INTROIT Father, Our Hearts We Lift | Dr. Stephen Michael Newby (2013) Ebony Collier and Sheldon Michael, Soloists · Chancel Choir and Orchestra Father, our hearts we lift Up to Thy gracious throne, And bless Thee for the precious gift Of Thine incarnate Son; The Gift unspeakable We thankfully receive, And to the world Thy goodness tell, And to Thy glory live.
Assumes our flesh and blood, That we His Spirit may gain; The everlasting Son of God, The mortal Son of man. His kingdom from above He doth to us impart, And pure benevolence and love O’erflow the faithful heart: Changed in a moment, We the sweet attraction find, With open arms of charity, Embracing all mankind.
Jesus, the holy child, Doth by His birth declare That God and man are reconciled, And one in Him we are: Salvation through His name To all mankind is given, And loud His infant cries proclaim A peace ’twixt earth and heaven.
O might they all receive The new-born Prince of Peace, And meekly in His Spirit live And in His love increase! ‘Til He convey us home, Cry every soul aloud, Come, Thou Desire of nations, come, And take us all to God!
A peace on earth He brings, Which never more shall end: The Lord of hosts, the King of kings Declares Himself our friend:
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WELCOME & OPENING PRAYER Dr. Richard Kannwischer, Senior Pastor
CONGREGATIONAL CAROL Once in Royal David’s City | IRBY Christian Savage, Soloist
Carol of the Bells | arr. Kevin McChesney Chancel Bells · Peachtree Youth Bells
Immaculate Mother (Armenian Carol) | Ara Bartevian (1902-1986) Alvard Mayilyan, Soloist
Immaculate mother and virgin, servant of Christ, You are the constant intercessor for the world, all nations bless you. Pure turtle-dove, Mary, bride of heaven, Temple and vessel of God’s Word, all nations bless you. Mother and virgin, bride of heaven, all nations bless you! Sussex Carol | arr. William Miller Peachtree Youth Choir · Thomas Ellison, Soloist
On Christmas night all Christians sing To hear the news the angels bring News of great joy news of great mirth, News of our merciful King’s birth!
When sin departs before his face, Then life and health come in its place. Angels rejoice with us and sing, All for to see the new born King.
Then why should we on earth be sad Since our Redeemer made us glad. When from our sin He set us free, All for to gain our liberty?
All out of darkness we have light Which made the angels sing this night: “Glory to God and peace to men, Now and forever more, Amen!”
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Star Carol | John Rutter (1972) Sheldon Michael, Conductor · Alyssa Martin, Soloist · Chancel Choir and Orchestra Sing this night for a boy is born in Bethlehem Christ our lord in a lowly manger lies Bring your gifts come and see him at his cradle Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary! (REFRAIN)
See his star shining bright In the sky this Christmas night! Follow me joyfully: Hurry to Bethlehem And see the son of Mary!
Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary! (REFRAIN)
See he lies in his mother’s tender keeping, Jesus Christ in her loving arms asleep, Shepherds poor come to worship and adore him, Offer their humble gifts before the son of Mary! (REFRAIN)
Angels bright come from heaven’s highest glory, Bear the news with its message of good cheer, Sing, rejoice, for a king is come to save us!
Let us all pay our homage at the manger, Sing his praise on the joyful Christmas night, Christ is come bringing promise of salvation: Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary! (REFRAIN)
CONGREGATIONAL CAROL Angels We Have Heard on High | arr. Johnnie Carl I Wonder As I Wander | arr. Mark Miller Wil Brown · Mark Miller
I wonder as I wander out under the sky, How Jesus, the Saviour, did come for to die. For poor, ornery people like you and like I I wonder as I wander Out under the sky.
If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing: A star in the sky, or a bird on the wing; Or all of God’s angels in heaven to sing, He surely could have had it, ‘Cause He was the King!
When Mary birthed Jesus, ‘twas in a cows’ stall, With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all. But high from God’s heaven a star’s light did fall, And the promise of ages It did then recall.
I wonder as I wander out under the sky, How Jesus, the Saviour, did come for to die. For poor, ornery people like you and like I I wonder as I wander Out under the sky.
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The First Noel | arr. Kevin McChesney Chancel Bells
Almost There | Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant Peachtree Youth Choir · Lily Sprain, Soloist
Mary, full of innocence, Carrying the Holy Prince You’re almost there, you’re almost there.
Trust the Father to provide Bread of heaven prophesied You’re almost there, you’re almost there.
Mother of the Living Word, Trusting in the voice you heard You’re almost there, you’re almost there.
You’re almost where the waiting ends Delivering the life within; The answered prayer, Emmanuel, You’re almost there.
You’re almost where the angels see Redemption’s plan unfolding; All hope is in the Son you’ll bear You’re almost there.
You’re almost where the journey ends Where death will die and life begins The answered prayer, Emmanuel You’re almost, almost there.
A lonely road, a willing heart, Pray for strength to do your part You’re almost there, you’re almost there. Gesu Bambino | Pierto á Yon (1886-1943) Kimberlin Bolton and Ebony Collier, Soloists
When blossoms flowered ‘mid the snows Upon a winter night Was born the Child, the Christmas Rose, The King of Love and Light. The angels sang, the shepherds sang, The grateful earth rejoiced And at His blessed birth the stars Their exultation voiced: (REFRAIN)
O Come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. Again the heart with rapture glows To greet the holy night That gave the world it’s Christmas Rose, It’s King of Love and Light. Let every voice acclaim His name, The grateful chorus swell! From paradise to earth He came That we with Him might dwell. (REFRAIN)
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The Holly and the Ivy | arr. John Rutter Chancel Choir · Elizabeth Claxton Castillo, Soloist
The holly and the ivy, when they are both full grown, Of all the trees that are in the wood, the holly bears the crown. (REFRAIN) O
the rising of the sun and the running of the deer, The playing of the merry organ, sweet singing in the choir.
The holly bears a blossom as white as the lily flower, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, to be our sweet Savior. (REFRAIN) The holly bears a berry as red as any blood, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ to do poor sinners good. (REFRAIN) The holly bears a prickle as sharp as any thorn, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ on Christmas Day in the morn. (REFRAIN) The holly bears a bark as bitter as any gall, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ for to redeem us all. (REFRAIN)
CONGREGATIONAL CAROL What Child is This? | GREENSLEEVES White Christmas | arr. Cynthia Dobrinski Chancel Bells
If this Child were Born Today | Berta and Sonja Poorman Trey Williams, Soloist · Peachtree Youth Choir
If this child were born today, In a manger on the hay, Would we see a King? Would we hear the angels sing?
To behold God’s Son? Would we fall on bended knee, Worshiping this Babe? Would we praise with thankful hearts God’s gift of salvation?
If a star were shining bright, Would we notice in the night? Would we be the ones
The first Noel… Away in a manger…
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Twelve Days of Christmas | Traditional, arr. John Rutter (1970) Peachtree Chamber Chorale · Orchestra
Appalachian Waltz | Edgar Meyer (1996) Vega Quartet
King Jesus | Wil Brown Wil Brown, Soloist · Mark Miller, Guitar
All creation shook on that very day the Lamb was slain Then redemption came to anyone who would call His name With peace and with strength You broke these heavy chains And salvation reigned and with a shout of praise and with our voices raised: King Jesus, You are victorious You have conquered death with this life of love King Jesus, You are victorious You paid the final debt for all of us King Jesus, You are victorious! None can separate the very hope and grace that He displayed Neither height nor depth or anyone can steal the love He gave. And with a shout of praise and with our voices raised One day every knee will bow, behold You in Your glory, Every tongue will declare Your Holy name King Jesus, You are victorious! “Shepherd’s Farewell” from L’Enfance du Christ | Hector Berlioz (1803-1869) Chancel Choir · Orchestra
Thou must leave Thy lowly dwelling, The humble crib, the stable bare. Babe, all mortal babes excelling, Content our earthly lot to share. Loving father, Loving mother, Shelter Thee with tender care!
May the shepherd’s lowly calling, Ever to Thy heart be dear! Blest are ye beyond all measure, Thou happy father, mother mild! Guard ye well your heav’nly treasure, The Prince of Peace, The Holy Child! God go with you, God protect you, Guide you safely through the wild!
Blessed Jesus, we implore Thee, With humble love and holy fear. In the land that lies before Thee, Forget not us who linger here!
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The Work of Christmas | Dan Forrest (2014) Chancel Choir
When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flock, The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, to heal the broken, To feed the hungry, to release the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, to bring peace among brothers, To make music from the heart.
BENEDICTION
Dr. Richard Kannwischer, Senior Pastor Here’s a Pretty Little Baby | Traditional, arr. André Thomas (1997) Sean Savage, Soloist · Chancel Choir and Orchestra
Here’s a pretty little baby (Look in the manger!) Behold, believe and be baptized! Wise men riding: Behold, believe and be baptized! Bright star shining: Behold, believe and be baptized! Name is Jesus: Behold, believe and be baptized!
Please join us for a reception of “Home-made sweets and treats” provided by our Presbyterian Women.
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MUSIC PROGRAM STAFF Dr. Stephen Michael Newby | Minister for Worship · Mary Hoffman | Director of Music Wil Brown | Director of Contemporary Worship · Steven Wooddell | Organist Heather Ellison | Director of Children’s Music · Sarah Dempster | Music Associate Jim Wood | Chancel Bell Director · Sheldon Michael | Music Assistant/Vocal Coach Jason Maynard | Principal Pianist
THE CHANCEL CHOIR SOPR ANO I Lynn Barry Kimberlin Bolton* Elizabeth Castillo* Karen DeZearn Wendy Eavenson Janifer Jo Stephanie Kirkpatrick Barbara Malm Nancy Newman Staci Graham
ALTO I Ebony Collier* Sarah Dempster Christi Downing Jennifer Hanna* Gala Pope Mary Saville Jeanne Scarborough Tiffany Stewart Jane Trimm Jane Word
SOPR ANO II Alyssa Martin* Sheila Fraser Alex Bragg Katie Messinger Ellen Warden
ALTO II Alvard Mayilyan* Emily Monroe Kathy Pais Martha Randolph Kathryn Roberts
TENOR I Jeff Akana* Steve Bing Sean Savage* TENOR II Sam Grisham Jonathan Hart* Stephen Rogers Don Sheffield
Cathy Sasser * denotes Staff Singer
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BARITONE Sheldon Michael* Marcus Hopkins-Turner* Gene Horn Evans Scarborough Mario Vollbracht Jim Wood Tim Parham BASS Robert Cribb Wendel Stephens*
PEACHTREE YOUTH CHOIR Jade Aguilar Sasha Booth Thomas Ellison Ashby Kannwischer Caden McLary Lily Sprain Trey Williams Christian Savage
CHANCEL BELLS Lynn Barry Richard Ellison Jessica Gelston Susan Gornall Barbara Malm Suzann Moore Sean Savage Tiffany Stewart Christine Tye Ellen Warden
GUEST MUSICIANS Jessica Shuang Wu | Violin Chris Burndrette | Violin Yinzi Kong | Viola Guang Wang | Cello Mace Hibbard | Woodwinds Sam Skelton | Woodwinds Rebecca Testerman | Oboe Robert Henson | Double Bass Diedre Agustin | Harp
Jonathan Swygert | Trumpet John Bryant | Trumpet Jason Eklund | French Horn Hollie Lawing Pritchard | Bass Trombone Joel Morris | Timpani Paula Williams | Auxiliary Percussion Mark Miller | Acoustic Guitar
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FRIENDS 23I 4 567OF89 MUSIC 1U 0I For information on how you can become a Friend of Music, contact the Peachtree Music Ministry at MHoffman@PeachtreeChurch.com
GLORIA LEVEL
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Brannon Mrs. Sally Hinkle Mr. Jim Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Stiles Kellett, Jr.
Ms. Annette Satterfield Friends of Frank Skinner Mrs. Jane Young
ALLELUIA LEVEL
Mr. and Mrs. Lou Bunte Mrs. Peggy Dominey
Mr. Clay Hilley Max and George Lane
FESTIVAL LEVEL
Anonymous Mrs. Nancy Berry Friends of Eleanor Dearolph Friends of Jean Guest Friends of Dave Hudak Mrs. Emily Monroe
Friends of Helen Nemesnyik Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Nichols Mr. Richard Oliver and Mrs. Marge Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Beau Terrell
FANFARE LEVEL
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Allen Mrs. Ellen Blake Ms. Mildred Cook
Mr. and Mrs. Hazen Dempster Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Newton Mrs. Ruthanne Suttles
PROCESSIONAL LEVEL
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Baker Mr. and Mrs. Rick Barnes Mr. and Mrs. Peter Buck Ms. Susan Cameron Mr. and Mrs. George Deriso Ms. Betty Jeter
Ms. Pamela Ledbetter Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Mulick Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Sharpe Mr. and Mrs. Bob Slater Friends of Cynthia L. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Tyler Warden
PRELUDE LEVEL
Ms. Laura Brown Friends of Eleanor Cool
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Inabinet
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Christmas
AT PE AC H T R EE
In-Person Christmas Eve Candlelight Services December 22 | 7:00pm December 23 | 5:00pm | 7:00pm December 24 | 3:00pm | 5:00pm | 7:00pm The majesty of the Advent season is captured in music, message, and the beauty of sharing the light of Christ with candles as we sing our favorite Christmas hymns. Nursery is available for all services. Registration is required.
Young Families Service December 24 | 10:00am Join us for this interactive service for families of toddlers and young preschoolers. This delightful telling of Christmas will capture hearts of children and parents alike. Sing your favorite carols and experience God’s story in a fresh way. Visit the nativity animals on the front lawn before or after the service. Registration is required.
Peachtree Online Christmas Eve Service December 24 | 5:00pm | PeachtreeChurch.com/Christmas If you cannot attend one of our in-person services, you are invited to experience the beauty of our candlelight service online. Participate with us and have your candles ready as we sing Silent Night and other Christmas favorites. PeachtreeChurch.com/Watch
Register for in-person Christmas Eve services tomorrow, December 13, at 9am
PeachtreeChurch.com/Christmas
3434 Roswell Rd NW Atlanta, Georgia 30305 PeachtreeChurch.com