December 20, 2020 11:00 a.m.
An Early American Service of Lessons and Carols
The Worship of God Chiming the Trinity Prelude
I Wonder as I Wander Rachel Graves, Harp Appalachian Song Fragment from Murphy, NC I wonder as I wander out under the sky, How Jesus the Savior did come for to die. For poor on’ry people like you and like I… I wonder as I wander out under the sky.
John Jacob Niles/ arr. Cindy Blevins
Lighting of the Advent Wreath Jeff, Anna, Skylar, Sadie Leigh, and Pax Randa Leader: Today we light the candle of Love which burns with hope, peace, and joy, shoving darkness aside. People: These flames shed light upon our path giving us clarity through the sights and sounds which surround us. Leader: As you continue your journey to Bethlehem, make your way with this confidence: the God of love will meet you, not only when you arrive, but even now as you travel. People: We ask for strength to remain faithful in our journey, faithful in waiting, and faithful in our worship. Carol
Oh, Come, Little Children American Moravian Tradition Oh, come, little children, oh, come, one and all, To Bethlehem’s stable, in Bethlehem’s stall. And see with rejoicing this glorious sight, Our Father in heaven has sent us this night. Oh, see in the manger, in hallowed light A star throws its beam on this holiest sight. In clean swaddling clothes lies the heavenly Child, More lovely than angels, this Baby so mild. Oh, there lies the Christ Child, on hay and on straw; The shepherds are knelling before Him with awe. And Mary and Joseph smile on Him with love, While angels are singing sweet songs from above.
Johann A.P. Schulz
The Bidding Prayer The Lord’s Prayer
Matt Marston The Saviour’s Universal Prayer American Shaker Tradition Alan Hester, Soloist
South Union Kentucky
Our Father, who art in heav’n, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done On earth, as it is done in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, the glory and power forevermore. Amen. Carol
Away in a Manger 19th Century American Tradition
William J. Kirkpatrick/ John Thomas McFarland
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 night. 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. First lesson
Genesis 3:8-15 Randy Brittain God announces in the Garden of Eden that the seed of woman shall bruise the serpent’s head.
Carol
O Little Town of Bethlehem 19th Century American Tradition
Lewis H. Redner/ Phillips Brooks
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by; Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wond’ring 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 giv’n! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heav’n. 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; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Immanuel! Second Lesson
Carol
Genesis 22:1-8 God promises to faithful Abraham that his seed shall the nations of the earth call blessed. Followers of the Lamb American Shaker Tradition Oh, brothers, ain’t you happy? Ye followers of the Lamb. Sing on, sing on, followers of Emmanuel, Sing on, sing on, ye followers of the Lamb Oh, sisters, ain’t you happy? Ye followers of the Lamb. Sing on, sing on, followers of Emmanuel, Sing on, sing on, ye followers of the Lamb. God will provide the Lamb, followers of the Lamb.
Mike Cleland
Shaker Song
Third Lesson
Isaiah 9:2,6-7 Christ’s birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah.
Carol
Thou Child Divine American Moravian Tradition
Janet Cleland Johann A.P. Schulz
Thou Child Divine, Emmanuel, welcome into Thy humble manger! With heartfelt joy Thy birth we hail, and greet with songs the heav’nly stranger. Our doubts and fears and sadness are turned to joy and gladness. Goodwill to all and peace on earth are now declared by our Savior’s birth. Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna! Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord!
Fourth Lesson Carol
Micah 5:2-5 The peace that Christ will bring us is foreshown. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day 19th Century American Tradition The congregation is invited to sing.
Emily Harbin
John Calkin/ Henry W. Longfellow
I heard the bells on Christmas day Their old familiar carols play, And wild and sweet the words repeat Of peace on earth, good will to men. I thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along th’unbroken song Of peace on earth, good will to men. And in despair I bowed my head: “There is no peace on earth,” I said, “For hate is strong, and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men.” Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on earth, good will to men.” Till, ringing, singing on its way, The world revolved from night to day A voice, a chime, a chant sublime, Of peace on earth, good will to men. Fifth Lesson
Luke 1:26-35,38 The angel Gabriel salutes the blessed Virgin Mary.
Frank Granger
Carol
A Virgin Unspotted Early American Tradition
William Billings
A virgin unspotted, the prophet foretold, Should bring forth a Savior, which now we behold. To be our Redeemer from death, hell and sin, Which Adam’s transgression involved us in. Refrain Then let us be merry, put sorrow away: Our Savior, Christ Jesus, was born on this day. Through Bethlehem city, in Jewry, it was That Joseph and Mary together did pass, And for to be taxed when thither they came, Since Caesar Augustus commanded the same. Refrain But Mary’s full time being come, as we find, She brought forth her firstborn to save all mankind; The inn being full, for this heavenly guest, No place there was found where to lay Him to rest. Refrain To teach us humility all this was done; Then learn we from hence haughty pride for to shun; A manger’s His cradle who came from above. The great God of mercy, of peace and of love. Refrain Sixth Lesson
Carol
Matthew 1:18-21 Saint Matthew tells of the birth of Jesus. What Child Is This? 19th Century English/American Tradition
Connie Ivester
William C. Dix
What Child is this, who, laid to rest On Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping? Refrain This, this is Christ, the King. Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary! So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh, Come, peasant, king, to own Him; The King of kings salvation brings; Let loving hearts enthrone Him. Refrain
Seventh Lesson
Carol
Luke 2:8-20 The shepherds go to the manger.
Matt Marston
Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow 19 Century African American Tradition
Spiritual
th
Rise up, Oh, rise up, Rise up, shepherd, and follow. There’s a star in the East on Christmas morn, Rise up, shepherd, and follow. It will lead to the place where the Christ was born, Rise up, shepherd, and follow. Refrain Follow, follow, Rise up, shepherd, and follow. Follow the star of Bethlehem. Rise up, shepherd, and follow. Rise up, Oh, rise up. Rise up, shepherd, and follow. If you take good heed to the angel’s words, Rise up, shepherd, and follow. It will lead to the place where the Christ was born, Rise up, shepherd, and follow. Refrain Eighth Lesson Carol
Matthew 2:1-11 The wise men are led by the star to Jesus.
Janet Cleland
We Three Kings John Henry Hopkins, Jr. 19 Century American Tradition The congregation is invited to sing. th
We three kings of Orient are: Bearing gifts we traverse afar – Field and fountain, moor and mountain – Following yonder star. Refrain O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light. Frankincense to offer have I, Incense owns a Deity nigh; Prayer and praising, all men raising, Worship Him, God on high. Refrain Glorious now behold Him arise: King and God and Sacrifice; Alleluia, Alleluia! Earth to heav’n replies. Refrain
Ninth Lesson Carol
John 1:1-14 Saint John unfolds the great mystery of the incarnation.
Emily Harbin
Shout, Ye Heavens American Moravian Tradition
John Antes
Shout, ye heav’ns! Rejoice, thou earth! Bless with us our Maker’s birth. God now comes to dwell with men. Peace and life break in again. Tell, O tell it, Tell, O tell to me again. God now comes to dwell with men. Partner of our miseries, And we of His endless bliss. Glory, glory, Glory be to God on high! Sing, ye angels. Shout for joy! Prayer Carol
Matt Marston Go, Tell It on the Mountain 19th Century African American Tradition The congregation is invited to sing
Spiritual
Refrain Go, tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and ev’rywhere; Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born! While shepherds kept their watching O’er silent flocks by night, Behold thro’out the heavens There shone a holy light. Refrain The shepherds feared and trembled When lo! Above the earth Rang out the angel chorus That hailed our Savior’s birth. Refrain Down in a lowly manger The humble Christ was born, And God sent us salvation That blessed Christmas morn. Refrain Benediction Postlude
Matt Marston Carillon on “Come, All Ye Shepherds”
Moravian Melody/ arr. Gordon Young
Members of the Sanctuary Choir Christopher Adams
Ann Giddens
Jennifer Baxley
Teresa Granger
Livy Baxley
Alan Hester, Choral Scholar
Cathy Blake
Menda Lambeth
Ryan Bratton, Choral Scholar
Margaret McDonald
Ed Dempsey
Deborah Millians
Tony Dillard
Carol Reddish
Clare Eggleston
Keelin Walsh, Choral Scholar
Travis Eggleston The 2020 Lessons and Carols Service represents a true labor of love for the Advent Season. Seventeen members of the Sanctuary Choir have participated in Zoom rehearsals, learned ten separate carol arrangements, and produced 124 individual videos over the course of three months in order for First Baptist Church to experience this annual service during Advent. The video editing process took over 35 hours and a special thanks goes to Rhett Brittain for his expertise in video editing and for being such an outstanding technology mentor to his father!
SANCTUARY FLOWERS The owers in the sanctuary this morning are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Joan Cannady in recognition of her December 28 heavenly birthday. They are given by Dallas Cannady and family.
An Early American Service of Lessons and Carols Created and Arranged by Tim Sharp
The Service of Lessons and Carols is one of the great traditions of Advent and the Christmas season. An Early American Service of Lessons and Carols is modeled after the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, which takes place annually on Christmas Eve at the Chapel of King’s College, Cambridge, England. It has been a tradition of King’s since 1918, with the history of the service dating back to the late 19th century, where it was first conceived for use in Truro, England. The original purpose of the service, both at Truro and as developed at King’s resides with the Scripture lessons-the biblical account of the Christmas story. As Dean Milner-White pointed out in the printed program of the first service at King’s in 1918: “The main theme [of the service] is the development of the loving purpose of God . . . [seen] through the windows and words of the Bible.” In the early history of the celebration of Christmas in American, several factors tended to militate against the development of a significant treasury of new Christmas texts and songs. Puritan prejudice in general against the celebration of Christmas and the Puritan preference for metrical psalm-singing left little room for any Christmas application. However, by the latter half of the 18th century, an American primitive musical style began to emerge in New England which demonstrated a growing desire for textual and musical expressions concerning the Nativity. This American primitive style is represented by “A Virgin Unspotted” by William Billings, perhaps the best known of all early American Christmas anthems. Billings (1746-1800) is considered the first American choral composer. In the 18th century, new immigrants to America who settled in the Southern Appalachians (chiefly Scots, English and Irish) naturally brough their own heritage of song with them. In the process, their heritage was reshaped. This reshaping is often seen and heard in the instruments associated with Appalachia-dulcimer, fiddle, penny whistle, guitar, mandolin and banjo. In addition, ballads such as the English tune GREENSLEEVES were reshaped into tunes that were later associated with Appalachia. Such tunes are represented in this service by this English tune adopted in America and sung to the text “What Child Is This.” Other groups of immigrants to America in the 18th century were members of the Unitas Fratrum, or Moravians, as they were later called. Settling first in Georgia, then Pennsylvania in 1740, and extending their interests to include towns in North Carolina in 1753, this community of Christians made a significant contribution to American music and musical life. Theirs was a
transplanted culture from their native Germany and was so vital in America to be without musical peer in the late 18th century. The anthems created by the Moravians were influenced primarily by the contemporary musical trends in Central Europe, as heard in the Johann A.P. Schulz hymn “Oh, Come, Little Children” and anthem “Thou Child Divine,” which has become a traditional selection for Moravian Christmas celebrations for over 200 years. John Antes, composer of “Shout Ye Heavens,” was born of a second generation German-American family. As a creative artist, his work was influenced principally by Joseph Haydn and George Frederick Handel, as heard in the direct quote of the “Hallelujah” chorus in this anthem. The United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, commonly called Shakers, made no contribution to the traditional texts and music of Christmas, but their wonderful body of songs and hymns have been adapted by creative musicians in an effort to help us enjoy the musical contribution they made to the American musical landscape. “Followers of the Lamb” and a setting of “The Saviour’s Universal Prayer” are examples of these songs and hymns. “The Lord’s Prayer” was originally composed by Shakers for their meeting on Christmas, 1845. American Christmas carols of the late 19th century more closely reflect the style and spirit of their English counterparts of the same period, due to the 19th century revival of the Christmas celebration in England. Some of the favorite Christmas carols which are also favorites throughout the world are originally American in both text and music. American hymns and carols of the 19th century found in An Early American Service of Lessons and Carols include the familiar “Away in a Manger” by William Kirkpatrick, “O Little Town of Bethlehem” by Phillips Brooks and Lewis Henry Redner, “We Three Kings of Orient Are” by John Henry Hopkins, Jr., and “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” by Henry W. Longfellow and John Calvin. Of all American contributions to the world of beloved songs and hymns, the African American spiritual is one of the greatest and best-known song types. The unique African American spiritual is often characterized by a rhythmic call and response pattern, as heard in “Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow” and “Go, Tell It on the Mountain.” While most African American spirituals are introspective and personal in nature, these two spirituals are quite the opposite, reflecting an outward and communal response to the Christmas story. However, the result of all African American spirituals is the same—a simple, sincere and intimate expression of feeling, which can also be said of much of the music created in the early American experience.
Notes and Commentary by Tim Sharp Executive Director, American Choral Directors Association
Ministers Matt Marston Frank Granger Randy Brittain Janet Cleland Connie Ivester Emily Harbin Anne Brittain Alan McArthur
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