The Second Sunday after Christmas January 3, 2021 11 a.m. We welcome you to Christ Church Cathedral. Since 1839, this Christian community has gathered for worship.
Welcome to Christ Church Cathedral! We are so pleased you have chosen to worship with us. Bishop Doyle has issued guidelines to keep us all safe in this season of COVID-19, so in-person worship will look and feel different from the worship to which we are accustomed. If you must leave the service for any reason, please exit through the east transept door and return through the bell porch door. You will be seated at least 6 feet from any individuals not in your household to ensure physical distancing guidelines. Due to evidence of community viral spread through singing, a soloist or small choral ensemble will provide sacred music. We ask that you experience the music without singing along. At the Holy Eucharist, only bread will be shared. This is called “Communion in one kind,” and it is a full measure of grace. Know that as you worship in the Cathedral, you are joined in real-time by hundreds of fellow worshipers through livestreaming technology. If you have concerns about your health or safety, or that of the people in your household, worshiping with the Cathedral online will continue to be an option. We love you and want you to do what is best for you and those you love! Let us prepare our hearts to worship the Lord!
The Holy Eucharist: Rite One The Rev. Becky Zartman, Canon Missioner for Welcome and Evangelism Celebrant
Opening Voluntary Prélude sur l’Introit de l’Épiphanie, Op. 13
Choral Introit V. R.
Maurice Duruflé (1902–1986) Tone VII
O praise the Lord, all ye his Angels: Excelling in power, that execute his commandment, and hearken unto the voice of his words.
Hymn 128
Three Kings of Orient
The Word of God Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. 2
Gloria in Excelsis S 204
Old Scottish Chant
Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will towards men. We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. O Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us. For thou only art holy; thou only art the Lord; thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
The Collect of the Day Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And with thy spirit. Celebrant Let us pray.
O God, who didst wonderfully create, and yet more wonderfully restore, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, thy Son Jesus Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The First Reading
Jeremiah 31:7–14 Thus says the Lord: Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, “Save, O Lord, your people, the remnant of Israel.” See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north, and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, those with child and those in labor, together; a great company, they shall return here. With weeping they shall come, and with consolations I will lead them back, I will let them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble; for I have become a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, “He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd a flock.” For the Lord has ransomed Jacob, and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him. They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord, over the grain, the wine, and the oil, and over the young of the flock and the herd; their life shall become like a watered garden, and they shall never languish again. Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow. I will give the priests their fill of fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my bounty, says the Lord. Reader People
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. 3
Hymn 119
Dix
The Holy Gospel
Matthew 2:1–12 Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. People Glory be to thee, O Lord.
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering 4
the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. Deacon The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise be to thee, O Christ.
The Sermon
The Very Rev. Barkley S. Thompson, Dean
The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. 5
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
The Prayers of the People Deacon or other leader
Let us pray for the Church and for the world. Grant, Almighty God, that all who confess your Name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world. Silence
Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer. Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations, in the ways of justice and peace; that we may honor one another and serve the common good. Silence
Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer. Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory. Silence
Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer. Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours, and grant that we may serve Christ in them, and love one another as he loves us. Silence
Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer. Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation. Silence
Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer. We commend to your mercy all who have died, that your will for them may be fulfilled; and we pray that we may share with all your saints in your eternal kingdom. Silence
Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer. 6
The Celebrant says
Lord, hear the prayers of your people; and what we have asked faithfully, grant that we may obtain effectually, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The People remain standing.
The Confession of Sin Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God. Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against thee in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved thee with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in thy will, and walk in thy ways, to the glory of thy Name. Amen.
The Absolution The Priest stands and says
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all those who with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Hear the Word of God to all who truly turn to him. Come unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you. Matthew 11:28 God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, to the end that all that John 3:16 believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The Peace
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And with thy spirit.
The Ministers and People greet one another in the name of the Lord.
The Holy Communion At the Offertory
Anthem Everett Titcomb (1884–1968) We have seen his star in the east and are come with our offerings to worship the Lord. — Matthew 2:2 7
The Great Thanksgiving Celebrant The Lord be with you.
And with thy spirit. Celebrant Lift up your hearts. People We lift them up unto the Lord. Celebrant Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. People It is meet and right so to do. People
It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God. Because thou didst give Jesus Christ, thine only Son, to be born for us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Ghost, was made very Man of the substance of the Virgin Mary his mother; that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin, and receive power to become thy children. Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name; evermore praising thee, and saying,
Sanctus and Benedictus Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts; Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Glory be to thee, O Lord Most High. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. The People kneel or stand.
All glory be to thee, O Lord our God, for that thou didst create heaven and earth, and didst make us in thine own image; and, of thy tender mercy, didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to take our nature upon him, and to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption. He made there a full and perfect sacrifice for the whole world; and did institute, and in his holy Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of that his precious death and sacrifice, until his coming again. For in the night in which he was betrayed, he took bread; and when he had given thanks to thee, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat, this is my Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Likewise, after supper, he took the cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink this, all of you; for this is my Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins. Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.” 8
Wherefore, O Lord and heavenly Father, we thy people do celebrate and make, with these thy holy gifts which we now offer unto thee, the memorial thy Son hath commanded us to make; having in remembrance his blessed passion and precious death, his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension; and looking for his coming again with power and great glory. And we most humbly beseech thee, O merciful Father, to hear us, and, with thy Word and Holy Spirit, to bless and sanctify these gifts of bread and wine, that they may be unto us the Body and Blood of thy dearly-beloved Son Jesus Christ. And we earnestly desire thy fatherly goodness to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, whereby we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, our selves, our souls and bodies. Grant, we beseech thee, that all who partake of this Holy Communion may worthily receive the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son Jesus Christ, and be filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction; and also that we and all thy whole Church may be made one body with him, that he may dwell in us, and we in him; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord; By whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost all honor and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer And now, as our Savior Christ hath taught us, we are bold to say, Celebrant and People
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread Celebrant Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; People Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia. The Celebrant says
The Gifts of God for the People of God. 9
The Episcopal Church invites all baptized persons to receive Communion. Please remain in your pew, and priests will bring Communion to you. If you do not wish to receive Communion, cross your arms over your chest to receive a blessing. Gluten-free communion wafers are available for persons with dietary restrictions. Notify the priest during the administration and one will be offered.
At the Administration Anthem
Saw you never, in the twilight, When the sun had left the skies, Up in heav’n the clear stars shining Through the gloom, like silver eyes? So of old the wise men, watching, Saw a little stranger star, And they knew the King was given, And they followed it from far.
15th c. French melody; harm. Charles Wood (1866–1926) Heard you never of the story How they crossed the desert wild, Journey’d on by plain and mountain, Till they found the holy Child? How they open’d all their treasure, Kneeling to that infant King; Gave the gold and fragrant incense, Gave the myrrh in offering?
Know ye not that lowly baby Was the bright and morning Star? He who came to light the Gentiles, And the darken’d isles afar? And we, too, may seek his cradle; There our hearts’ best treasures bring; Love, and faith, and true devotion For our Savior, God, and King.
Prayer after Communion Celebrant Let us pray.
Almighty and everliving God, we most heartily thank thee for that thou dost feed us, in these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and dost assure us thereby of thy favor and goodness towards us; and that we are very members incorporate in the mystical body of thy Son, the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs, through hope, of thy everlasting kingdom. And we humbly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.
The Blessing The Dismissal Deacon Let us bless the Lord. People Thanks be to God. 10
Closing Voluntary Epilogue on Dix
William H. Harris (1883–1973)
Vocal Quartet: Blair Doerge-Albert, Joshua Chavira, Justin Shen, Fredy Bonilla Music Notes John Henry Hopkins (1820–1891) wrote both the text and the tune of “We three kings” in 1857 for a Christmas pageant at General Theological Seminary, New York City. He was the Seminary’s first church music instructor. The son of a Presiding Bishop, Hopkins was ordained a priest after working as a newspaper reporter and studying law. His original intention for the hymn was to have the congregation sing verses 1 and 5, and soloists sing verse 2, 3, and 4 representing the three kings. The hymn became widely popular after it was published in the Oxford Book of Carols in 1928 where it was praised as “one of the most successful of modern composed carols.” — RLS The Book of Remembrance This week we remember Mary Church Weyel.
Pursuant to Section 30.06, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with a concealed handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a concealed handgun. Pursuant to Section 30.07, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with an openly carried handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a handgun that is carried openly.
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Welcome
Sunday, January 3, 2021 Announcements TODAY Explore the mystery of the Christmas Star • At 2 p.m. on Zoom, the Houston Museum of Natural Science presents a scientific look into the star that led the wisemen to find baby Jesus. All ages are welcome for this Zoom presentation and Q&A session. Learn more and register on our “Adult Classes” page. Registration is open for the annual Parish Retreat • The 2021 Parish Retreat will take place at Camp Allen on Saturday, January 23, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit our “Cathedral Events” page to learn more and register. Grab your passport for an Adventure into Prayer • Join your Cathedral friends for an Epiphany Quiet Day on Saturday, January 9, at 9 a.m. Learn more on our “Cathedral Events” page. Several new and renewed Bible Studies begin soon • “Amazing Women of Faith,” “Reading Mark: An Introduction to the First Gospel,” and “Facilitating Firm Foundations” are a few of the recurring classes that begin this month. Learn more and register on our “Cathedral Events” page. Join the Justice & Peace Council for a screening of “Just Mercy” • On January 20, the Justice & Peace Council will host a film discussion on Zoom of the awardwinning movie “Just Mercy.” This event will serve as a lead-up to the February Symposium on Race. Register in advance on our “Cathedral Events” page to attend the discussion. Mark your calendar for the Annual Parish Meeting on January 24 • At 2 p.m. on Zoom, listen to the annual report of the vestry and exercise your right to help determine the future of the church. Learn more on our “Cathedral Events” page. How to make a donation online • Visit christchurchcathedral.org/give for a variety of ways to make a gift to the Cathedral. We are now offering options to pay via PayPal as well as a new “text-to-give” option. Simply text “Give” to 888-998-1634, and follow the instructions. If you have questions, contact Minister for Stewardship Karen Kraycirik at kkraycirik@christchurchcathedral.org or 713-590-3338. For more information about these and other events at the Cathedral, visit christchurchcathedral.org, or cccathedraltx
After-Hours Emergency Pastoral Care Line • 713-826-5332