Friday, December 24, 2021, Christmas Eve, Holy Eucharist

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Eve

CHORAL & INSTRUMENTAL PRELUDE BLESSING OF THE CRÈCHE HOLY EUCHARIST FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021 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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Procession to the Crèche

Hymnal 81

For the procession to the crèche, we sing only stanzas 1 and 2.

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Blessing of the Crèche Presider

The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.

People Presider

And we beheld his glory.

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 stanza 3 of Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming.

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Opening Acclamation Presider People

Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

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. 6)

Collect of the Day Presider People Presider

People

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. 8–9)

Prayers of the People

Collect Presider

People

Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

The Peace

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The Holy Communion Offertory Hymn

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O come, all ye faithful

Hymnal 83

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Sanctus

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Hymnal S 130

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The Great Thanksgiving Sanctus

Previous pages (pp. 12–13)

The Lord’s Prayer

Fraction

Communion Hymn

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Next page (p. 15) Silent Night

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Agnus Dei

Hymnal S 164

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Collect of Longing 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.

Presider People

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Behold what you are.

May we become what we receive.

Communion Hymn

Silent night, holy night

Hymnal 111

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Post-Communion Hymn

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What child is this

Hymnal 115

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 19

❖ Br. James Koester, Presider & Preacher Br. Todd Blackham, Deacon Br. Jack Crowley, Sub-Deacon Mr. Robert Humphreville, Monastery Organist ❖

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