PRELUDE
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Christmas Eve 2024 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm
“Cornet Voluntary”...........................................................................................................................................George Berg
“Greensleeves"...............................................................................................................................................Dennis Janzer
*HYMN - "O Come, All Ye Faithful"...........................................................................................................ADESTE FIDELES
O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold him, Born the King of angels. O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
God of God, Light of Light, Lo! He abhors not the Virgin's womb. Very God, Begotten, not created. Refrain
Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation. Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above. Glory to God In the highest. Refrain
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, Born this happy morning, Jesus, to thee be glory given. Word of the Father, Now in flesh appearing. Refrain
THE BIDDING PRAYER AND LORD'S PRAYER...............................................................................................Rev. Long
FIRST LESSON - Genesis 3:8-15.......................................................................................................................Rev. Seamon
God announces in the Garden of Eden that the seed of woman shall bruise the serpent's head.
CAROL - “Jesus Christ The Apple Tree”...........................................................................................................Colin Mawby
Janet Ort, Soprano
The tree of life my soul hath seen, Laden with fruit, and always green. The trees of nature fruitless be Compared with Christ the apple tree. His beauty doth all things excel. By faith I know, but ne'er can tell The glory which I now can see In Jesus Christ the apple tree. For happiness I long have sought, And pleasure dearly I have bought. I missed of all, but now I see 'Tis found in Christ the apple tree. I'm weary with my former toil, Here I will sit and rest awhile. Under the shadow I will be, Of Jesus Christ the apple tree. This fruit doth make my soul to thrive. It keeps my dying faith alive, Which makes my soul in haste to be With Jesus Christ the apple tree. Anonymous
SECOND LESSON - Genesis 22:15-18..............................................................................................................Rev. Clayton
God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed shall the nations of the earth be blessed.
CAROL - “One December, Bright and Clear” ............................................................................................arr. Mack Wilberg
Jane Stump, Alto
One December bright and clear, early in the morning Mary pressed her newborn near, kissed him so adoring. Angels sing and shepherds shout! All good creatures turn about! Ring the bells of joy, ev’ry chime employ, Make them sing til they bring heavens wond’rous glory, Tell the Christmas story! That December day at noon, from a steaming kettle Mary bathed her tiny boy, in the creche to settle. Doves that coo and lambs that bleat, come and see the Mercy Seat! Ring the bells of peace, Let the sounds increase, Make them soar, ’til they pour heaven’s hope and glory, Spread the Christmas Story! As that Winter’s eve drew nigh, in the stable lowly, Mary laid her head to rest, on the Baby holy, People far and people near, rest your sorrows, take good cheer! Ring the gladsome bells, blessed tidings tell, For He brings, in His wings heaven’s healing glory, Sing the Christmas story! Catalonian Carol, trans. David Warner
THIRD LESSON - Isaiah 9:2, 6, 7.....................................................................................................................Rev. Newton
Christ's birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah.
CAROL - “Lullay My Liking”.......................................................................................................................Peter R. Hallock
I saw a fair maiden sitten and sing. She lulled a little child, A sweete Lording. That eternal Lord is he that made alle thing. Of alle lordes he is Lord. Of alle kinges King. Angels bright they sang that night and saiden to that child: “Blest be thou, and so be she that is both meek and mild.” Lullay my liking, my dear son, my sweeting. Lullay my dear heart, mine own dear darling! 15th Century Carol
* HYMN - “O Little Town of Bethlehem”....................................................................................................................ST. LOUIS
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 wondering love. O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth! And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth.
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 Emmanuel! Phillips Brooks
FOURTH LESSON - Isaiah 11:1-9.....................................................................................................................Rev. Seamon
The peace that Christ will bring is foreshown.
THE OFFERING
CAROL - “Lions and Oxen”............................................................................................................................Joel Martinson Lions and oxen will sleep in the hay. Leopards will join with the lambs as they play. Wolves will be pastured with cows in the glade. Blood will not darken the earth that God made. Little child whose bed is straw, Take new lodgings in my heart. Bring the dream Isaiah saw: Life redeemed from fang and claw. Peace will pervade more than forest and field. God will transfigure the Violence concealed. Deep in the heart and in systems of gain, Ripe for the judgement the Lord will ordain. Little child whose bed is straw, Take new lodgings in my heart. Bring the dream Isaiah saw: Justice, purifying law. Nature reordered to match God′s intent, Nations obeying the call to repent, All of creation completely restored, Filled with the knowledge and love of the Lord! Little child whose bed is straw, Take new lodgings in my heart. Bring the dream Isaiah saw: Knowledge, wisdom, worship, awe. Thomas H. Troeger
FIFTH LESSON - St. Luke 1:26-35, 38..............................................................................................................Rev. Clayton
The angel Gabriel salutes the Blessed Virgin Mary.
CAROL - “O Magnum Mysterium”................................................................................................................Francis Poulenc
O magnum mysterium, et admirabile sacramentum, ut animalia viderent Dominum natum, jacentem in praesepio! Beata Virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt portare Dominum Christum. Alleluia!
O great mystery, and wonderful sacrament, that the animals might see the birth of the Lord, lying in a manger! Blessed is the Virgin whose womb was worthy to carry Christ the Lord. Alleluia! Matin responsary (Lesson IV) for Christmas Day
SIXTH LESSON - St. Matthew 1:18-23.................................................................................................................Rev. Newton
St. Matthew tells of the birth of Jesus.
* HYMN - “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”................................................................................................MENDELSSOHN
Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled! Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem! Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!
Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord. Late in time behold him come, offspring of the Virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail the incarnate Deity, Pleased as man with man to dwell; Jesus, our Emmanuel! Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings. Mild he lays his glory by, born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth. Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King! Charles Wesley
SEVENTH LESSON - St. Luke 2:8-16...............................................................................................................Rev. Seamon The shepherds go to the manger.
CAROL - “No Small Wonder”..............................................................................................................................Paul Edwards
Small wonder the star, small wonder the light, the angels in chorus, the shepherds in fright, but stable and manger for God - no small wonder! Small wonder the kings, small wonder they bore the gold and the incense, the myrrh to adore, but God gives his life on a cross - no small wonder! Small wonder the love, small wonder the grace, the power, the glory, the light of his face, but all to redeem my poor heart - no small wonder! Paul Wigmore
EIGHTH LESSON - St. Matthew 2:1-11............................................................................................................Rev. Clayton
The Wise Men are led by the star to Jesus.
* HYMN - “What Child Is This”....................................................................................................................GREENSLEEVES 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? This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary!
Why lies He in such mean estate Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear; for sinners here The silent Word is pleading. Refrain
So, bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh; Come, one and all, to own Him. The King of Kings salvation brings; Let loving hearts enthrone Him. Refrain William Chatterton Dix
* NINTH LESSON - St. John 1:1-14, 18.......................................................................................................................Rev. Long St. John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation.
THE CHRISTMAS COLLECT.........................................................................................................................
Pastor: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Pastor: Let us pray.
CEREMONY OF LIGHTS
CAROL - “Still, Still, Still”..........................................................................................................................Austrian Carol Still, still, still one can hear the falling snow. For all is hushed, the world is sleeping, Holy star its vigil keeping. Still, still, still one can hear the falling snow. Sleep, sleep, sleep, ‘tis the eve of our Saviour’s birth. The night is peaceful all around you, close your eyes, let sleep surround you. Sleep, sleep, sleep, ‘tis the eve of the our Saviour’s birth. Dream, dream, dream of joyous day to come. While guardian angels without number watch you as you sweetly slumber. Dream, dream, dream of the joyous day to come. Marilyn Keither and Alan Bergman
Silent night, Holy night! All is calm, all is bright, Round yon virgin mother and child! Holy Infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight, Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing: “Alleluia, Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.”
Silent night, Holy night! Son of God, love's pure light Radiant beams from Thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
THE BENEDICTION..............................................................................................................................................Rev. Long
May he who by his Incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, fill you with the sweetness of inward peace and goodwill; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen.
* HYMN - “Joy to the World!”...................................................................................................................................ANTIOCH
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 us our songs employ While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
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.
* VOLUNTARY
“In Thee Is Gladness,” BWV 615...................................................................................................Johann Sebastian Bach
* CONGREGATION STANDING
THE FLOWERS AND GREENERY during the Advent Season have been made possible by gifts. Below are names of loved ones for whom the gifts were given to the glory of God and in loving memory and honor.
Memorials
Sue McClure Aldridge
Mr. & Mrs. Anson Warren Allen
Kathryn C. Bailey
Robert L. Bailey
William E. Balliet, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. William E. Balliet
Mr. & Mrs. Rolla Earl Beck, Jr.
Mr. Rolla Earl “Reb” Beck, III
Margaret Benton
Mr. & Mrs. Oscar Robert Berney
Mr. & Mrs. Verne H. Borders, Sr.
Eileen Browne Bostick
Betty Aldridge Bostwick
John Allen Bostwick, Jr.
Nancy Starrett Boyd
Clara & E. T. Brown, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Clyde R. Brown
Mr. William T. Brown
Mr. & Mrs. Albert Francis Caley, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. David Wilkinson Carr
Mr. George Tompkins Carr
Mrs. Kathryne Ford Carr
Mr. & Mrs. Beach Mead Chenoweth, Sr.
Mr. & Mrs. James Barnett Chenoweth
Judy Chenoweth
Gloria Clark
Harold W. “Cotton” Clark
Hon. Preston Copeland Clayton & Mrs.
Jewel Gladys Clayton
Mr. Robert S. Clayton, Jr.
Dorothy Harris Coleman
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Coleman, Sr.
Miss Una Connors (Connie) Coleman
Judge C. J. Coley
Evelyn Coley & Jack Coley
Mr. & Mrs. George W. Connors, Sr.
Mr. & Mrs. George W. Connors, Jr.
Una Webster Connors
David G. Cook
W. Ralph Cook
James S. & Esther S. Cooper
Judge Leo King Cooper, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. B. C. Cox
George Everett & Jeanne Martin Cox
Don Ross Craft
Mr. and Mrs. Francis Crockard, Sr.
Joseph Andrew Crumpton
Robert R. Davis
Yvonne A. Davis
Joyce Beckman DiGirolamo
Robert John DiGirolamo
Mr. & Mrs. Robert H. Dixon
Mr. Robert Mack Dixon
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Perkins Duggan
Kelly Duggan
Carol Clark Elam
Katherine Binford Ennis
Dr. John R. Faucette
Mr. & Mrs. Dwight Foust
James Foust
Mr. & Mrs. Henry S. Fowlkes, Jr.
Jackie Frazier
Dr. & Mrs. Henry Charles Frech, Jr.
Mr. Henry Charles Frech lll
Mr. & Mrs. Evan Charles Gafford
Ralph Fredrick Gafford
Ernest & Betty Glass
Mr. & Mrs. Henry Vance Graham
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Sheffie Graham
Billy Dean Grover
Pam Hagan
David Taylor Hagood
Mr. & Mrs. Lowery Taylor Hagood, Jr.
Judy Sasse Haise
Carol & Mitch Hall
Kathryn Taylor Hamilton
Suzy Hammonds
Mr. & Mrs. Jack DeWitt Hance
Francis H. Hare, Jr.
Suzanne Balliet Hare
Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Chapman Harris, Jr.
Sandra Harris
Anne Hauck
Haybe Sumner Hauck
Mr. & Mrs. Carl T. Hewitt
Judith Stewart Hill
Louis Hill
Mr. & Mrs. Harry Claypool Howell, Jr.
Miss Lottice Howell
Jane S. Ingalls
Patricia Schreiber Jones
Mr. & Mrs. Martin J. Kelly
Dr. Dorothea Klip
Dr. Willem Klip
Martee & John Lanier
Edward Shields Leatherbury
Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Leatherbury
Younk-Rak Lee
Dr. & Mrs. John N. Lukens
Cynthia Mabry
Mr. & Mrs. James Llewellyn Mann
Virginia Talbot Markle
Mr. & Mrs. Joe McDavid, Sr.
Mr. Joe McDavid, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. A. B. McDonald, Sr.
A. B. McDonald, Jr.
Gerald Finleigh McKenzie
Gerald Kenneth McKenzie
Hobart A. McWhorter, Jr.
Michael Daniel Medeiros
Mark L. Miller
Ann M. Monk
Mr. & Mrs. Richard H. Monk, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Stanley T. Moodie
William Sims Moor
Ashlea Alkire Morrow
Betty Miller Morrow & Gordon Morrow, Sr.
Hugh Morrow, Sr.
Martha Mann Morrow
Mr. & Mrs. Anson Allen Murdoch
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Nelson Murdoch
Mr. Donald Neslon Murdoch, Jr.
Miss Elinor Murdoch
Mr. & Mrs. William Lincoln Murdoch
Mr. & Mrs. James Leconte Nisbet
Charles Swift Northen III
Mr. & Mrs. John Huber O’Donnell, Sr.
Mr. Patrick Martin O’Donnell
Jayne Walton Ogilvie
Mr. & Mrs. Morgan Oslin Ogilvie, Sr.
Mr. & Mrs. Kirkman O’Neal
Dr. E. P. Ort, III
Mrs. Deborah Moodie Overstreet
Dr. & Mrs. Gene Ruffner Page
Nam-Chui Park
Dr. Thomas Hansel Peacock, Jr.
Dr. & Mrs. David H. Pontius, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Porter
Mr. John R. Prewitt, Jr.
Frederick Dale Price
Edith & Jim Quarles
Mr. & Mrs. Henry Barnes Ray, Sr.
Mr. & Mrs. R. Thomas Reed
Hal & Dottie Roach
Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Romjue
Thomas Butler Ross
Joseph W. Schreiber
Shirley Gafford Seay
George & Jean Sellers
Libby O’Neal Shannon
Margaret Shaw
Susan Vance Sikes
Francis (Kip) Simmons
Richard E. Simmons, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Henry Evans Simpson
Mr. & Mrs. James Alexander Simpson
Sara. R. Sistrunk
Mr. & Mrs. Finis Ewing St. John, Jr.
Warren Jackson St. John
Mr. Warren Jackson St. John
Nancy Kays Stetler
Peggy & Herbert Stockham
Mr. Benjamin Franklin Stokes lll
Hoyt Summerford
Mr. & Mrs. Leo Sumner
Clinton Williams Taylor
Mr. & Mrs. George M. Taylor, Jr.
Tami Teague
Alexander O. Thomson
John Dorman Thomson
Mr. & Mrs. James A. Townsend, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. David J. Turner
Mr. & Mrs. David P. Underwood
Lindsey and E.T. Brown, IV
Montgomery and Jane Brown
Mrs. Margaret Hayes Brustad
Betsy Faucette
The Hartline Family
Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Moore
Mr. M. List Underwood, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. M. L. Underwood, Sr.
Mr. & Mrs. J. B. Vinson
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Anthony Waitzman
Mr. & Mrs. Auddis Marion Walker
Dr. & Mrs. Auddis Moore Walker
Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Walthall
Margaret Rush Walton
Mr. & Mrs. William Morris Walton
Joey & Dick Wasson
Fleta & Stumpy Watson
Honorariums
Mrs. Barbara Noojin
Mrs. Ives B. Ort
Brian and Catherine Ort-Mabry
Mr. and Mrs. Paul M. Pankey, Sr.
Mr. Thomas B. Pankey
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Eugene Weatherford, Sr.
Mary Anne & Robert Weatherly
Mr. & Mrs. W. S. Webster
Dr. David H. White
Sarah Anne Fitz Peacock Wilson
Peggy & Paul S. Woodall
Mrs. Judy Wright
Felix Calvin Yarboro
Mr. & Mrs. Kapp Yarboro
Laura Noel Yarboro
Mr. Lee Yeager
Jessica, Millard, Charlotte, and Milo Williamson
Ms. Melinda A. Splawn
Mac Thomson
Mr. Robert S. Watson
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE FLOWERS in the chancel are given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Euell E. McCoy (Evelyn Glass). THE WREATH in the chancel is given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Porter, Mr. and Mrs. Francis Crockard, and Mrs. and Mrs. Donald McCormick. THE FLOWERS on the War Memorial are given to the Glory of God and in honor of all past and present military personnel.
CONCERNING THE CEREMONY OF LIGHTS: Worshippers will receive candles with paper wax-guards upon entering the nave. These will be used only during the Ceremony of Lights near the end of the service. The acolytes will light the first candle in each pew on the aisle, and each worshipper will share the light, representing the presence of Christ in the world, with their neighbor. Please note, however, in no case should a lit candle be tilted; rather, the unlit candle should be tilted over the lit one. Worshippers remain seated during the ceremony and are invited to sing "Silent Night" with the choir. When the ministers have extinguished their candles, the worshippers will do likewise. After the service, please deposit your candle in the appropriate vessel at the door. Your help is greatly appreciated.
THIS YEAR’S SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING: Each year on Christmas Eve we take a special offering. This year’s special offering will benefit IPC Social Services. If you would like to contribute to the special offering, please place your donation in the offering plate and note “Special Offering.” Ushers will collect the offering during the Carol following the Fourth Lesson. For your convenience, we also provide a giving option through texting. Simply text CHRISTMAS to 205-927-3100 and follow the instructions.
AT THE CONCLUSION of the 4 pm service, the congregation is requested to leave promptly to facilitate preparation for the next service. Please exit through the Parlor and side nave doors.
THE BEAUTIFUL CRÈCHE displayed annually in the Parlor is made possible through the generosity of Robin and Jim Sulzby. The crèche is a family heirloom passed down by Robin’s grandmother, Mrs. C. Eugene Ireland. Mrs. Sulzby estimates that the crèche is over 100 years old. IPC members and staff are so grateful to Robin and her family for sharing this special gift each Advent season.
THE ENTIRE STAFF of Independent Presbyterian Church would like to wish everyone a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with joy and peace.
Participants in this Service
The Rev. Kevin J. Long, Pastor
The Rev. Susan A. Clayton, Associate Pastor, Congregational Care & Adult Faith Formation
The Rev. D. Nicole Newton, Associate Pastor, Discipleship
The Rev. David J. Seamon, Associate Pastor, Mission & Outreach
Dr. Jeff R. McLelland, Director of Music and Fine Arts
Machiko Schlaffer, Oboe
The Independent Presbyterian Church Choir
