2014 Advent Carol Service at Malmesbury Abbey

ADVENT CAROL SERVICE

BY CANDLELIGHT O sing unto the Lord a new song, Sing unto the Lord all the whole earth.

(Psalm 96:1)

SUNDAY 30TH NOVEMBER 2014, 6.30PM

VICAR'S WELCOME I would like to warmly welcome you to Malmesbury Abbey for tonight’s Advent Carol Service by Candlelight. Since the monks first gathered on this site in the 7th century, the season of Advent has been observed as a time of disciplined spiritual preparation for the Christmas feast ahead. Well, we might be a little less disciplined than Aldhelm and William, perhaps it’s just me, but this night we become a part of that ancient tradition. And I hope you will find our service inspirational as it points to God, beyond our imagining, yet a light, right here in SN16.

Given a year in which we have not only reflected on the outbreak of World War I but also witnessed grave atrocities in conflict and the consequence of the Ebola virus, we understand all too easily the symbolism of darkness. And that is where our service begins, in the darkness and chaos before creation.

But darkness, ultimately, is the absence of light, the absence of God. And our service keeps calling, in music, readings and prayer, for the light of Jesus Christ in the darkness not just of a broken world, but also in the hidden darkness of our ordinary lives. And our service reaches a climax with three great words of hope: ‘Lo, he comes!’

Tonight God brings us His light. We then carry it to others.

Revd Canon Neill Archer Advent Sunday, 2014.

Guidance for the Service • • • •

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The service is lit by candles alone and begins in darkness When candles are being lit please take great care when passing the light to others Please secure all loose hair and clothing Because of the large number of candles in this service there is a significant risk – please take care with your candle at all times Unless otherwise directed, please stand for all congregational hymns during the organ introduction, and then sit afterwards There is a retiring collection – if you are a UK tax payer please use the gift aid envelope included in this order of service. Thank you.

Organ Preludes Please remain seated in silence during the final organ prelude as the Abbey is gradually darkened.

Chorale Prelude on ‘Nun komm der Heiden Heiland’, Bach Chorale Prelude on ‘Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen’, Brahms Silence

Choir

The Advent Matins Responsory Palestrina

Sung from St Aldhelm’s Chapel I look from afar; and lo, I see the power of God coming and a cloud covering the whole earth.

Go ye out to meet him and say: Tell us, art thou he that should come to reign over thy people Israel?

High and Low, rich and poor, one with another; go ye out to meet him and say: Hear O thou Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep.

Tell us, art thou he that should come?

Stir up thy strength, O Lord and come to reign over thy people Israel.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.

Reading 1

Genesis 1:1-5 Read by Catherine Price Lay Minister

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In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

3 And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light ‘day’, and the darkness he called ‘night’. And there was evening, and there was morning– the first day.

This is the word of the Lord Thanks be to God

Choir

Creator of the stars (mode iv)

The light is passed through the Abbey, with the congregation still seated, as the choir process to the font at the West End. Creator of the stars of night, Thy people’s everlasting light, O Jesu, Saviour of us all, Regard thy servants when they call.

Thou, grieving at the bitter cry of all creation doomed to die, didst come to save a ruined race with healing gifts of heavenly grace.

Thou cam’st, the Bridegroom of the bride, As drew the world to evening-tide; Proceeding from a virgin shrine, The Son of Man, yet Lord divine.

At Thy great name exalted now, All knees must bend, all hearts must bow; And things in heaven and earth shall own, That Thou art Lord and King alone.

To thee, O Holy One, we pray our judge in that tremendous day; Preserve us, while we dwell below From every onslaught of the foe.

All praise, eternal Son, to thee Whose advent sets thy people free; Whom with the Father we adore And Spirit blest, forevermore. Amen

Hymn

Of the Father’s heart begotten arranged Sir David Willcocks

O

f the Father’s heart begotten, Ere the world from chaos rose, He is Alpha: from that fountain All that is and hath been flows; He is Omega, of all things Yet to come the mystic close Evermore and evermore!

By His Word was all created; He commanded and ‘twas done; Earth and sky and boundless ocean, Universe of three in one, All that sees the moon’s soft radiance, All that breathes beneath the sun, Evermore and evermore!

This is he whom seers and prophets Sang in ages long gone by; This is he of old reveal-ed In the page of prophesy; Lo! He comes, the promised Saviour; Let the world his praises cry!

Evermore and evermore!

Sing ye heights of heaven his praises Angels and Archangels sing!

Wheresoe’er ye be, ye faithful Let your joyous anthems ring.

Every tongue his name confessing, Countless voices answering, Evermore and evermore!

Please remain standing

Bidding Prayer

Revd Canon Neill Archer Vicar, Malmesbury Abbey

The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, in 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, the power and the glory, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Hymn

Come thou redeemer of the Earth arranged Sir David Willcocks

During which the choir process to the centre of the Nave

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ome, thou Redeemer of the earth, And manifest thy virgin-birth: Let every age adoring fall; Such birth befits the God of all.

Begotten of no human will, but of the Spirit, thou art still The Word of God in flesh arrayed, The promised fruit to man displayed.

The virgin womb that burden gained With virgin honour all unstained; The banners there of virtue glow; God in His temple dwells below.

Forth from His chamber goeth He, That royal home of purity, A giant in twofold substance one, Rejoicing now His course to run.

O equal to thy Father, thou!

Gird on thy fleshly mantle now, The weakness of our mortal state With deathless might invigorate.

All laud eternal Son to Thee Whose advent sets thy people free; Whom with the Father we adore And Holy Ghost for evermore. Amen

Reading 2

1

Psalm 13 Read by Lesley Wilson Churchwarden

How long, Lord? Will you forget me for ever?

How long will you hide your face from me?

2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?

How long will my enemy triumph over me?

3 Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, 4 and my enemy will say, ‘I have overcome him,’ and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

6 I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.

This is the word of the Lord Thanks be to God

Choir

O nata lux de lumine Morten Lauridsen

O Light born of Light, Jesus, Redeemer of the world, with loving-kindness deign to receive suppliant praise and prayer.

Thou who once deigned to be clothed in flesh for the sake of the lost, grant us to be members of thy blessed body.

Reading 3

2

Isaiah 9:2,3,6,7 Read by Revd John Monaghan Curate, Malmesbury Abbey

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and for ever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

This is the word of the Lord Thanks be to God

Hymn

Come thou long expected Jesus

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ome, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.

Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art: dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver, born a child, and yet a king, born to reign in us for ever, now thy gracious kingdom bring.

By thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by thine all-sufficient merit raise us to thy glorious throne.

Choir

Bogoroditse Devo Sergei Rachmaninoff

Rejoice Virgin, God bearer Mary, full of Grace, the Lord be with you.

Blessed are you amongst women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Saviour of our souls (Part based on Luke 1:42)

Reading 4

Isaiah 60:1-5a Read by Revd Mandy Churcher Associate Minister

‘Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.

2 See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you.

3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

4 ‘Lift up your eyes and look about you: all assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the hip.

5 Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy;

This is the word of the Lord Thanks be to God

Hymn

On Jordan’s banks the Baptist’s Cry

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n Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry announces that the Lord is nigh; awake and hearken, for he brings glad tidings of the King of kings.

Then cleansed be every breast from sin; make straight the way for God within, prepare we in our hearts a home where such a mighty Guest may come.

For thou art our salvation, Lord, our refuge and our great reward; without thy grace we waste away like flowers that wither and decay.

To heal the sick stretch out thine hand, and bid the fallen sinner stand; shine forth and let thy light restore earth's own true loveliness once more.

All praise, eternal Son, to thee, whose advent doth thy people free; whom with the Father we adore and Holy Ghost for evermore. Amen.

Reading 5

Matthew 25:1-13 Read by Diana Crowe Churchwarden

‘At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

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‘At midnight the cry rang out: “Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!” 7 ‘Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.” 9 ‘“No,” they replied, “there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.” 10 ‘But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 11 ‘Later the others also came. “Lord, Lord,” they said, “open the door for us!” 12 ‘But he replied, “Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.” 13 ‘Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

This is the word of the Lord Thanks be to God

Choir

Audivi Vocem de caelo Thomas Tallis

I heard a voice come from heaven: Come all ye most-wise virgins, Store up oil in your vessels until the Bridegroom comes.

In the middle of the night the cry was made: Behold the Bridegroom comes.

Store up oil in your vessels until the Bridegroom comes.

(Based on Matthew 25:1-13)

Reading 6

Revelation 1:4b-8 Read by Revd Linda Sullivan Curate, Malmesbury Abbey

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Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father – to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

7 ‘Look, he is coming with the clouds,’ and ‘every eye will see him, even those who pierced him’; and all peoples on earth ‘will mourn because of him.’ So shall it be! Amen. 8 ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.’

This is the word of the Lord Thanks be to God

Choir

E’en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come Paul Ganz

Peace be to you and grace from Him who freed us from our sin, who loved us all, and shed his blood that we might saved be.

Sing holy, holy to our Lord, the Lord almighty God Who was and is, and is to come. Sing holy, holy Lord Rejoice in heaven, all ye that dwell therein, Rejoice on earth, ye saints below for Christ is coming soon.

E'en so Lord Jesus quickly come and night shall be no more They need no light, no lamp, nor sun for Christ will be their all!

(Adapted from Revelation 22)

Hymn

Hark a thrilling voice is sounding

During which the choir process to the sanctuary

H

ark! a thrilling voice is sounding.

‘Christ is nigh,’ it seems to say; ‘Cast away the dreams of darkness, O ye children of the day.’

Wakened by the solemn warning, let the earth-bound soul arise; Christ, her sun, all ill dispelling, shines upon the morning skies.

Lo, the Lamb, so long expected, comes with pardon down from heav’n; let us haste, with tears of sorrow, one and all to be forgiv’n; That when next he comes with glory, and the world is wrapped in fear, with his mercy he may shield us, and with words of love draw near.

Honour, glory, might, and blessing to the Father and the Son, with the everlasting Spirit, while eternal ages run.

Choir

New Song James MacMillan

O sing unto the Lord a new song, sing unto the Lord all the whole earth.

Sing unto the Lord and praise His Name, be telling of His salvation from day to day.

For he cometh to judge the earth, and with righteousness to judge the world and the people with His truth.

(Psalm 96:1,2,13)

Prayers

Revd John Monaghan Curate, Malmesbury Abbey

Lord Jesus, Light of the World Shine in the darkness

The Advent Collect Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and to put on the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility: so that on the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

Choir

The Advent Vesper Responsory Palestrina

Judah and Jerusalem, fear not, nor be dismayed; Tomorrow go ye forth, and the Lord, he will be with you.

Stand ye still and see the salvation of the Lord.

Tomorrow go ye forth, and the Lord, he will be with you.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.

Tomorrow go ye forth, and the Lord, he will be with you.

Hymn

O come O come Emmanuel

O

come, O come, Emmanuel!

And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, thou Rod of Jesse! free Thine own from Satan’s tyranny From depths of hell, thy people save, And give them victory o’er the grave: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, thou dayspring come and cheer Our spirits by thine advent here; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,, And death’s dark shadows put to flight: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, thou Key of David come And open wide our heav’nly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, thou Lord of Might, Who to thy tribes on Sinai’s height, In ancient times did give the law In cloud and majesty and awe: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Please remain standing The Advent Blessing May God the Father, who loved the world so much that he sent his only son, give you grace to prepare for the life eternal.

Amen.

May God the Son, who comes to us as Redeemer and Judge, reveal to you the path from darkness to light.

Amen.

May God the Holy Spirit, by whose working the Virgin Mary conceived the Christ, help you bear the fruits of holiness.

Amen.

And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.

Amen.

Recessional

Lo! He comes with clouds descending

During which the choir processes to St Aldhelm’s Chapel

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o, he comes with clouds descending, Once for favoured sinners slain; Thousand, thousand saints attending Swell the triumph of his train: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Christ appears, on earth to reign.

Every eye shall now behold him Robed in dreadful majesty; Those who set at naught and sold him, Pierced and nailed him to the tree, Deeply wailing, deeply wailing, deeply wailing Shall the true Messiah see.

Those dear tokens of his Passion Still his dazzling body bears, Cause of endless exultation To his ransomed worshippers: With what rapture, with what rapture, with what rapture gaze we on those glorious scars!

Yea, amen! Let all adore thee, High on thine eternal throne; Saviour, take the power and glory: Claim the kingdom for thine own: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou shalt reign, and thou alone.

Please remain standing Choir

Glory honour power and blessing J.S. Bach

‘Glory, honour, power and blessing’ all living creatures stand confessing with harps and cymbals round your throne.

Gates of pearl and streets pure golden, the saints and angels stand beholding God’s city, our eternal home.

His glory gives it light; no eye has seen a sight of such splendour.

Rejoice afar, ‘Alleluia!’

Forever praise Him, ‘Gloria!’

Dismissal Our Lord says, ‘I am coming soon.’

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting.

Amen.

Organ Voluntary Fantasia ‘In dulci jubilo’ J.S. Bach