T HE S OCIETY OF S AINT J OHN THE E VANGELIST 980 Memorial Drive Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 617.876.3037 www.SSJE.org A PRELUDE OF CAROLS BLESSING OF THE CRÈCHE & HOLY EUCHARIST SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2022 AT NINE-THIRTY IN THE EVENING The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Eve
A Prelude of Carols
“Ther is no rose of swych virtu” Betsy Noecker, Lindy Noecker, [Text below] Br. Sean Glenn, cellos
“Of the Father’s love begotten” The Brothers, SSJE
Organist’s Reply
Mr. Robert Humphreville, Monastery Organist
“It came upon a midnight clear” The Brothers, The Congregation, [Hymnal 1982 89] and Organ/Cellos
“Coventry Carol” [arr. Vaughan Williams/Glenn] Betsy Noecker, Lindy Noecker, Br. Sean Glenn, cellos
“Gabriel’s message does away” The Brothers, SSJE [Hymnal 1982 270]
Organist’s Reply Mr. Robert Humphreville, Monastery Organist
“God rest you merry, gentlemen” The Congregation, The Brothers, [Hymnal 1982 105] and Organ/Cellos
“The first Nowell” The Congregation, The Brothers, [Hymnal 1982 109] and Organ/Cellos
Ther is no rose of swych virtu Anonymous, Trinity Carol Roll (15th century) There is no rose of such virtue
Ther is no rose of swych virtu As is the rose that bar Jhesu. Alleluya.
For in this rose conteyned was Heven and erthe in lytle space. Res miranda.
Be that rose we may weel see There be one God in personys thre. Pares forma.
The aungelys sungyn the sheperdes to Gloria in excelsis Deo. Gaudeamus. Leve we al this werdly merthe and folwe we this joyful berthe. Transeamus.
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Procession to the Crèche
Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming
For the procession to the crèche, we sing only stanzas 1 and 2.
Blessing of the Crèche
Presider The Word was made flesh and dwelt among ús. People And we beheld his glorý. Presider Let us pray. The Presider prays a Collect. The people respond: Amen.
For the procession from the crèche to the sanctuary we sing stanza 3 of Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming, found on the previous page
Opening Acclamation
Presider Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
Collect for Purity
Presider Almighty God, People 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.
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Hymn of Praise Angels we have heard on high
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Collect of the Day
Presider The Lord be with you. People And also with you.
Presider 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. People Amen.
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HE LITURGY OF THE WORD The Lessons First Lesson Isaiah 9:2-7 Gradual Psalm 96 Second Lesson
2:11–14
T
Titus
An Alleluia is sung before the proclamation of the Gospel
Sermon
Nicene Creed Missa de Angelis, ed. James Woodman
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Luke 2:1–20
The Holy Gospel
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Collect
Presider 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.
People Amen.
The Peace
THE HOLY COMMUNION Offertory Hymn
O come, all ye faithful
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Prayers of the People
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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
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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Br. James Koester, Presider and Preacher
Br. Luke Ditewig, Deacon
Br. Jack Crowley, Sub-Deacon
Mr. Robert Humphreville, Monastery Organist
Ms. Betsy Noecker, Cello
Ms. Lindy Noecker, Cello
Br. Sean Glenn, Cello ❖
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