Lincoln Cathedral

Festival of Readings and Carols

CHRISTMAS EVE

Friday 24th December, 2020 4.00 pm

A Christmas Message

from the Right Worshipful the Mayor of Lincoln

I think it's safe to say, that things haven't gone to plan for most of us this year. This has been a year none of us expected. Never have we needed the joy of Christmas more! Things also didn’t go to plan for Mary and Joseph, arriving in Bethlehem after a long and tiring journey to find there was no room in any of the inns – Mary gave birth in a dirty stable with animals, with no family support, no Mum no midwife. So was born Jesus, another name that is used for him especially at Christmas is Emmanuel, which means God is with us. A wonderful description of Jesus who is with us in the best and worst situations we find ourselves. The same who is with us in the difficulties of this time and has answered our hopes for a vaccine.

In this strange time, Mary and Jesus weren't on their own - they had the kindness of the innkeeper who found a place for them, not ideal but they were safe and warm and not homeless at such a vulnerable time. They had friends in the Angels, Shepherds and Kings who came to share in the joy of seeing the new born saviour. This year I particularly think of Jesus as Emmanuel, God is with us. I ask God’s blessing on you all – that you will feel the joy and friendship of knowing that he is with you. I’ll end with a few words of the Emmanuel Christmas Prayer: “Christ, You who are the Light of the World, Help us to radiate the warmth of your presence. Enable us to give of ourselves generously and compassionately In bringing joy, peace, and hope to others.” May you and your loved ones have a very Happy, Holy and Peaceful Christmas and New Year. God bless you. Cllr Sue Burke Mayor of Lincoln

Welcome to Lincoln Cathedral PLEASE READ THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION

We welcome all those both near and far joining our worship as it is live streamed via Lincoln Cathedral Facebook page. Due to Covid-19 restrictions: Please use the hand sanitiser provided as you arrive. Face Masks are mandatory when attending worship. Please observe 2 metre social distancing Avoid socialising outside your household. Regrettably congregational singing is not allowed. When leaving the cathedral this evening please wait for a steward to direct you so that we can avoid a crowd forming at the exits and observe the one-way system. Please use the QR code for the NHS App or complete the slip of paper provided for NHS TEST and TRACE system. If you need any directions, please ask one of the stewards who are wearing a blue sash. They will be pleased to help you.

Cameras, mobile phones and recording devices of any kind may not be used before or during the service.

This order of service is available in larger print. Please ask a steward if you would like a copy.

A retiring collection will be taken. This will support the ministry of the Cathedral. If you are a taxpayer, you can enhance the value of your contribution substantially by taking a few moments to complete the Gift Aid Envelope which you should have found on your seat, and sealing your contribution inside. This will enable us to reclaim 25% of your gift from HMRC. There are also QR codes for gift aid beside the contactless donation terminals in the cathedral. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Organ Music before the service Played by Jeffrey Makinson, Assistant Director of Music

Prelude and Fugue in C major, BWV 547 – J.S. Bach Noel Suisse – Louis-Claude Daquin Noel – Henri Mulet Desseins éternels (from La Nativité du Seigneur) – Olivier Messiaen La Nativité – Jean Langlais

At 3.55pm please stand as the civic dignitaries are escorted to their places in the nave. Please sit again after they have taken their seats.

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Order of Service

Please stand as the choir and clergy enter. The lights are dimmed, and a chorister

sings

Once in royal David’s city, stood a lowly cattle shed, where a mother laid her baby in a manger for his bed: Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ her little child.

Choir He came down to earth from heaven who is God and Lord of all, and his shelter was a stable, and his cradle was a stall; with the poor and mean and lowly lived on earth our saviour holy.

Not in that poor lowly stable, with the oxen standing by, we shall see him; but in heaven, set at God’s right hand on high; where like stars his children crowned all in white shall wait around.

Words: Cecil Frances Alexander (1818-95) Tune: Irby

WELCOME

Dean Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

All and also with you.

The dean welcomes the people and leads the Bidding Prayer

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Dean On behalf of the Bishop and the Chapter of this Cathedral, I welcome you here most warmly.

We have come together as the family of God, and in God’s presence, to celebrate the festival of Christmas. So this Christmas Eve, let it be our care and delight to hear again the message of the angels; to receive the good news of the birth of Christ; to go, in heart and mind, to the stable in Bethlehem and see this thing which has come to pass. But first, as we gather together in the name of God, let us pray for the needs of the world which Christ came to save, and for peace and goodwill over all the earth; for the church, that she may be enabled to share the good news of God’s love to this generation; and because this above all things would rejoice his heart, let us remember in Christ’s name all those who are in any kind of need this night: the cold and the hungry; the poor and the oppressed; the sick and the lonely; the fearful and the bereaved; that the peace and light of the Christ-child may bring hope and healing to all the dark places of our world. Finally, let us remember before God all those who rejoice with us, but on another shore and in a greater light, and with whom, in Christ, we are one for evermore.

Let us commend all whom we love, and all who have asked for our prayers, to the mercy and protection of God this night, in the words which Jesus himself taught us:

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All Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those

who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom,

the power and the glory, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Dean Lord, by the song of the angels you announced your birth, and by the leading of a star you revealed your glory. Teach us to know you now, and to make you known in all the world, this Christmas and always. Amen.

Please sit

FIRST READING Isaiah 9: 2b-7

The prophet foretells the coming of the Saviour.

Read by a cathedral chorister

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CHOIR CAROL The choir sings Sussex Carol arranged by Philip Ledger

On Christmas night all Christians sing to hear the news the angels bring; on Christmas night all Christians sing to hear the news the angels bring: news of great joy, news of great mirth, news of our merciful King’s birth.

Then why should men on earth be so sad, since our Redeemer made us glad? Then why should men on earth be so sad, since our Redeemer made us glad, when from our sin He set us free, all for to gain our liberty?

When sin departs before His grace, then life and health come in its place; when sin departs before His grace, then life and health come in its place; angels and men with joy may sing, all for to see the newborn King.

All out of darkness we have light, which made the angels sing this night; all out of darkness we have light, which made the angels sing this night: “Glory to God and peace to men, now and for evermore. Amen.”

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CAROL O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light; the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth, and praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth; for Christ is born of Mary; and, gathered all above, while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.

O holy child of Bethlehem, descend to us we pray; cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell: O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.

Please sit

SECOND READING Luke 1: 26 - 38

The annunciation to Mary.

Read by Mr Toby Dennis, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for Lincolnshire

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CHOIR CAROL The choir sings The Angel Gabriel trad Basque carol arranged by Edgar Pettman, words: S Baring-Gould

The angel Gabriel from Heaven came, His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame, All hail, said he, thou lowly maiden Mary. Most highly favoured Lady, Gloria. For known a blessed mother thou shalt be, All generations laud and honour thee, Thy Son shall be Emmanuel by seers foretold, Most highly favoured Lady, Gloria. Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head, "To me be as it pleaseth God," she said, "My soul shall laud and magnify His holy Name." Most highly favoured Lady, Gloria. Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn, And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say, Most highly favoured Lady, Gloria.

THIRD READING Luke 2: 1-7 Luke tells of the birth of Jesus

Read by the Right Worshipful the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Susan Burke

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CHOIR CAROL The choir sings Joys Seven arr. by Stephen Cleobury

The first good joy that Mary had it was the joy of one, to see the blessed Jesus Christ, when he was first her son; when he was first her son, good man, and blessed may he be both Father, Son and Holy Ghost, through all eternity. The next good Joy that Mary had it was the joy of two, to see her own son, Jesus Christ, to make the lame to go; to make the lame to go, good man, and blessed may he be, both Father, Son and Holy Ghost, through all eternity. The next good joy that Mary had it was the joy of three, to see her own son Jesus Christ to make the blind to see; to make the blind to see, good man, and blessed may he be, both Father, Son and Holy Ghost, through all eternity. The next good joy that Mary had it was the joy of four, to see her own son Jesus Christ to read the bible o’er; to read the bible o’er, good man, and blessed may he be, both Father, Son and Holy Ghost, through all eternity. The next good joy that Mary had it was the joy of five, to see her own son Jesus Christ to bring the dead alive; to bring the dead alive, good man, and blessed may he be, both Father, Son and Holy Ghost, through all eternity. The next good joy that Mary had it was the joy of six, to see her own son Jesus Christ upon the crucifix; upon the crucifix, good man, and blessed may he be, both Father, Son and Holy Ghost, through all eternity. The next good joy that Mary had it was the joy of seven, to see her own son Jesus Christ to wear the Crown of Heaven; to wear the Crown of Heaven, good man, and blessed may he be, both Father, Son and Holy Ghost, through all eternity.

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CAROL God rest you merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay, for Jesus Christ our Saviour was born on Christmas Day, to save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray: O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy! O tidings of comfort and joy! From God our heavenly Father

a blessèd angel came, and unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same, how that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by name: O tidings of comfort and joy . . . And when to Bethlehem they came whereat this infant lay, they found him in a manger where oxen feed on hay; his mother Mary, kneeling, unto the Lord did pray:

O tidings of comfort and joy . . . Words: Traditional

Tune: God rest you merry Please sit

FOURTH READING Luke 2: 8 -16 The Shepherds go to the manger.

Read by Michael Scott, High Sheriff of Lincolnshire

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CHOIR CAROL The choir sings The Shepherd’s Pipe Carol arranged by John Rutter

Going through the hills on a night all starry

On the way to Bethlehem

Far away I heard a shepherd boy piping

On the way to Bethlehem

Angels in the sky brought this message nigh:

"Dance and sing for joy that Christ the newborn King

Is come to bring us peace on earth

And He's lying cradled there at Bethlehem."

"Tell me, shepherd boy piping tunes so merrily

On the way to Bethlehem

Who will hear your tunes on these hills so lonely

On the way to Bethlehem?

Angels in the sky brought this message nigh:

"Dance and sing for the joy that Christ the newborn King

Is come to bring us peace on earth

And He's lying cradled there at Bethlehem."

"None may hear my pipes on these hills so lonely

On the way to Bethlehem;

But a King will hear me play sweet lullabies

When I get to Bethlehem."

Angels in the sky came down from on high

Hovered over the manger where the babe was lying

Cradled in the arms of his mother Mary

Sleeping now at Bethlehem.

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CAROL O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; come and behold him born the King of Angels: O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him,

Christ the Lord!

See how the shepherds, summoned to his cradle, leaving their flocks, draw nigh with lowly fear;

we too will thither bend our joyful footsteps: O come, let us adore him . . .

Lo! Star-led chieftains, Magi, Christ adoring,

offer him incense, gold and myrrh; we to the Christ-child bring our hearts’ oblations: O come, let us adore him . . .

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,

sing, all ye citizens of heaven above; Glory to God in the highest. O come, let us adore him . . .

tr. Frederick Oakeley (1802-80) and others

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FIFTH READING John 1: 1 - 14

St John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation.

Read by The Reverend Canon Nick Brown, Precentor of Lincoln

CHOIR CAROL The choir sings No Small Wonder arranged by Paul Edwards

Small wonder the star. small wonder the light, the angels in chorus, the shepherds in fright; but stable and manger for God - no small wonder! Small wonder the kings, small wonder they bore the gold and the incense, the myrrh, to adore; but God gives his life on a cross - no small wonder! Small wonder the love, small wonder the grace, the power, the glory, the light of his face; but all to redeem my poor heart - no small wonder!

CHRISTMAS MEDITATION

The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, Dean of Lincoln

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THE PRAYERS

led by The Reverend Canon Nick Brown, Precentor of Lincoln

CHOIR CAROL The choir sings Ding dong! merrily on high arranged by Mack Wilberg

Ding dong! merrily on high, in heaven the bells are ringing: ding dong! verily the sky is riven with angels singing Gloria, hosanna in excelsis! E’en so here below, below, let steeple bells be swungen, and i-o, i-o, i-o, by priest and people sungen. Gloria, hosanna in excelsis! Pray you, dutifully prime your matin chime, ye ringers; may you beautifully rhyme your eve-time song, ye singers: Gloria, hosanna in excelsis!

George Ratcliffe Woodward (1848-1934) Tune: Adeste fideles

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SIXTH READING Christmas by Diana Hendry

Read by a member of the Chapter

Christmas is never where you expect it. Not in the big house with the fire lit and the presents rustling, nor when the lights awaken the tree and you should feel something and don’t. Christmas happens in an unimaginable place - in a shop with canned music - in the street with a stranger and a white cyclamen, or when the silence tightens the cry in your throat.

Then Christmas comes, never where you expect it and always in Bethlehem.

CHOIR CAROL The choir sings The Lamb by Tavener

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\

William Blake (1757 - 1827)

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CAROL Hark! the herald angels sing glory to the new-born King; peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled! Joyful all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies, with th’angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem: Hark! the herald angels sing Glory to the new-born King. Christ, by highest heav’n adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord, late in time behold him come offspring of a Virgin’s womb! Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, hail th’incarnate Deity! Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel: Hark! the herald angels Glory to the new-born King. Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings! Mild he lays his glory by, born that man no more may die, born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth: Hark! the herald angels sing Glory to the new-born King. Words: Charles Wesley (1707-1788) and others Tune: Mendelssohn

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Stand

BLESSING Bishop Our help is in the name of the Lord All who has made heaven and earth.

Bishop Blessed be the name of the Lord All now and for ever. Amen. Bishop May the joy of the angels. the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance of the wise men, the obedience of Mary and Joseph and the peace of the Christ child

be yours this Christmas; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, come down upon you and remain with you always. All Amen.

CONCLUDING VOLUNTARIES In Dulci Jubilo, BWV 729 – J.S. Bach Dieu Parmi Nous (from La Nativité du Seigneur) – Olivier Messiaen

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Christmas Services 2020

(admission by pre-booked ticket)

Christmas Eve

2330 Midnight Eucharist (sung by the Cathedral Choir)

Preacher: The Dean Missa Brevis: Jonathan Dove

Christmas Day

0800 Holy Communion

1030 Festal Eucharist with carols (sung by the Cathedral Choir)

Preacher: Bishop David Coronation Mass Mozart

1545 Festal Evensong (sung by the Cathedral Choir)

no booking required

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We wish you a blessèd Christmas

and a happy New Year.

Acknowledgements

Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England and

Common Worship: Times and Seasons, material from which is included in this order of

service, are copyright © The Archbishops’ Council 2000, 2006.

Reproduction of the hymns in this service sheet falls under the provisions of either CCL

901658 or Calamus Licence 1455.

Lincoln CathedralFestival ofReadings and CarolsRead by Michael Scott, High Sheriff of LincolnshireSt John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation.Sixth Reading Christmas by Diana HendryRead by a member of the ChapterGlory to the new-born King.Veiled in flesh the Godhead see,Glory to the new-born King.Glory to the new-born King.

All Amen.