The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Eve
CHORAL & INSTRUMENTAL PRELUDE BLESSING OF THE CRÈCHE HOLY EUCHARIST THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020 AT NINE-THIRTY IN THE EVENING
THE SOCIETY OF SAINT JOHN THE EVANGELIST 980 Memorial Drive Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 617.876.3037 www.SSJE.org
The Brothers of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist joyfully share this Christmas celebration with you. May you know the joy of Jesus this Christmastide.
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Musical Prelude “Prelude” and “Sarabande” from Sonata in d minor
Arcangelo Corelli (1652—1713) Mr. Robert Humphreville, Monastery Organist Br. Sean Glenn SSJE, Cello
Organ interlude on “While all things were in quiet silence” While all things were in quiet silence
Antiphon to the Magnificat, First Evensong of the First Sunday after Christmas Day
Once in royal David’s city
Hymn 102
Organ interlude on “O wondrous interchange” O wondrous interchange
Antiphon to Psalm 147:ii, Second Evensong of the First Sunday after Christmas Day
O little town of Bethlehem
Hymn 78
In the bleak midwinter
Hymn 112
Today Christ is born
Antiphon to the Magnificat, Second Evensong of Christmas Day
Organ Improvisation
The musical prelude is offered by the Community of Brothers with a special word of thanks to our organist, Mr. Robert Humphreville, for his time and talent this evening. 3
Procession to the Crèche For the procession to the crèche, we sing only verses 1 and 2.
O come, all ye faithful
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Blessing of the Crèche Presider People
The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. And we beheld his glory.
Presider
Let us pray. O God our Creator, to restore our fallen race you spoke the effectual word, and the Eternal Word became flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Mercifully grant that as he humbled himself to be clothed with our humanity, so we may be found worthy in him to be clothed with his divinity; who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
For the procession from the crèche to the sanctuary we sing verses 3 through 6 of O come, all ye faithful.
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Opening Acclamation Presider People
Blessed be the one, holy and living God. Glory to God for ever and ever.
Collect for Purity Presider People
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hymn of Praise Angels we have heard on high
Next Page (p. 7)
Collect of the Day Presider People Presider
People
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The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
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The Word of God The Lessons First Lesson Gradual
Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96
Second Lesson Gospel
Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-20
Sermon Nicene Creed
Next Pages (pp. 9–10)
Prayers of the People
Collect Presider
People
The Peace 8
Loving Father, we who are physically distant now groan inwardly as we await the day when we are restored to the company of our neighbors and brought to the fullness of your presence in the Eucharistic feast. Comfort us in our longing to be near each other, assure us of your indwelling presence, and hasten the day when we will abide with you and all our beloved siblings in that kingdom where there is neither sorrow nor crying but the fullness of joy with all your saints; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
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The Holy Communion Offertory Hymn Of the Father’s love begotten
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The Great Thanksgiving Sanctus
Previous pages (pp. 12–13)
The Lord’s Prayer
Fraction
Next page (p. 15)
Communion Hymns Low, how a Rose e’er blooming Silent Night
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Page 16 Page 17
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Post-Communion Hymn Joy to the World
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This page and next page
Prayer after Communion Presider Almighty and everliving God, People we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Christmas Blessing and Dismissal Postlude Improvisation
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❖ Br. James Koester, Presider & Preacher Br. Keith Nelson, Sub-Deacon Br. Jack Crowley, Thurifer Br. Lucas Hall, Crucifer Mr. Robert Humphreville, Monastery Organist ❖
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