Solemnity of the nativity 

December 24th, 2024

10:30pm 

BISHOP: The Rt Rev. Kara Wagner Sherer

Celebrant: The Rev. Steven Metcalfe

MUSIC DIRECTOR and ORGANIST: Stephen Kennedy

We seek to serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves.
We strive for justice and peace among all people,
respecting the dignity of every human being.

Welcome

We seek to mirror the love of God and the hospitality of Jesus in our worship and our service to others. We are a community welcoming all races, ethnicities, faiths, genders, orientations, and abilities. Our worship is open to all, and every person is invited to receive communion.

Our church nursery and children’s activities for church will begin on September 10, 2023. However, children and babies – noisy and quiet! – are always welcome in the pews.

Are you new to Christ Church and our liturgy?

Hymns are in the blue book in the pew in front of you. Hymn #1 starts about 200 pages in, not on page 1.

Let’s Get Connected!

If you’re interested in joining us on a regular basis or would like more information (or both!) fill out a card on the back of the pew in front of you. You can drop it in the collection plate or give it to an usher. Or you can drop us a note at our Contact page on our Newsmagazine THE SONG songforchristchurch.org/contact

Tomorrow (Christmas Day) 10:00am Holy Eucharist, said without music Next Sunday (New Year’s Eve) 10:00am Holy Eucharist, said without music

Holy Eucharist, said – Sunday, 8:00 am
Holy Eucharist, sung (with music) - Sunday 11:00 am

PRELUDE:  10:15 P.M.

“Noël Vosgien”.       Jean Bouvard (1905-1996)

“The Lamb”             John Tavener (1944-2013)

Little Lamb who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Gave thee life and bid thee feed
By the stream and o'er the mead;
Gave thee clothing of delight, 
Softest clothing wooly bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice, 
Making all the vales rejoice:
Little Lamb who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?

Little Lamb I'll tell thee,
Little Lamb I'll tell thee:
He is called by thy name,
For he calls himself a Lamb:
He is meek and he is mild,
He became a little child:
I a child and thou a lamb,
We are called by his name:
Little Lamb God bless thee.
Little Lamb God bless thee.

“There is no rose of such virtue” 

Stephen Kennedy (b. 1962)

There is no rose of such virtue

As is the rose that bare Jesu;
Alleluia.

For in this rose contained was
Heaven and earth in little space;
Res miranda (a marvelous thing).

By that rose we may well see
That He is God in persons three,
Pari forma (equal in form).

Now leave we all this worldly mirth
And follow we this joyful birth;
Transeamus (we travel on).

“Angelus ad Virginem”    

14th cen., arr. David Willcocks (1919-2015)

Translation:

Gabriel, from heaven's king
Sent to the maiden sweet,
Brought to her blissful tiding
And fair 'gan her to greet.
'Hail be thou, full of grace aright!
For so God's Son, the heaven's light,
Loves man, that He
a man will be
and take
Flesh of thee, maiden bright,
Mankind free for to make
Of sin and devil's might.'
Gently to him gave answer
The gentle maiden then:
'And in what wise should I bear
Child, that know not man?'
The angel said: 'O dread thee nought.
'Tis through the Holy Ghost that wrought
Shall be this thing
whereof tidings
I bring:
Lost mankind shall be bought
By thy sweet childbearing,
And back from sorrow brought.'
When the maiden understood
And the angel's words had heard,
Mildly, of her own mild mood,
The angel she answered:
'Our Lord His handmaiden, I wis,
I am, that here above us is:
And touching me
fulfilled be
thy saw;
That I, since His will is,
Be, out of nature's law
A maid with mother's bliss.'
Filled full of charity,
Thou matchless maiden-mother,
Pray for us to him that He
For thy love above other,
Away our sin and guilt should take,
And clean of every stain us make
And heaven's bliss,
when our time is
to die,
Would give us for thy sake;
With grace to serve him by
Till He us to him take. Amen.

“Noël Provençal” Jean Bouvard

THE ENTRANCE RITE 

At the ringing of the bell, all who are able, stand.

HYMN 83 O come, all ye faithful 

        (stanzas 1-3)

BLESSING AT THE CRÉCHE

Presider: The Word was made flesh

All: And dwelt among us.

Presider: Let us pray.

Almighty God, who in the Incarnation of your Son has revealed to us the holiness of creation, be pleased to bless and hallow this image of his sacred birth, so that those who gaze upon it may behold this mystery, whereby humanity shares in your very nature; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

HYMN 83 O come, all ye faithful

(stanzas 4-6)

THE WORD OF THE LORD

ACCLAMATION

Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People: And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and forever. Amen.

THE WORD OF GOD

COLLECT FOR PURITY

Celebrant: 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.

SONG OF PRAISE

HYMN 87 HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING Mendelssohn

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

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.

THE LESSONS

The people sit. After each Reading, the Reader says:

The Word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God.

Isaiah 9:2-7

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;

those who lived in a land of deep darkness--
on them light has shined.

You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;

they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.

For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.

For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.

For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;

authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace

for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it

with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

SEQUENCE HYMN 92  On this day earth shall ring

Epistle:

Titus 2:11-14

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

ALLELUIA VERSE- GOSPEL ACCLAMATION 

Gospeler:

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke

People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

THE GOSPEL

Luke 2:1-20

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see-- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Gospeler: The Gospel of the Lord

People:  Praise to you, Lord Christ.

SERMON The Rev’d Steven Metcalfe

THE NICENE CREED

We believe in one God, 

the Father, the Almighty, 

maker of heaven and earth, 

of all that is, seen and unseen. 

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, 

the only Son of God, 

eternally begotten of the Father, 

God from God, Light from Light, 

true God from true God, 

begotten, not made, 

of one Being with the Father. 

Through him all things were made. 

For us and for our salvation 

he came down from heaven: 

by the power of the Holy Spirit 

he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, 

and was made man. 

For our sake he was crucified under 

Pontius Pilate; 

he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again  

in accordance with the Scriptures; 

he ascended into heaven 

and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, 

and his kingdom will have no end. 

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. 

With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. 

He has spoken through the Prophets. 

We believe in one holy catholic and

apostolic Church. 

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. 

We look for the resurrection of the dead, 

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Leader: With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the Lord, saying "Lord, have mercy."

For the peace from above, for the loving-kindness of God, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.

For the peace of the world, for the welfare of the Holy Church of God, and for the unity of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For our Bishop, and for all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For our President, for the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For this city, for every city and community, and for those who live in them, let us pray to
the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For seasonable weather, and for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For the good earth which God has given us, and for the wisdom and will to conserve it, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For those who travel on land, on water, or in the air, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For the aged and infirm, for the widowed and orphans, and for the sick and the suffering, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For the poor and the oppressed, for the unemployed and the destitute, for prisoners and captives, and for all who remember and care for them, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, and for all the departed, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For deliverance from all danger, violence, oppression, and degradation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For the absolution and remission of our sins and offenses, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

That we may end our lives in faith and hope, without suffering and without reproach, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

Defend us, deliver us, and in thy compassion protect us, O Lord, by thy grace.
Lord, have mercy.

In the communion of all the saints, let
us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life, to Christ our God.
To thee, O Lord our God.

Presider: O Lord our God, accept the fervent prayers of your people; in the multitude of your mercies, look with compassion upon us and all who turn to you for help; for you are gracious, O lover of souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

THE PEACE

Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People: And also with you.

People greet one another in the name of the Lord.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

+An opportunity to make an offering+

THE HOLY COMMUNION

If you are sensitive to wheat products, please tell an usher so that you may receive a gluten-free host. We have returned to receiving communion in both kinds (bread and wine). Please see the note about this on the back page.

THE HOLY COMMUNION

If you are sensitive to wheat products, please tell an usher so that you may receive a gluten-free host.

OFFERTORY MUSIC 

Resonet in laudibus 

Michael Praetorious (1571-1621)

Translation: 

To Sion’s faithful the child born of Mary has appeared.

Christ, born today of the Virgin Mary without the seed of man:

the child born…

Let us sing together to the Child, Let us sing to the newborn king [Jesus], And with pious tones, say:

the child born…

O Sion, praise the Lord, The Saviour of mankind, He who cleanses sin:

The child born…

What Gabriel foretold has been fulfilled. Eia, A Virgin bore God, As the divine mercy willed.

Today He has appeared in Israel: From the Virgin Mary is born a King.

Great is the name of the Lord Immanuel, As was announced by Gabriel.

HYMN: 96 Angels we have heard on high

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

SURSUM CORDA Plainsong

All who are able, stand.

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; Because you gave Jesus Christ, your only Son, to be born for us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, was made perfect Man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; so that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin, and receive power to become your children.

Therefore, we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

SANCTUS             

The people may stand or kneel as they are able.

On the night before he died for us, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

Celebrant

Therefore, according to his command, O Father,

All: We remember his death,

we proclaim his resurrection.

We await his coming in glory.

And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.

We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.

By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and forever. AMEN.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD

A period of silence is kept.

FRACTION ANTHEM  Agnus Dei

Presider: The gifts of God for the People of God.

COMMUNION MUSIC  

COMMUNION MUSIC

"Zwei Gesänge, Op. 91 II. Geistliches Wiegenlied" (Holy Lullaby) Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

Andrea McGaugh, mezzo-soprano
Noah Fields, viola
David Higgs, organ

Translation:
You who hover
Around these palms
In night and wind,
You holy angels,
Silence the tree-tops!
My child is sleeping.

You palms of Bethlehem
In the raging wind,
Why do you bluster
So angrily today!
O roar not so!
Be still, lean
Calmly and gently over us;
Silence the tree-tops!
My child is sleeping.

The heavenly babe
Suffers distress,
Oh, how weary He has grown
With the sorrows of this world.
Ah, now that in sleep
His pains
Are gently eased,
Silence the treetops!
My child is sleeping.

Fierce cold
Blows down on us,
With what shall I cover
My little child’s limbs?
O all you angels,
Who wing your way
On the winds,
Silence the tree-tops!
My child is sleeping.

HYMN 111 Silent Night

(The people kneel as Lights in the church are dimmed)

Celebrant: Let us pray.

Almighty and everliving God, 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.

The Celebrant blesses the congregation.

May Almighty God, by whose providence our Savior Christ came among us in great humility, sanctify you with the light of his blessing and set you free from all sin. Amen.

May he whose second Coming in power and great glory we await, make you steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, and constant in love. Amen.

May you, who rejoice in the first Advent of our Redeemer, at his second Advent be rewarded with unending life. Amen.

And the blessing of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.

DISMISSAL 

VOLUNTARY: In dulci jubilo (BWV 729) Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

TONIGHT’S MUSICIANS

MEMBERS OF THE CHRIST CHURCH CHOIR

MEZZO-SOPRANO SOLOIST: Andrea McGaugh

VIOLIST: Noah Fields

ORGANISTS: Andrew Johnson, Assistant Organist

Jimmy Jeffery, VanDelinder fellow

Dominic Fiacco, VanDelinder fellow

David Higgs, Associate Organist

William Porter, Associate Organist

Stephen Kennedy, Director of Music

Organists 

+++

Church Leadership

Wardens- Valerie Jutsum     Jim Kurmis

Vestry- Jeremy Cooney, John D’Amanda, John Fields, Norma Hopcraft, Kristy Liddell, Nancy Norwood, Shirley Ricker, Craig Smith, Deb VanderBilt

Parish Organists – Stephen Kennedy, Director of Music and Organist; Andrew Johnson, Assistant Organist; Jimmy Jeffery, VanDelinder Fellow; Dominic Fiacco, VanDelinder Fellow; David Higgs and William Porter Associate Organists.

www.christchurchrochester.org

+++

www.songforchristchurch.org

www.facebook.com/ChristChurchRochester     www.facebook.com/ccscholacantorum

www.amealandmore.org

Want to sing in the Christ Church Choir? Please contact Stephen Kennedy.
We want you to join our team of Compline candlelighters and ushers? Please consider joining this wonderful group this coming Fall. Contact Stephen Kennedy.
If you have experience in grant writing, please contact Stephen Kennedy

www.christchurchrochester.org

www.songforchristchurch.org www.facebook.com/ChristChurchRochester www.facebook.com/ccscholacantorum

www.amealandmore.org Newsletter: songforchristchurch.org

___

RECEIVING COMMUNION IN BOTH KINDS

As dioceses ease restrictions on the common cup, there are new stipulations about how to receive the wine. In our diocese, we are discouraged from intincting (dipping the wafer into the wine) based on the idea that hands going into the cup carry far more germs than when we sip from the cup.

Following diocesan protocol, if you would like to receive the wine, you are invited to sip from the cup.

If you are not comfortable with this protocol, you may also choose to fold your arms prayerfully when the cup comes to you as the assurance of Christ’s salvation is spoken to you.___

Remember to “like” and “subscribe” to our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbkbAzGxOtsMI1dhb_3dGvg/videos

visit the website, http://www.christchurchrochester.org and

The Song, https://songforchristchurch.org often, for any updates and to access free recordings.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS and SERVICES

CALENDAR FOR THIS WEEK 

UPCOMING PROGRAMS and SERVICES

JANUARY 11, 2025

7:00 TWELFTH NIGHT with wassailing reception and burning of the yule log

JANUARY 5, 2025

Bishop Kara Wagner Sherer come to Christ Church

8:30 pm. CANDLELIGHT CONCERT:

9:00 pm. Compline by the Schola Cantorum with a reception in the Guild Room following

LET’S BUILD TOGETHER EVERY SUNDAY

Christ Church is starting a building club for LEGO® fans of all ages! The building event is EVERY SUNDAY*, after the 11 am service. The group will gather weekly in the sacristy between 1:00 and 3:00. Dave Jutsum will supply the LEGO® bricks and pieces.

* The club will not meet on Christmas Eve/4th Sunday of Advent -December 24th

 LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO® Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize, or endorse this club.

MUSIC ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Children’s Choir wants kids! 20-minute rehearsals follow the 11:00 am Eucharist on Sundays. Please feel free to contact Stephen Kennedy, Andrew Johnson, or Lydia Andraso if you have a child interested in participating or if you have any questions about our program. There is also a CHILDREN’S CHOIR sign-up sheet on the parish website under the MUSIC tab: https://www.christchurchrochester.org/contact-1

CHURCH SCHOOL

Available every Sunday for the 11:00 service. Children of any age are welcome! Teachers are on site from 10:45 a.m., and will bring your children down to the sanctuary after the Prayers of the People so that they can join in for communion. Church School focuses on arts & crafts related to the themes of the week’s readings. You can visit the room on the 2nd floor—if you are unfamiliar with the building, please ask an usher, who will be glad to show you the room. Note: Christ Church follows Safe Church practices—at least 2 teachers are always in the room with the children.

MEAL AND MORE

Thank you to all that helped support our Meal and More program with your monetary or food item donations.  This support is so appreciated . Meal and More staff, volunteers and guests thank you and wish you a joyous holiday season.

Interested in being a coffee time host? 

Please talk to one of the hosts on Sunday after the 11 am service for details.  We are looking for coverage one Sunday a month.

Our Youth Choir needs kids! Speak with Andrew Johnson, or Stephen Kennedy after the 11:00am Eucharist.

You know that you want to sing in the Christ Church Choir, so contact Stephen Kennedy.

Compline won't happen without you! We need candlelighters and ushers for our Compline season. Contact Pru Kirkpatrick or Stephen Kennedy.

• If you have experience in grant writing, please contact Stephen Kennedy

Contact Stephen Kennedy stephenk@rochester.rr.com if you want to participate in our music program.

DIRECTORY INFORMATION

Christ Church would like to make sure our parishioner records are up to date! Please remember to update the office with your contact information if you have recently changed address or phone number.
Email: office@christchurchrochester.org 

Phone: 585-454-3878