December 25, 2022, The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Day, Holy Eucharist

THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

THE HOLY EUCHARIST: CHRISTMAS DAY

Prelude Pastorale and Allemande Johann Sebastian Bach In dulci jubilo Dietrich Buxtehude Entrance Hymn Joy to the world!

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.

Hymn

of Praise Angels we have heard on high

Collect of the Day

Presider Let us pray. Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born this day of a pure virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and for ever.

People Amen.

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

The Lessons

First Reading Isaiah 52:7–10

Gradual Psalm 98

Second Reading Hebrews 1:1–12

The Holy Gospel John 1:1–14

An Alleluia is sung before the proclamation of the Gospel

Sermon

Nicene Creed Missa de Angelis, ed. James Woodman

Prayers of the People

The Peace

THE HOLY COMMUNION

Offertory Hymn Once in royal David’s city

The Lord’s Prayer Hymnal S 148

Fraction Anthem Jesus, Lamb of God Hymnal S 164

Invitation to Communion*

Presider Behold what you are. People May we become what we receive.

*A note concerning the Invitation to Communion: “Behold what you are. May we become what we receive.” This text, used at the presentation of the Bread and Cup, is inspired by St. Augustine. In a sermon on the Eucharist, Augustine observes the paradox of our being at once Christ’s broken body, while yet daily becoming conformed more and more to his likeness.

Post-Communion Hymn

Hark! The herald angels sing

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

Postlude

In

dulci jubilo Johann Michael Bach

❖

Br. Curtis Almquist, Presider

Br. James Koester, Preacher

Br. Sean Glenn, Subdeacon

Mr. James Woodman, Monastery Organist ❖

Nativity Scene, Woodcut Print, Br. Lucas Hall SSJE, inspired by imagery from Isaiah: “The ox knows its owner, and the ass its master’s crib.”

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.