The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Eve
T HE H OLY E UC HARIS T December 24, 2023 Welcome to the Monastery Chapel. We warmly invite you to participate fully in our worship. Prelude of Congregational Carols and Organ Improvisation
Procession to the Crèche
It came upon the midnight clear
Hymnal 90
In the bleak midwinter
Hymnal 112
’Twas in the moon of wintertime
Hymnal 114
What child is this, who, laid to rest
Hymnal 115
O come, all ye faithful
Hymnal 83
Stanzas 1-3 during the procession to the crèche, and stanzas 4-6 following the blessing of the crèche.
Blessing of the Crèche Presider
The Word was made flesh and dwelt among ús.
People
And we beheld his glorý.
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:
THE SOCIETY OF SAINT JOHN THE EVANGELIST 980 Memorial Drive Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 617.876.3037 www.SSJE.org
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
Hymnal 96
Collect of the Day THE LITURGY OF THE WORD First Reading
Isaiah 9:2-7
Gradual: Psalm 96
BCP, p. 725
Second Reading
Titus 2:11-14
The Holy Gospel
Luke 2:1-20
Sermon Nicene Creed The Prayers of the People
The Peace
Hymnal S 105
THE HOLY COMMUNION The Collection of Gifts and Offerings Your financial gifts support the Brothers’ life and our ministry to many, here at our Monastery in Cambridge and at our rural Monastery, Emery House, in West Newbury, and others whom we reach electronically and in our travels on mission.
Offertory Hymn
Once in royal David’s city
Hymnal 102
The Great Thanksgiving Sanctus
Hymnal S 130
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.
Communion Hymn
Silent night, holy night
Hymnal 111
A Note about Holy Communion Please refrain from intinction (dipping the Bread into the Chalice). If you wish to abstain from receiving from the Chalice, remember that the Church catholic has always taught that the fullness of the Sacrament is received even when only one form is received. Please indicate to the Brother administering Bread at Holy Communion if you require a Gluten-Free host.
Post-Communion Hymn
Good Christian friends, rejoice
Hymnal 107
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.
Blessing and Dismissal Postlude
Improvisation
Robert Humphreville
❖ Br. James Koester, Presider & Preacher Br. Luke Ditewig, Deacon Br. Jim Woodrum, Subdeacon Mr. Robert Humphreville, Monastery Organist ❖
The Monastery as Sanctuary We want our Monastery to be a sanctuary for our guests and for the Brothers. Please silence your electronic devices. We also ask you not to photograph, video, or record services in the Chapel, or to photograph other guests or Brothers without their express permission.