Organ Prelude: Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707): “Praeludium and Fuge” BuxWV 147, ernst stolz Hauptwerk Müller organ Oosterwijtwerd, uploaded to YouTube by “My Years With Early Music” and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
First Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, King James Bible.
Psalm 19, King James Version.
Hymn: “O God Our Help in Ages Past”, public domain.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, World English Bible.
Organ hymn: “The Church’s One Foundation,” in the public domain.
Gospel: Luke 4:14-21, World English Bible.
The Lord’s Prayer: From Luke.
Blessing: Aaronic blessing from Numbers 6.
Organ postlude: Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706): “Allein Gott in der Hoh sei Ehr.” Recorded via Hauptwerk VI, using the Sonus Paradisi Sample Set of the Schnitger Organ in Noordbroek, Netherlands. Uploaded by Leon Kopecny, 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.
Hymn: “O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing”, Soloist Roger McMurrin, and Dianne Bish, organ, from “Joy of Music” program entitled “The Life of John Wesley”, uploaded to YouTube by “Joy Of Music” and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
First Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5, King James Bible.
Psalm 36:5-9 from the Scottish Metrical Psalter of 1650, sung by the members of Trinity Presbyterian Reformed Church, uploaded to Youtube by “charlotteprc”. Used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, World English Bible.
Hymn: “Open My Eyes, That I May See” performed by Fountainview Academy; uploaded to YouTube by Terceiro Anjo, and used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.
Gospel: John 2:1-11, World English Bible.
The Lord’s Prayer: From Matthew.
Blessing: from 2 Corinthians 13.
Organ Postlude: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) “Toccata, Adagio und Fuge in C-Dur: Toccata (BWV 564)” performed by Jin Kyung Lim on the Fisk Organ at Stanford Memorial Church, uploaded to YouTube by “bongsub”, and 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.
Organ interlude: Max Reger (1873-1916) “Wie Schoen Leuchtet die Morgenstern” op 135a, Performed by Jens Engel on the organ of the Lukaskirche Troisdorf-Spich; uploaded to YouTube and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
Gospel: John 1:10-18, World English Bible.
The Lord’s Prayer: From Luke.
Blessing: from Romans.
Motet: Henrich Schütz (1615–1672) “O lieber Herre Gott” SWV 287. Singers: Paulina Bielarczyk and Sylwia Ziółkowska; Organ: Wacław Golonka, used in Accordance with Creative Commons License. Translation: “O dear Lord God, wake us up, so that we are ready, when your Son comes, to receive him with joy and to serve you with a pure heart, by the same, thy beloved Son Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.”
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.
“I saw three ships come sailing in”, arr David Willcocks sung by the Guildford Cathedral Choir under Barry Rose, uploaded to YouTube by “Stirling” and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
First Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-14, King James Bible.
Carol: “Gaudete Christus est Natus” by Collegium Vocale, 1993, available at Wikimedia Commons and used in accordance with Creative Commons license. Translation: Rejoice, rejoice! Christ is born of the virgin Mary–Rejoice. The time of grace has come–What we have wished for; Songs of joy. Let us give back faithfully. God has become man, with nature marveling, the world has been renewed by the reigning Christ. The closed gate of Ezekiel is passed through. Whence the light is risen, salvation has been found. Therefore, let our assembly now sing in brightness. Let it bless the Lord: Salvation to our King.
Psalm 147:12-20, King James Version.
Hymn: “How Brightly Shines the Morning Star” sung in German by Wiltner Boys Choir of Innsbruck, Austria, featured in “Joy of Music 2214 CHRISTMAS IN ART & MUSIC”, uploaded to YouTube and used in accordance with Creative Commons license. English lyrics: 1. How brightly shines the Morning Star! The nations see and hail afar the light in Judah shining. Thou David’s son of Jacob’s race, The Bridegroom, and the King of grace, for thee our hearts are pining!Lowly, holy, great and glorious, thou victorious Prince of graces, filling all the heavenly places. 2. Though circled by the hosts on high, he deigns to cast a pitying eye upon his helpless creature; the whole creation’s Head and Lord, by highest seraphim adored, assumes our very nature. Jesus, grant us, through thy merit, to inherit thy salvation: hear, O hear our supplication.3. Rejoice, ye heav’ns; thou earth, reply; with praise, ye sinners, fill the sky for this his incarnation. Incarnate God, put forth thy pow’r, ride on, ride on, great Conqueror, till all know thy salvation. Amen, amen! Alleluya, alleluya! Praise be given evermore by earth and heaven.
Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14, World English Bible.
Organ interlude: “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” (with Christine Capote, Flute), featured in “Joy of Music 2214 CHRISTMAS IN ART & MUSIC”, uploaded to YouTube and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
Gospel: John 1:10-18, World English Bible.
The Lord’s Prayer: From Luke.
Blessing: Ephesians 3.
Carol: “Puer Natus in Bethlehem”, arranged by Michael Pretorius (1571-1621). Performed by Eva Cernanska (soprano), Liubov Melnyk (alto), Xabier Monton (tenor), and Raul del Toro (Organ), at the parish of El Salvador in Pamplona, uploaded to YouTube by “Canentes Domino”, used in accordance with Creative Commons license. English Lyrics: A Child is born in Bethlehem; Exult for joy, Jerusalem! There, in a manger lowly, lies. He who reigns above the skies.
Organ Postlude: Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707) “Puer Natus in Bethlehem”, BuxWV 217, performed by Raul del Toro (Organ), at the parish of El Salvador in Pamplona, uploaded to YouTube by “Canentes Domino”, 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.
Prelude: “Adeste Fideles” performed by ALTA BELLEZZA, Ann Allen and Hann Geisel on shawms, and Nathaniel Wood on slide trumpet; From Midnight mass on 24th December 2019, at St. Mauritius, Schötz, Switzerland. Used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
First Reading: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, King James Bible.
Carol: “In Dulci Jubilo” performed by Eva Cernanska (soprano), Liubov Melnyk (alto), Xabier Monton (tenor), and Raul del Toro (Organ), at the parish of El Salvador in Pamplona, uploaded to YouTube by “Canentes Domino”, used in accordance with Creative Commons license. English Lyrics: “In sweet rejoicing, now sing and be glad!Our hearts’ joylies in the manger;And it shines like the sunin the mother’s lap.You are the Alpha and Omega!” (The most common English version is “Good Christian men rejoice”)
Psalm 148, King James Version.
Carol: “Silent Night”, sung by Malden High School Concert Choir at their 2018 State House Holiday Concert, uploaded to YouTube by Chris Murphy and used in accordance with Creative Commons License.
Second Reading: Colossians 3:12-17, World English Bible.
Carol: “Away in a Manger” from 2014 YouTube Video “A Christmas Offering: Three Christmas Carols Arranged for Baroque Guitar”, performed by Raymond Andrews, used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
Gospel: Luke 2:41-52, World English Bible.
The Lord’s Prayer: From the Book of Common Prayer 1662.
Blessing: 2nd Corinthians 13.
Carol: “Adeste Fideles” performed by Collegium Vocale, in 2017, available at Wikimedia Commons, and used in accordance with the Creative Commons license.
Organ postlude: Johann S Bach (1685-1750) “Puer natus in Bethlehem” BWV 603, from Orgelbüchlein, performed by Jens Engel on the Orgel der Christuskirche Lohmar. Available on youtube, and 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.
“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.
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.
Bidding Prayer: Immanuel Congregational Church, Dec 2012; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
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.
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.
Lesson 2: Genesis 22:15-18. God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed shall the nations of the earth be blessed.
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.
Lesson 3: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7. Christ’s birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah.
Carol: “Joy To The World”, sung by unknown congregation, public domain.
Lesson 4: Micah 5: 2-4. The prophet Micah foretells the glory of little Bethlehem.
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.
Lesson 5: Luke 1:26-38. The angel Gabriel salutes the virgin Mary.
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.
Lesson 6: Matthew 1:18-23. St. Matthew tells of the birth of Jesus.
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.
Lesson 7: Luke 2:1-20. St. Luke tells of the birth of Jesus.
Carol: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” Sung by congregation of Immanuel Congregational Church, Dec 2012; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
Lesson 8: Matthew 2: 1-11. Wise men are led by the star to Jesus.
Carol: “What Child is This?” performed by the U.S. Army Chorus, public domain.
Lesson 9: John 1: 1-14. St. John unfolds the mystery of the Incarnation.
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.
Benediction: Excerpted from a recording from Immanuel Congregational Church, Dec 2012; Available in the public domain at the Internet Archive.
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.
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.
First Reading: Micah 5:2-5, King James Bible.
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.”
Second Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10, World English Bible.
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.
Gospel: Luke 1:39-45, World English Bible.
The Lord’s Prayer: From Luke.
Blessing: 2nd Corinthians 13.
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.
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.
First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20 King James Bible.
Canticle: Isaiah 12:2-6
Hymn: “Thine Advent Lord We Hail”, public domain.
Second Reading: Phillipians 4:4-7, World English Bible.
Organ sequence: “Lo, He Comes with Clouds of Glory”, Uploaded to YouTube by “Ubertuba”; Used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
Gospel: Luke 3:7-18, World English Bible.
The Lord’s Prayer: From the Book of Common Prayer 1660.
Blessing: 2nd Corinthians 13.
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.
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.
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.
First Reading: Malachi 3: 1-4, King James Bible.
Canticle of Zechariah “Benedictus” (Luke 1:68-79) from the Book of Common Prayer, 1662.
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.
Second Reading: Philippians 1:3-11, World English Bible.
Organ sequence: “Hark, A Thrilling Voice is Sounding”, Uploaded to YouTube by Evan Hilsabeck, and used in accordance with Creative Commons license.
Gospel: Luke 3: 1-6, World English Bible.
The Lord’s Prayer: From Luke.
Blessing: 2nd Corinthians 13.
Choral Amen, public domain.
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.
“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.
First Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16, King James Bible.
Psalm 25:1-10, King James Bible.
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.
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, World English Bible.
Hymn: “Savior of the Nations Come”, sung by Immanuel Congregational Church, Hartford, in the public domain at Archive.org.
Gospel: Luke 21:25-36, World English Bible.
The Lord’s Prayer: From Matthew.
Blessing: 2nd Corinthians 13.
Anthem: “O Come O Come Emmanuel” posted by “Ferox” in the Internet Archive. Public Domain.
Organ Postlude: J.S. Bach () “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.