Nine Lessons and Carols Bulletin

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 20, 2020 Four o’clock in the afternoon

Pine Street Presbyterian Church

Market Square Presbyterian Church

The Order of Service OPENING VOLUNTARIES: Gesu Bambino ………………………………………………………………………………………………..Pietro Yon Gabriel’s Oboe……………………………………………………………………………………...arr. Mark McGurty God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen………………………… Traditional Christmas Carol; arr. Christina Harmon Angels We Have Heard on High………………………………………….... French Carol; arr. Christina Harmon THE WELCOME:………………….……………………………………………………...The Rev. Dr. Russell C. Sullivan, Jr. THE PROCESSIONAL HYMN: “Once In Royal David’s City” ……….……………...…......…..Arr. by David Willcocks Chris Earhart, baritone

Solo:

Once in royal David’s city stood a lowly cattle shed, Where a mother laid her baby in a manger for his bed: Mary was that mother mild. Jesus Christ her little child.

All:

He came down to earth from heaven, who is God and Lord of all.

And his shelter was a stable, and his cradle was a stall; With the poor, and mean, and lowly, lived on earth our Saviour holy.

All:

And through all his wondrous childhood, he would honour and obey, Love, and watch the lowly maiden, in whose gentle arms he lay; Christian children all must be Mild, obedient, good as he.

For he is our childhood’s pattern, day by day like us he grew, He was little, weak and helpless, tears and smiles like us he knew; And he feeleth for our sadness, and he shareth in our gladness.

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.

Not in that poor lowly stable, with the oxen standing by, We shall see him; but in heaven, set at God’s right hand on high; When like stars his children crowned all in white shall wait around.

THE BIDDING PRAYER:……………………………………………..…......................................The Rev. Thomas A. Sweet Beloved in Christ, be it this day our care and delight to prepare ourselves to hear again the message of the angels; in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in a manger.

Let us read and mark in Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God from the first days of our disobedience unto the glorious Redemption brought us by this Holy Child; and let us make this Sanctuary glad with our carols of praise.

But first let us pray for the needs of the whole world; for peace and goodwill over all the earth; for unity within the Church Christ came to build, and especially in the dominions of our country, within this state of Pennsylvania, and in the great city of Harrisburg.

And because this of all things would rejoice God’s heart, let us at this time remember the poor and helpless, the cold, the hungry, the oppressed; the sick in body and in mind and them that mourn; the lonely and the unloved; the aged and the little children; 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 before God 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 up to the throne of heaven, in the words which Christ himself hath taught us: 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

HYMN: "Now the Heavens Start to Whisper"

JEFFERSON

Now the heavens start to whisper, as the veil is growing thin.

Earth from slumber wakes to listen to the stirring, faint within: seed of promise, deeply planted, child to spring from Jesse’s stem!

Like the soil beneath the frostline, hearts grow soft to welcome him.

Heavy clouds that block the moonlight now begin to drift away.

Diamond brilliance through the darkness shines the hope of coming day.

Christ, the morning star of splendor, gleams within a world grown dim.

Heaven’s ember fans to fullness; hearts grow warm to welcome him.

Christ, eternal Sun of justice, Christ, the rose of wisdom’s seed, come to bless with fire and fragrance hours of yearning, hurt, and need.

In the lonely, in the stranger, in the outcast, hid from view: child who comes to grace the manger, teach our hearts to welcome you.

THE FIRST LESSON: Genesis 3:8-15, 17-19………………………...…… ..........................................…Reader: Rev. Sweet “God tells sinful Adam that he has lost the life of Paradise and that his seed will bruise the serpent’s head.”

ANTHEM: "Adam Lay Ybounden"………………………………………………….……………..…..…….…..…Boris Ord Adam lay ybounden, Bounden in a bond; Four thousand winter Thought he not too long.

And all was for an apple, An apple that he took, As clerkès finden Written in their book.

Ne had the apple taken been, The apple taken been, Ne had never our lady A-been heaven-é queen.

Blessed be the time That apple taken was, Therefore we moun (must) singen, Deo gracias! (thanks be to God) ANTHEM "Christ the Appletree"...................................................................................................................Stanford Scriven 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.

This 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 miss'd of all, but now I see 'Tis found in 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.

I'm weary'd with my former toil, Here I will sit and rest a while; Under the shadow I will be, Of Jesus Christ the apple tree.

THE SECOND LESSON: Genesis 22:15-18…………………………………....……….…............…..Reader: Rev. Sullivan “God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.”

ANTHEM: “Ding! Dong! Merrily on High"......................................................................................................Mack Wilberg Ding! dong! merrily on high in heav'n the bells are ringing!

Ding! dong! verily the sky is riv'n with angels singing!

Gloria! Hosanna in excelsis!

Gloria! Hosanna in excelsis!

E'n so here below, below, let steeple bells be swungen, And "Io,io,io!" by priest and people swungen!

Gloria! Hosanna in excelsis!

Gloria! Hosanna in excelsis!

Pray you, dutifully prime your matin chime, ye ringers!

May you beautifully rime your even-time song, ye singers!

Gloria! Hosanna in excelsis!

Gloria! Hosanna in excelsis!

THE THIRD LESSON: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 …………...…..………………………………….….....................Reader: Rev. Sweet “The prophet foretells the coming of the Saviour.”

ANTHEM: “In the Bleak Midwinter”………………………………………………………………………….Abbie Betines Rachel Cornacchio and Sarah Topping ANTHEM "Tomorrow Shall be My Dancing Day" ......................................................................................Howard Helvey

Tyler Canonico and Jordan Markham, piano

Tomorrow shall be my dancing day: I would my true love did so chance To see the legend of my play, To call my true love to my dance: Sing O my love, O my love, my love, my love; This have I done for my true love.

Thus was I born of a virgin pure, Of her I took fleshly substance; Thus was I knit to man's nature, To call my true love to my dance: Sing O my love, O my love, my love, my love; This have I done for my true love.

Sing O my love, O my love, Sing O my love, O my love, In a manger laid and wrapp'd I was, So very poor, this was my chance, Betwixt an ox and a silly poor ass, I call my true love to my dance: Sing O my love, O my love, my love, my love; This have I done for my true love.

THE FOURTH LESSON: Isaiah 11:1-4…………..……………………………........................................Reader: Rev. Sullivan “The Peace that Christ will bring is foreshown.”

ANTHEM: “E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come”……………………………………………..………..………..Paul Manz Peace be to you and grace from him Who freed us from our sins, 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, is coming soon, For Christ is coming soon!

E’en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come, And night shall be no more; They need no light nor lamp nor sun, For Christ will be their All! ANTHEM: "Sure on this Shining Night"...............................................................................James Agee/Morten Lauridsen Sure on this shining night Of star made shadows round, Kindness must watch for me This side the ground.

The late year lies down the north.

All is healed, all is health.

High summer holds the earth.

Hearts all whole.

Sure on this shining night I weep for wonder wand’ring far alone Of shadows on the stars.

THE FIFTH LESSON: Luke 1:26-35, 38………………………………………………...………… ........Reader: Rev. Sweet “The angel Gabriel salutes the Blessed Virgin Mary.”

ANTHEM: “A Maiden Most Gentle” ………………………………………………………...……..…..…...Andrew Carter A maiden most gentle and tender we sing: Of Mary the mother of Jesus our King.

Ave, ave, ave Maria, Ave, ave, ave Maria.

How blessed is the birth of her heavenly child, Who came to redeem us in Mary so mild.

The Archangel Gabriel foretold by his call The Lord of creation, and Saviour of all.

Rejoice and be glad at this Christmas we pray; Sing praise to the Saviour, sing endless “Ave.”

THE SIXTH LESSON: Luke 2:1, 3-7……………………………………………………… ………...Reader: Rev. Sullivan “St. Luke tells of the birth of Jesus.”

ANTHEM: “Jesus Child” …………………………………….…………………………………………………...John Rutter Have you heard the story that they’re telling ’bout Bethlehem, Have you heard the story of the Jesus child?

How he came from heaven and was born in a manger bed?

Mary was his virgin mother pure and mild.

Sing alleluia, sing alleluia, Worship the Jesus child and praise his mother mild.

‘Glory to God’ the angel hosts are singing: Listen to the story of the Jesus child.

Have you heard the story of the poor humble shepherd men, Sitting on the hillside with their flocks at night?

Suddenly the angel tells them: ‘Hurry to Bethlehem; Go and find the Jesus child, the world’s new light.’

Jesus child lying at Bethlehem, Sleeping safe at Mary’s knee, Save my soul and bring me to paradise, Sing alleluia, brothers, sing alleluia, sisters, Worship the Jesus child and praise his holy mother mild.

Glory to God on high’ the angel hosts above are singing: Listen to the story of the Jesus child.

Have you heard the story of the kings from the orient, Following the star that’s shinning over his head?

Offering their gifts of gold, myrrh and frank-incense, Kneeling with the ass before his bed?

Brothers, let us celebrate the birth of the Jesus child, Sisters, come and welcome him, the new-born King; Praise the Lord who sent him down from heaven at Christmas time; Young and old and rich and poor, his praises sing.

ANTHEM: “I Saw Three Ships” ……………………………………………………………………….…..arr. John Rutter I saw three ships come sailing in, Come sailing in, come sailing in; I saw three ships come sailing in, On Christmas day in the morning.

Pray whither sailed those ships all three, Those ships all three, those ships all three?

Pray whither sailed those ships all three, On Christmas Day in the morning?

O, they sailed in to Bethlehem, To Bethlehem, to Bethlehem; O, they sailed in to Bethlehem, On Christmas Day in the morning.

And who should be in those three ships, In those three ships, in those three ships; And who should be in those three ships, But Joseph and his Lady?

And he did whistle and she did sing, And she did sing, and she did sing; And he did whistle and she did sing, On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the bells on earth shall ring, On earth shall ring, on earth shall ring; And all the bells on earth shall ring, On Christmas Day in the morning.

THE SEVENTH LESSON: Luke 2:8-16………………………………………………...........…............…Reader: Rev Sweet “The shepherds go to the manger.”

ANTHEM: Away in a Manger…………………………………………………………………………………. Mack Wilberg Away in a manger, No crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.

The stars in the bright 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.

THE EIGHTH LESSON: Matthew 2:1-11……………………………………..……………………....Reader: Rev. Sullivan “The wise men are led by the star to Jesus.”

ANTHEM: “Christmas Lullaby” …………………………………………………………………………………...Jeffrey Van Lullaby, lullaby, sleep wondrous child to my lullaby.

Heaven’s light radiant within the hay, All gathered here sing thy mystery, How can this babe the answer be?

Yet hear the angels so surely say: “Here! Here’s the One.” Lullaby, lullaby, sleep wondrous child to my lullaby.

Peaceful and still all around thy bed, Outside in darkness a world of dread, Rest thy head near us, O holy child, Stay, stay awhile.

Lullaby, lullaby, sleep wondrous child to my lullaby.

† THE NINTH LESSON: John 1:1-14…………………………..………..……………………………….Reader: Rev. Sweet “St. John unfolds the mystery of the Incarnation.”

ANTHEM: “Hodie Christus natus est” ………………………………………………………..…………….Andrew Carter Hodie Christus natus est, Born is a king for ever blessed, Welcome we now our heavenly guest, Sing alleluia, sing alleluia, sing alleluia!

Allelu, allelu, alleluia!

Loud, loud, loud we give praise this day of days; Long, long, long may we sing our God and King, Light of life, Lord of lords.

Hodie Christus natus est, Born is a king for ever blessed, Welcome we now our heavenly guest, Sing alleluia, sing alleluia, sing alleluia!

Alleluya, alleluia! Alleluya!

† HYMN: “O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL” ..…………….………………………………………. Arr. by David Willcocks 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!

Child, for us sinners Poor and in the manger, Fain we embrace thee, with awe and love; Who would not love thee, Loving us so dearly?

O come, let us adore him,

O come let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!

Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above; Glory to God In the highest: O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!

Yea, Lord, we greet thee, Born this happy morning, Jesus, to thee be glory giv’n; Word of the Father, Now in flesh appearing: O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!

† THE BENEDICTION:.....................................................................................................................................The Rev. Sullivan Minister: People:

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Minister:

Let us pray.

O God, who made us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ: grant that, as we joyfully receive the Word made flesh as our redeemer, we may one day with sure confidence behold the Son of Righteousness, who will come to be our judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.

All:

Amen.

† THE BLESSING:........................................................................................................................ ……The Rev.Russell Sullivan Minister:

May Christ, the Incarnate One, fill you with inward peace and love; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be upon you and remain with you always.

All:

Amen.

† HYMN: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”………………………………………………………. Arr. by David Willcocks Hark! The herald angels sing Glory to the new-born King; Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled: Joyful all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies, With th’angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem.

Hark! The herald angels sing Glory to the new-born King.

Christ, by highest heav’n adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord, Late in time behold him come

Off-spring of a virgin’s womb: Veiled in flesh the God-head see, Hail th’incarnate Deity!

Pleased in flesh with us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.

Hark! The herald angels sing Glory to the new-born King.

Hail the heav’n-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 we no more may die, Born to raise us from the earth Born to give us second birth.

Hark! The herald angels sing Glory to the new-born King.

VOLUNTARY: Flourish on “Joy to the World”………………………………………….G. F. Handel; arr. Robert Hobby

PARTICIPANTS IN THE SERVICE THIS AFTERNOON The Rev. Dr. Russell C. Sullivan, Jr., Pastor, Pine Street Presbyterian The Rev. Thomas A. Sweet, Pastor, Market Square Presbyterian Joseph W. Garrison, Minister of Music and Worship, Pine Street Presbyterian Tyler A. Canonico, Minister of Music and Organist, Market Square Presbyterian Church

THE CHOIR Rachel Cornacchio, Laura Edinger, Sarah Topping, soprano Morgan Hackett, Genni Piatt, Ollie Silver, alto Timothy Lupia, Todd Snovel, Matt Topping, tenor Chris Earhart, Jordan Markham, Sean Meara, bass

THE INSTRUMENTALISTS Jocelyn Goranson, flute Jill Hoffmann, oboe Ruth Hunter, harp Barry Dove, percussion and timpani Jeffrey Wohlbach and Jonah Kappraff, trumpet Julia Balseiro, horn Darryl Balseiro, trombone Cody Messersmith, tuba Welcome to this festival service of lessons and carols; we are grateful to you for joining us virtually to hear the rich Scripture readings and the beautiful carols. We know that this has been an unusual year, and we are saddened we cannot come together this evening, but we are thankful to be able to share this service with you virtually. Thank you to all of the musicians who have participated. Thank you to both church adult choirs who came in individually to create a virtual choir. Thank you to both pastors, Russell and Tom, for participating and sharing encouraging words as we journey through this dark time. We hope you each have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Tyler A. Canonico and Joseph Garrison