Soli Deo Gloria
Prologue
W
e live in times of turmoil. We trudge through days of despair. We ache with hearts full of anguish. As arguments over doctrine divide the church and American political strife rips at the fabric of our society and our relationships, COVID-19 continues to ravage life around the globe. Today, we are witnessing collective upheaval on a devastating scale. We grow impatient waiting for restored relationships, for restored economies, for restored health, for restored routines, for restored ways of being. We hurt. We ache. We long. And yet, we rest in the assurance that all our aching and longing finds attainment in God, the very source and vitality of our lives. We hold vigil in these dark days, knowing that God hears our collective cries, knowing that something truer and deeper will emerge from this dark night of our soul.
Lost in the night, do the people yet languish, Longing for morning the darkness to vanquish, Plaintively sighing with hearts full of anguish, Will not day come soon? With and through these words, I invite you to rest in the promise that Christ holds us in this anguish and dwells with us in this tension. Allow the familiar story of Christ’s birth to emerge from and through this angst. Hold vigil with the world’s pain. At the service’s climax, you’ll again hear the Chancel Choir, singing ‘He came down that we may have love, light, peace, and joy.’ Indeed, Christ came down to reveal the true depth of all our longings, to cure our inability to see things as they really are. He came down to reveal that which we seek – love, light, peace, joy. He came down to show us the very life of God, the sacred nature of this world, the divine spark in all of humankind, the lifeblood for which we long.
Hope in the face of anguish. While this tension is inescapable in 2020, it has always been at the very heart of the Christian faith, and it palpably sets the Our service might be scaled back, our voices may stage for this evening’s Festival of Lessons and Carols. not rise together. Nonetheless, our broken hearts are united, our worn spirits are held together, our longings This year’s service is not immune to the restrictions are consecrated in Christ. of COVID-19, and so while we cannot come together in flesh to sing of Christ’s birth, we are called to come In Christ, day has come. Morning vanquishes the together in spirit and lift our broken hearts toward the darkness. Our hearts full of anguish find their rest in God who became human, the God whose heart thus that enchanted manger, rocking gently with the Christbreaks, too. child. As the service begins, the virtual Chancel Choir reminds us of the world into which Christ is born. This world. Our world:
— Jonathan Emmons Director of Music Ministries
Prelude Savior of the Nations, Come..........................................................................................................Hugo Distler (Toccata, Chorale, Selected Variations)
How Brightly Shines the Morning Star............................................................................Dietrich Buxtehude In Dulci Jubilo............................................................................................................................James M. Bates In Sweetest Joy
Susan Bates, organ Night of Silence..…............................…….........................................................................arr. Daniel Kantor Cold are the people, winter of life. We tremble in shadows this cold, endless night. Frozen in the snow lie roses, sleeping. Flowers that will echo the sunrise. Fire of hope is our only warmth; weary, its flame will be dying soon. Voice in the distance, call in the night. On wind you enfold us, you speak of the light. Gentle on the ear you whisper, softly. Rumors of a dawn so embracing. Breathless love awaits darkened souls; soon will we know of the morning. Spirit among us shine like the star. Your light that guides Shepherds and Kings from afar. Shimmer in the sky so empty, lonely. Rising in the warmth of your Son’s love. Star unknowing of Night and day. Spirit we wait for your loving Son. Silent night, holy night.
Winston-Salem Girls Chorus Fantasy on Carol of the Bells..………….........................................................................arr. David Hudnall Anne Morgan and Camille Jones
Carol – Once in Royal David's City............................................................................IRBY arr.
David Willcocks
Once in royal David’s city stood a lowly cattle shed, where a mother laid her baby in a manger for his bed; Mary, loving mother mild, Jesus Christ, her little child. 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. Virginia Browne, cantor
Welcome The Bidding Prayer................................................. The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III Beloved in Christ, this Christmas season it is our duty and delight to prepare ourselves to hear again the message of the angels, and to go in heart and mind to Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in a manger. Therefore let us hear again from Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God from the first days of our sin until the glorious redemption brought us by this holy Child; and let us make this house of prayer glad with our carols of praise. But first, because this of all things would rejoice Jesus’ heart, let us pray to him for the needs of the whole world, and all his people; for peace upon the earth he came to save; for love and unity within the one Church he did build; for goodwill among all peoples. And particularly at this time let us remember the poor, the cold, the hungry, the oppressed; the sick and them that mourn; the lonely and the unloved; the aged and the little children; and all who know not the Lord Jesus, or who love him not, or who by sin have grieved his heart of love. Lastly let us remember all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore and in a greater light, that multitude which no one can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom, in this Lord Jesus, we for evermore are one. These prayers and praises let us humbly offer to the throne of heaven, in the words that Christ himself has taught us.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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, forever. Amen.
Blessing
The almighty God bless us with divine grace, Christ give us the joys of everlasting life, and unto the fellowship of the citizens above may the King of Angels bring us all together. Amen.
Invitatory Carol – Light of a Clear Blue Morning....................................Dolly Parton arr.
Craig Hella Johnson
It’s been a long dark night, and I’ve been waiting for the morning. It’s been a long hard fight, but I see a brand new day a-dawning. I’ve been looking for the sunshine ‘cause I ain’t seen it in so long. Everything’s gonna work out fine, everything’s gonna be alright, it’s gonna be okay. I can see the light of a clear blue morning, I can see the light of a brand new day. Kristin Schwecke, cantor Centenary Chamber Ensemble
After each lesson, the reader will say: “The Word of the Lord.” The congregation is invited to respond: “Thanks be to God.”
THE FIRST LESSON - Genesis 3:8-15, 17-19.......................The Reverend Susannah Pittman God announces in the garden of Eden that the seed of woman shall bruise the serpent's head.
Lost in the Night......................................................................................Finnish Folk Tune arr. Hal H. Hopson Lost in the night do the people yet languish, longing for morning the darkness to vanquish, plaintively sighing with hearts full of anguish. Will not day come soon? Must we be vainly awaiting the morrow? Shall those who have light no light let us borrow, giving no heed to our burden of sorrow? Will you help us soon? Sorrowing wanderers, in darkness yet dwelling, dawned has the day of a radiance excelling, death’s deepest shadows forever dispelling. Christ is coming soon! Light o’er the land of the needy is beaming; rivers of life through its deserts are streaming, bringing all peoples a Savior redeeming. Come and save us soon! Virginia Sheffield, cantor
THE SECOND LESSON - Genesis 22:15-18.....................................The Reverend Bret Cogan God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed shall the nations of the earth be blessed.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel................................................................................VENI EMMANUEL arr. Anna
Laura Page
Hope for Resolution..........................................................Paul Caldwell and Sean Ivory Of the Father’s love begotten, e’er 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. Oh, that birth, forever blessed, when the virgin full of grace, by the Holy Ghost conceiving, bore the Saviour of our race. And the babe, the world’s redeemer, first revealed his sacred face, evermore and evermore. O ye heights of heaven adore him, angel hosts his praises sing, powers, 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. Thula sizwe, ungabokhala, uJehova wakho uzokunqobela. Inkululeko, sizoyithola, uJehova wakho uzokunqobela. Nation, do not cry. Jehovah will protect us. We will attain freedom. Jehovah will protect us.
THE THIRD LESSON - Isaiah 9:2, 6-7................................................ The Reverend Kate May Christ's birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah.
The Hands That First Held Mary's Child.......................................................Dan Forrest The hands that first held Mary’s child were hard from working wood. From boards they sawed and planed and filed and splinters they withstood. This day they gripped no tool of steel, they drove no iron nail, but cradled from the head to heel our Lord, newborn and frail. When Joseph marveled at the size of that small breathing frame, and gazed upon those bright new eyes and spoke the infant’s name, the angel’s words he once had dreamed poured down from heaven’s height, and like the host of stars that beamed blessed earth with welcome light. “This child shall be Emmanuel, not God upon the throne, but God with us, Emmanuel, as close as blood and bone.” The tiny form in Joseph’s palms confirmed what he had heard, and from his heart rose hymns and psalms for heaven’s human word. The tools that Joseph laid aside a mob would later lift and use with anger, fear, and pride to crucify God’s gift. Let us, O Lord, not only hold the child who’s born today, but charged with faith may we behold to follow in His way.
THE FOURTH LESSON - Isaiah 11:1-4a, 6-9...................... ..........The Reverend R. Craig Ford The peace that Christ will bring is foreshown.
Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming.................................................................ES IST EIN ROS arr. Howard Helvey Lo, how a rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung. Of Jesse’s lineage coming, as those of old have sung. It came, a blossom bright, amid the cold of winter, when half spent was the night. Isaiah ‘twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind; with Mary we behold it, the Virgin Mother kind. To show God’s love a right, she bore to us a Savior, when half spent was the night. O Flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air, dispel in glorious splendor the darkness everywhere; true man, yet very God, from sin and death now save us, and share our every load.
THE FIFTH LESSON - Luke 1:26-35, 38........................................ The Reverend Meg Gaston The angel Gabriel salutes the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Carol – Away in a Manger........................................................................AWAY IN A MANGER arr. John
Rutter
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the 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.
There Is Faint Music .......................................................................................Dan Forrest There is faint music in the night, and pale wings fanned by silver flight; a frosty hill with tender glow of countless stars that shine on snow. A shelter from the winter storm, a straw-lined manger, safe and warm, and Mary singing lullabies, to hush her Baby’s sleepy sighs. Her eyes are fixed upon His face, unheeded here is time and space; her heart is filled with blinding joy, for God’s own Son, her baby Boy!
THE SIXTH LESSON - Luke 2:1, 3-7..........................................................Tamara M. Pollock St. Luke tells of the birth of Jesus.
How Great Our Joy!...................................................................................Craig Courtney. While by the sheep we watched at night, glad tidings brought an angel bright. How great our joy! There shall be born, so he did say, in Bethlehem a Child today. There shall a Child lie in a stall, this Child who shall redeem us all. This gift of God we’ll cherish well, that ever joy our hearts shall fill. Praise we the Lord in heav’n on high! Oh, praise ye the Lord!
Hymn – Joy to the World..................................................................................................ANTIOCH arr. John
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing. Joy to the world, the Savior reigns! Let all their songs employ; while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy. No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground; he comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found, far as, far as the curse is found. He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness, and wonders of his love, and wonders of his love, and wonders, wonders of his love.
Rutter
THE SEVENTH LESSON - Luke 2:8-16 ............................................ .......................Eva Hollar The shepherds go to the manger
Ding! Dong! Merrily on High.............................................................arr. Howard Helvey
Ding! dong! merrily on high in heaven the bells are ringing; ding! dong! verily the sky is riven with angel singing. Gloria! Hosanna in excelsis! E’en so here below, below, let steeple bells be swungen, and “I-o, i-o, i-o!” by priest and people sungen. Gloria! Hosanna in excelsis! Pray you, dutifully prime your matin chime, ye ringers! May you beautifully rime your eventime song, ye singers! Gloria! Hosanna in excelsis!
THE EIGHTH LESSON - Matthew 2:1-12............................................................... Susan Bates The wise men are led by the star to Jesus.
We Three Kings.....................................................................................arr. Jason W. Krug Invitation to Offering.........……………................................. The Reverend Meg Gaston Offerings received during Lessons and Carols will support our Loaves and Fishes food pantry and outreach mininstry.
Offertory – Rise Up, Shepherds, and Follow.......................................................Spiritual arr.
Mark Hayes
THE NINTH LESSON - John 1:1-14.............................. The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III St. John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation.
He Is Born............................................................................................................IL EST NE arr. Alex
Guebert
He Came Down..............................................................................................Cameroon Song He came down that we may have love. He came down that we may have light. He came down that we may have peace. He came down that we may have joy. Hallelujah forevermore! Virginia Sheffield, cantor
COLLECT..................................................................................................................... The Reverend R. Craig Ford Merciful God, you sent your messengers, the prophets, to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation. Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may celebrate aright the commemoration of the nativity, and may await with joy the coming in glory of Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen.
Hymn – The First Noel........................................................................................THE FIRST NOEL arr.
David Willcocks
The first Noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; in fields where they lay keeping their sheep, on a cold winter's night that was so deep. Refrain: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel. They looked up and saw a star shining in the east, beyond them far; and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night. (Refrain) And by the light of that same star three Wise Men came from country far; to seek for a king was their intent, and to follow the star wherever it went. (Refrain) This star drew nigh to the northwest, o'er Bethlehem it took its rest; and there it did both stop and stay, right over the place where Jesus lay. (Refrain) Then entered in those Wise Men three, full reverently upon the knee, and offered there, in his presence, their gold and myrrh and frankincense. (Refrain) Then let us all with one accord sing praises to our heav'nly Lord, that hath made heav'n and earth of naught, and with his blood mankind hath bought: (Refrain)
DISMISSAL AND BLESSING............................................ The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III Go forth into the world in peace; be of good courage; hold fast to that which is good; render to no one evil for evil; strengthen the fainthearted; support the weak; help the afflicted; honor everyone; love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be upon you, and remain with you always. Amen.
POSTLUDE – Toccata.....................................................................................Olivier Messiaen (from Dieu parmi nous)
God among us!
Participants Director of Music Ministries: Jonathan Emmons Organist/Music Associate: Susan Bates Director of Handbell Choirs: Camille Jones Director of Winston-Salem Girls Chorus: Anne Saxon Virtual Choir Production: Jacob Patrick Sound, Lighting & Video: Rick Gibbons, Philip Henderson & John Rogers
Liturgists
Welcome/Bidding Prayer/Lord's Prayer/Blessing: The Rev. Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III First Lesson: The Rev. Susannah Pittman Second Lesson: The Rev. Bret Cogan Third Lesson: The Rev. Kate May Fourth Lesson: The Rev. R. Craig Ford Fifth Lesson: The Rev. Meg Gaston Sixth Lesson: Tamara M. Pollock Seventh Lesson: Eva Hollar Eighth Lesson: Susan Bates Invitation to Offering: The Rev. Meg Gaston Ninth Lesson: The Rev. Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III Collect: The Rev. Craig Ford Dismissal & Blessing: The Rev. Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III
The Chancel Choir Carol Adams Martha Bassett Julianne Berckman Betty Brantley Virginia Browne* Kelsey Butler Jan Cockman Craig Collins* Melanie Collins Anne Coltrane Kate Craver Polly Davis Suzanne Epermanis Janet Ford Barbara Fulp Kerry Garrett Holly Gilliam Pat Helm Mary Isom Jeff Jackson Camille Jones David Lee
Ella Lively Emily Lott* Sara Lynch Jeffery Maggs* Suzanne Maggs Chris Martin Anna McFarland Tom McFarland Jason McKinney* Ellen Moore Anne Morgan Sue Morgan Richard Myers Jacob Patrick* Bill Pfefferkorn Nancy Phelps Janet Poirier Robert Pulliam Alden Pridgen* Jean Reader Mattie Rhodes Milton Rhodes
*Section Leader Chamber Ensemble † Joshua Hudson Choral Scholar 2019-2020
Anne Saxon Stephen Saxon Kristin Schwecke* Virginia Sheffield†* Joe Sills Molly Sills Donna Smart Mike Smith Tommy Smith Deborah Steele Joel Stegall June Stegall* John Stewart Jeffrey Swaim John Tripp Gene Wagoner Kaye Watts Marion Williams Roger Williams Trish Williams Karen Wimmer Susan Stockton Worth
Carillonneurs
Winston-Salem Girls Chorus
Lauren Branyon Amy Basham Susie Campbell Mary Isom Temple Kennedy Ernest Logemann Emily Lott Hallie Masten Anne Morgan Dennis Moser Martha Murphy Jeannie Ogburn Dawn Stafford Deana Vickers
Athaliah Arnolda Blythe Barnes Annika Bills Callie Brunson Cheyenne Brunson Avery Carpenter Hope Gallagher Meg Gilliam Kallie Graves Alyssa Haning Christina Kay Jacklyn Jenkins Kaziah Kindley-Hayes Titiana Lewis Cassie Maggs Abby Rowland Sarah Southerland Anna Spach Maiah Vargas Maya Wood
Camille Jones, director
West End Ringers Bailey Caudle Ellis Caudle Matthew Epermanis Matthew Lee Camille Jones, director
Anne M. Saxon, Founding Artistic Director Suzanne Maggs, Assistant Director Cynthia Saylor, Accompanist Charles Shafer, Violin Camille Jones, Handbells
Instrumentalists Laura Stevens, flute Sara Lynch, oboe Ken Wilmot and Anita Cirba, trumpets Joseph Mount, horn Guy Kelpin, trombone Matthew Ransom, tuba Jerry Solomon, djembe Karen Beres, piano
C H R I S T M A S E V E WO R S H I P AT
CENTENARY For 2020, all of our worship services will be virtual. Each service will be distributed through an email with a link at the listed time of the service. Immediately after the first viewing, you may watch again on the Centenary website by clicking on the tab:
SPECIAL WORSHIP ARCHIVES PRE-SCHOOL PAJAMA PARTY Thursday • December 24 • 10am • Virtual
CHRISTMAS EVE CHILDREN’S WORSHIP Thursday • December 24 • 11:00am • Virtual
CHRISTMAS EVE TRADITIONAL WORSHIP Thursday • December 24 • Noon • Virtual
CHRISTMAS EVE COMMUNION Due to current health care concerns and in an abundance of safety and precaution, we will not have in-person worship Christmas Eve worship. We hope you will worship with us from our pre-recorded link, shared via email.