,

An anthem

When Christ was born of Mary free

Words: 15th century

Music: Timothy Hamilton (b. 1973)

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

Read by Hugh Bruce-Watt, Solicitor for the Affairs of the Duchy of Lancaster

An anthem

God rest you merry, gentlemen,

Words: English traditional

Music: Traditional, arr. Philip Berg (b. 1959)

COLLECT FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

THE BLESSING

A 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).