Tag: Advent

24Dec

Celebration for the Fourth Sunday of Advent 2023

Advent 4th Sunday 2023
  1. Opening Sentence: Psalm 89.
  2. Hymn: “Creator of the Stars of Night”, sung by Immanuel Congregational Church in Hartford, CT, Dec 2012; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
  3. First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, King James Bible.
  4. Canticle: Lorenzo Perosi (1872-1956) “Magnificat”, performed at the Church of the Nativity of the BVM alla Mandria, uploaded to YouTube by “CappellaMusicaleBeataVergine”, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  English Text from Luke 1:46-55:  “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.  For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
  5. Second Reading: Romans 16:25-27, World English Bible.
  6. Hymn arranged for organ and flute: Franz Schubert “Ave Maria”, performed by Sofia Lubyantseva; Uploaded to YouTube by “FluteMasters”, and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  
  7. Gospel: Luke 1:26-38, World English Bible.
  8. The Lord’s Prayer: From The Book of Common Prayer, 1662..
  9. Blessing: 2nd Corinthians 13.
  10. Organ postlude: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) “Meine Seele Erhebt den Herren”, Bwv 648. Performed at Jacobikerk Utrecht, uploaded to YouTube by Koos van ‘t Hul, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.

The Bible passages were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. Readings correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary. All audio files are given with attribution where known.

17Dec

Celebration for the Third Sunday of Advent 2023

Advent 3rd Sunday 2023
  1. Opening Sentence: Phillippians 4.
  2. Carol: “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”, performed by the chorus of the U.S. Army Band, led by Colonel Thomas Rotondi, Jr.  Public domain.
  3. First Reading: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, King James Bible.
  4. Canticle: Zachariáš Zarevúcky (1605-1667): “Magnificat secundi toni à (8, alternatim)”, performed in December 2010 at ČESKÉ MUZEUM HUDBY. Used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  English Text from Luke 1:46-55:  “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.  For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
  5. Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, World English Bible.
  6. Motet (in lieu of Gospel Reading, from John 1:19-23): Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625) “This is the Record of John,” performed by the Men and Boys of Saint Matthew’s Church, Ottawa. Uploaded to YouTube by Leonard Surges, and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  
  7. The Lord’s Prayer: From Matthew.
  8. Blessing: 2nd Corinthians 13.
  9. Organ postlude: Georg Böhm (1661-1733), Extract from Partita “Freu dich sehr, o meine Seele” performed by Benjamin Alard in Aug 2019 on the historical organ by Joachim Kayser (1694) – St. Sixtus und Sinicius’s church in Hohenkirchen (Wangerland), used in accordance with Creative Commons license.

The Bible passages were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. Readings correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary. All audio files are given with attribution where known.

09Dec

A Celebration of the Word for the Second Sunday of Advent 2023

Advent 2nd Sunday 2023
  1. Opening Sentence: Mark 1.
  2. Hymn: Claude Goudimel (c. 1505-1572) “Comfort Comfort Ye, My People”, sung by
  3. Ned Tipton and the St. John’s Cathedral Compline Choir, Los Angeles, uploaded to YouTube by Steven Speciale, and used in Accordance with Creative Commons license.   
  4. First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11, King James Bible.
  5. Psalm Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13, King James Bible.
  6. Hymn: Gustav Holst (1874-1934) “In the Bleak Midwinter”, performed in December 2010 by QuireCleveland under direction by Ross W. Duffin, at the Trinity Cathedral in Cleveland, OH. Used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  
  7. Second Reading: 2 Peter 3:8-15a, World English Bible.
  8. Organ sequence: “Hark, A Thrilling Voice is Sounding”, Uploaded to YouTube by Evan Hilsabeck, and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  
  9. Gospel: Mark 1:1-8, World English Bible.
  10. The Lord’s Prayer: From Luke.
  11. Blessing: 2nd Corinthians 13.
  12. Organ postlude: Heinrich Scheidemann (1595-1663) “Es ist gewisslich an der Zeit” performed by Reiner Korver on the Severijn organ in the St. Martinuskerk in Cuijk, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.

The Bible passages were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. Readings correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary. All audio files are given with attribution where known.

02Dec

Readings and Music for the First Sunday of Advent

Advent 1st Sunday 2023
  1. Opening Sentence: Isaiah 9:2.
  2. “Come, thou Long Expected Jesus” performed at the University Church in Walla Walla, WA, uploaded to YouTube by “Your Church” and used in Accordance with Creative Commons license.
  3. First Reading: Isaiah 64:1-9, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, King James Bible.
  5. Gloria Patri (“Glory be to the Father”) by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-1594), sung by Salt Lake Children’s Choir, at the First Baptist Church of Salt Lake City, May 2011; Uploaded to YouTube by “lemmondg”; Used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  
  6. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, World English Bible. Organ sequence: “Lo, He Comes with Clouds of Glory”, Uploaded to YouTube by “Ubertuba”; Used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  7. Gospel: Mark 13:24-37, World English Bible.
  8. The Lord’s Prayer: Setting by Robert stone (1516-1613). Sung by the choir of St. David’s Church, Exeter, 2018. Uploaded to YouTube by David Walsh, used by permission.
  9. Blessing: 2nd Corinthians 13.
  10. Anthem: “O Come O Come Emmanuel” posted by “Ferox” in the Internet Archive. Public Domain.

The Bible passages were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. Readings correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary. All audio files are given with attribution where known.

25Dec

A Festival of Lessons and Carols

“My father arranged from ancient sources a little service for Christmas Eve, nine carols and nine tiny lessons. They were read by various officers of the church, beginning with a chorister and ending, through different grades, with the bishop.”A.C. Benson

(Note: This is a repost from 1 year ago. Enjoy)

The “Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” originated at Truro Cathedral in England in 1880, and has become a beloved holiday tradition for many churches since then.  I have stitched together this service from the audio sources credited below, and offer it as my reflection upon, and celebration of, the birth of the Messiah. 

A Virtual Lessons and Carols
  1. Hymn: “Once in Royal David’s City”, sung by the Choir of St Mark’s School, Dallas, Texas, in 2003; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
  2. Bidding Prayer: Immanuel Congregational Church, Dec 2012; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
  3. Lesson 1: Genesis 3:8-15. God announces in the garden of Eden that the seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent’s head.
  4. Carol: Boris Ord (1897 – 1961) “Adam Lay Ybounden”, sung by the First Congregational Church of LA, in 2018. Available on YouTube and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  5. Lesson 2: Genesis 22:15-18. God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed shall the nations of the earth be blessed.
  6. Carol: Michael Pretorius (1571-1621) “Veni Redemptor Gentium”, Sung by the choir of Men and Boys of St. Matthew’s Church, Ottawa, Canada, in about 1971. Uploaded to YouTube by Leonard Surges and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  7. Lesson 3: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7. Christ’s birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah.
  8. Carol: “Joy To The World”, sung by unknown congregation, public domain.
  9. Lesson 4: Micah 5: 2-4. The prophet Micah foretells the glory of little Bethlehem.
  10. Carol: “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, sung by the Choir of St Mark’s School, Dallas, Texas, in 2003; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
  11. Lesson 5: Luke 1:26-38. The angel Gabriel salutes the virgin Mary.
  12. Carol: “Gabriel’s Message” (Basque Carol), sung by Alexandra Slater, with Gareth Moore and Manx Voices, at Manannan’s Winterfest, 2019.  The music was uploaded to YouTube by Culture Vannin, and is here used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  13. Lesson 6: Matthew 1:18-23. St. Matthew tells of the birth of Jesus.
  14. Carol: “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen”, sung by the Choir of St Mark’s School, Dallas, Texas, in 2003; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
  15. Lesson 7: Luke 2:1-20. St. Luke tells of the birth of Jesus.
  16. Carol: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.”  Sung by congregation of Immanuel Congregational Church, Dec 2012; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
  17. Lesson 8: Matthew 2: 1-11. Wise men are led by the star to Jesus.
  18. Carol: “What Child is This?” performed by the U.S. Army Chorus, public domain.
  19. Lesson 9: John 1: 1-14. St. John unfolds the mystery of the Incarnation.
  20. Carol: “On Christmas Night”, sung by the Choir of St Mark’s School, Dallas, Texas, in 2003; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
  21. Benediction: Excerpted from a recording from Immanuel Congregational Church, Dec 2012; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
  22. Recessional Hymn:  “O Come All Ye Faithful.” Sung as processional at the Carols by Candlelight service at Washington National Cathedral on December 23rd, 2015.  The music was uploaded to YouTube by Sam Cherubim, and is here used in accordance with Creative Commons license.

The Bible passages from the King James Version were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. All audio files are given with attribution where known.

26Nov

A Celebration of the First Sunday of Advent 2022

Advent 1st Sunday 2022
  1. Opening Sentence: From Psalm 25.
  2. Hymn: “Come, thou Long Expected Jesus.” Public Domain at Archive.org; Uploaded by Fr Timothy Matkin.
  3. First Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5, King James Bible.
  4. Psalm 122: “I Was Glad When They Said Unto Me” by Charles H. Hubert Parry (1848-1918). Performed by Immanuel Congregational Church, Hartford; available in the Public Domain at Archive.org.
  5. Second Reading: Romans 13:11-14, World English Bible.
  6. Hymn: “Savior of the Nations Come”, sung by Immanuel Congregational Church, Hartford, in the public domain at Archive.org.  
  7. Gospel: Matthew 24:36-44, World English Bible.
  8. The Lord’s Prayer: From Matthew.
  9. Blessing: 2nd Corinthians 13.
  10. Anthem: “O Come O Come Emmanuel” posted by “Ferox” in the Internet Archive. Public Domain.
  11. Organ Postlude: J.S. Bach (1685-1750) “Nun Komm, der Heiden Heiland”, BWV 659, Performed by David Schaller. Uploaded to YouTube by “After Dark Organ Music”, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.

The Bible passages were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. Readings correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary. All audio files are given with attribution where known.

24Dec

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols for Christmas

“My father arranged from ancient sources a little service for Christmas Eve, nine carols and nine tiny lessons. They were read by various officers of the church, beginning with a chorister and ending, through different grades, with the bishop.”

A.C. Benson

(Note: This is a repost from 1 year ago. Enjoy)

The “Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” originated at Truro Cathedral in England in 1880, and has become a beloved holiday tradition for many churches since then.  I have stitched together this service from the audio sources credited below, and offer it as my reflection upon, and celebration of, the birth of the Messiah. 

  1. Hymn: “Once in Royal David’s City”, sung by the Choir of St Mark’s School, Dallas, Texas, in 2003; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
  2. Bidding Prayer: Immanuel Congregational Church, Dec 2012; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
  3. Lesson 1: Genesis 3:8-15. God announces in the garden of Eden that the seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent’s head.
  4. Carol: Boris Ord (1897 – 1961) “Adam Lay Ybounden”, sung by the First Congregational Church of LA, in 2018. Available on YouTube and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  5. Lesson 2: Genesis 22:15-18. God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed shall the nations of the earth be blessed.
  6. Carol: Michael Pretorius (1571-1621) “Veni Redemptor Gentium”, Sung by the choir of Men and Boys of St. Matthew’s Church, Ottawa, Canada, in about 1971. Uploaded to YouTube by Leonard Surges and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  7. Lesson 3: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7. Christ’s birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah.
  8. Carol: “Joy To The World”, sung by unknown congregation, public domain.
  9. Lesson 4: Micah 5: 2-4. The prophet Micah foretells the glory of little Bethlehem.
  10. Carol: “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, sung by the Choir of St Mark’s School, Dallas, Texas, in 2003; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
  11. Lesson 5: Luke 1:26-38. The angel Gabriel salutes the virgin Mary.
  12. Carol: “Gabriel’s Message” (Basque Carol), sung by Alexandra Slater, with Gareth Moore and Manx Voices, at Manannan’s Winterfest, 2019.  The music was uploaded to YouTube by Culture Vannin, and is here used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  13. Lesson 6: Matthew 1:18-23. St. Matthew tells of the birth of Jesus.
  14. Carol: “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen”, sung by the Choir of St Mark’s School, Dallas, Texas, in 2003; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
  15. Lesson 7: Luke 2:1-20. St. Luke tells of the birth of Jesus.
  16. Carol: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.”  Sung by congregation of Immanuel Congregational Church, Dec 2012; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
  17. Lesson 8: Matthew 2: 1-11. Wise men are led by the star to Jesus.
  18. Carol: “What Child is This?” performed by the U.S. Army Chorus, public domain.
  19. Lesson 9: John 1: 1-14. St. John unfolds the mystery of the Incarnation.
  20. Carol: “On Christmas Night”, sung by the Choir of St Mark’s School, Dallas, Texas, in 2003; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
  21. Benediction: Excerpted from a recording from Immanuel Congregational Church, Dec 2012; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
  22. Recessional Hymn:  “O Come All Ye Faithful.” Sung as processional at the Carols by Candlelight service at Washington National Cathedral on December 23rd, 2015.  The music was uploaded to YouTube by Sam Cherubim, and is here used in accordance with Creative Commons license.

The Bible passages from the King James Version were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. All audio files are given with attribution where known.  

19Dec

Celebration for the 4th Sunday of Advent 2021

4th Sunday of Advent 2021
  1. Opening Sentence: Psalm 89.
  2. Hymn: “Creator of the Stars of Night”, sung by Immanuel Congregational Church in Hartford, CT, Dec 2012; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
  3. First Reading: Micah 5:2-5, King James Bible.
  4. Canticle of Mary: Lorenzo Perosi (1872-1956) “Magnificat”, performed at the Church of the Nativity of the BVM alla Mandria, uploaded to YouTube by “CappellaMusicaleBeataVergine”, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  English Text from Luke 1:46-55:  “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.  For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
  5. Second Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10, World English Bible.
  6. Hymn arranged for organ and flute: Franz Schubert “Ave Maria”, performed by Sofia Lubyantseva; Uploaded to YouTube by “FluteMasters”, and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  
  7. Gospel: Luke 1:39-45, World English Bible.
  8. The Lord’s Prayer: From Luke.
  9. Blessing: 2nd Corinthians 13.
  10. Organ postlude: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) “Meine Seele Erhebt den Herren”, Bwv 648. Performed at Jacobikerk Utrecht, uploaded to YouTube by Koos van ‘t Hul, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.

The Bible passages were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. Readings correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary. All audio files are given with attribution where known.

12Dec

A Celebration of the Word for the Third Sunday of Advent 2021

Third Sunday of Advent 2021
  1. Opening Sentence: Phillippians 4.
  2. Carol: “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”, performed by the chorus of the U.S. Army Band, led by Colonel Thomas Rotondi, Jr.  Public domain.
  3. First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20 King James Bible.
  4. Canticle: Isaiah 12:2-6
  5. Hymn: “Thine Advent Lord We Hail”, public domain.
  6. Second Reading: Phillipians 4:4-7, World English Bible.  
  7. Organ sequence: “Lo, He Comes with Clouds of Glory”, Uploaded to YouTube by “Ubertuba”; Used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  
  8. Gospel: Luke 3:7-18, World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer: From the Book of Common Prayer 1660.
  10. Blessing: 2nd Corinthians 13.
  11. Anthem: “Rejoice in the Lord Always” by The Choirs of St. Matthew’s, Ottawa, directed by Stephen Candow. Uploaded to YouTube by Leonard Surges, and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
  12. Organ postlude: Georg Böhm (1661-1733), “Freu dich sehr, o meine Seele” performed by Rainer Schulz, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.

The Bible passages were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. Readings correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary. All audio files are given with attribution where known.

05Dec

Celebration of Word and Music for the Second Sunday of Advent 2021

Advent 2nd Sunday 2021
  1. Opening Sentence: Mark 1.
  2. Hymn: Claude Goudimel (c. 1505-1572) “Comfort Comfort Ye, My People”, sung by Ned Tipton and the St. John’s Cathedral Compline Choir, Los Angeles, uploaded to YouTube by Steven Speciale, and used in Accordance with Creative Commons license.   
  3. First Reading: Malachi 3: 1-4, King James Bible.
  4. Canticle of Zechariah “Benedictus” (Luke 1:68-79) from the Book of Common Prayer, 1662.
  5. Hymn: Gustav Holst (1874-1934) “In the Bleak Midwinter”, performed in December 2010 by QuireCleveland under direction by Ross W. Duffin, at the Trinity Cathedral in Cleveland, OH. Used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  
  6. Second Reading: Philippians 1:3-11, World English Bible.
  7. Organ sequence: “Hark, A Thrilling Voice is Sounding”, Uploaded to YouTube by Evan Hilsabeck, and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.  
  8. Gospel: Luke 3: 1-6, World English Bible.
  9. The Lord’s Prayer: From Luke.
  10. Blessing: 2nd Corinthians 13.
  11. Choral Amen, public domain.
  12. Organ postlude: Heinrich Scheidemann (1595-1663) “Es ist gewisslich an der Zeit” performed by Reiner Korver on the Severijn organ in the St. Martinuskerk in Cuijk, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.

The Bible passages were recorded by Librivox, and are in the public domain. Readings correspond to the Revised Common Lectionary. All audio files are given with attribution where known.