The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Eve

Celtic Holy Eucharist, Rite II Sunday, December 24, 2017

9:00 p.m.

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Lewes, Delaware

PRESERVICE MEDITATIONS

A variety of Christmas songs will be offered Emmanuel Coventry Carol Wexford Carol WELCOME The church is dark, or partially so, when the service is to begin. All stand, and the Officiant greets the people with these words Officiant Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord. People Thanks be to God. The Officiant then says the Prayer for Light, using any one of the following or some other suitable prayer, first saying Let us pray. Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The candles at the Altar are now lighted, as are other candles and lamps as may be convenient. MEDITATION FOR CHRISTMAS Reader #1 This night is the long night when those who listen await his cry. Reader #2 This night is the eve of the great Nativity when those who are longing await his appearing. Reader #1 Wait, with watchful heart. Reader #2 Listen carefully, through the stillness; listen, hear the telling of the waves upon the shore— Reader #1 Listen, hear the song of the angels glorious—ere long it will be heard that his foot has

reached the earth: news that the glory has come. Reader #2 Truly his salvation is near for those who fear him, and his glory shall dwell in our land. Reader #1 Watch and pray, that the Lord shall come. Reader #2 Those who are longing await his appearing. Reader #1 Those who listen await his cry. Reader #2 Watch… Reader #1 Wait… Reader #2 Listen… People This night is the long night.

*Those who are able, please stand.

The following hymn is then sung *Hymn Creator of the Stars of Night Phos hilaron

Celebrant LIGHT looked down and saw Darkness. People I will go there, said LIGHT . Celebrant PEACE looked down and saw war, People I will go there, said PEACE. Celebrant LOVE looked down and saw hatred, People I will go there, said LOVE. Celebrant So HE, the Lord of LIGHT, the Prince of PEACE, the king of LOVE came down and

crept in beside us.

*OPENING HYMN Silent night, holy night Stille Nacht 1. Silent night, holy night,

All is calm, all is bright. Round yon virgin Mother and Child. Holy Infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.

2. Silent night, holy night, Shepherds quake at the sight; Glories stream from heaven afar Heav’nly hosts sing “alleluia;” Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born!

3. Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love’s pure light. Radiant beams from thy holy face. With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.

Celebrant Blessed be God: ☩ Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and for ever. Amen. *THE COLLECT OF THE DAY Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you. God of grace and truth, whose word brings light to birth in the heart of a darkening world which fears a love it cannot name: may flesh be blessed and born anew by a truth which leaves the heavens and walks the waiting earth; through Jesus Christ, the Word incarnate. Amen. LESSON Isaiah 9:2-7 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows—light! sunbursts of light! You repopulated the nation, you expanded its joy. Oh, they’re so glad in your presence! Festival joy! The joy of a great celebration, sharing rich gifts and warm greetings. The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants—all their whips and cudgels and curses—Is gone, done away with, a deliverance as surprising and sudden as Gideon’s old victory over Midian. The boots of all those invading troops, along with their shirts soaked with innocent blood, Will be piled in a heap and burned, a fire that will burn for days! For a child has been born—for us! the gift of a son—for us! He’ll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. His ruling authority will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings. He’ll rule from the historic David throne over that promised kingdom. He’ll put that kingdom on a firm footing and keep it going. With fair dealing and right living, beginning now and lasting always. The zeal of GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies will do all this. Celebrant The Word of the Lord People Thanks be to God. HYMN O little town of Bethlehem St. Louis

1. 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.

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

3. How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven. No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.

4. Where children pure and happy pray to the blessed Child, where misery cries out to thee, Son of the mother mild; where charity stand watching and faith holds wide the door, the dark night wakes, the glory breaks, and Christmas comes once more.

5. 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!

THE GOSPEL Luke 2:1-20 Gospeller The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. People Glory to you, Lord Christ. About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David’s town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel. There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him. As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed. Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told! Gospeller The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ. HOMILY PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Reader #1 In the face of the Gospel, let us ask God for a good Christmas: Reader #2 That no powerful nation should tax the poor or uproot them; People O Lord, Hear us! Reader #1 That no unmarried mother should be put away in disgrace; People O Lord, Hear us! Reader #2 That no door will be shut on those who need to find it open; People O Lord, Hear us! Reader #1 That shepherds and sheep, and all of nature need not be afraid; People O Lord, Hear us! Reader #2 That barbed wire and angry soldiers may not be found in Bethlehem; People O Lord, Hear us! Reader #1 That wise men and wise women might appear in all nations touched by violence and war; People O Lord, Hear us! Reader #2 That children may be protected from those who would abuse them; People O Lord, Hear us!

Reader #1 That this Christmas, worship may become a manger and the church a stable, and the rumor become a reality that Christ has come among us.

People O Lord, Hear us! Reader #2 We pray for our nation and all nations; for our Church and all churches; for those on our

prayer list; and all who have died. All this we pray in the name of Jesus. People Amen! PEACE Celebrant The peace of this Holy night, the love of our Creator, the fellowship of Christ and the

blessing of the Holy Spirit be with you all. People And also with you. The people exchange the peace. THE OFFERING AND PREPARATION OF THE GIFTS Meditation Hymn What child is this? John Foley, S.J.

1. What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?

Refrain: This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.

2. Why lies he in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christians, fear: for sinners here the silent Word is pleading. (Refrain)

3. So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh, come, peasant, king, to own him; the King of kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone him. (Refrain)

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER 2 (EOW) Celebrant A boy has been born for us; People A child has been given to us. Celebrant And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince

of Peace! Once we were no people; People Now we are God’s people! Celebrant Once we walked in darkness, People Now we have seen a great light! Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Lift up your hearts. People We lift them to the Lord. Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People It is right to give our thanks and praise. Celebrant We praise you and we bless you, holy and gracious God, source of life abundant. From

before time you made ready the creation. Your Spirit moved over the deep and brought all things into being: sun, moon, and stars; earth, winds, and waters; and every living thing. You made us in your image, and taught us to walk in your ways. But we rebelled against you, and wandered far away; and yet, as a mother cares for her children, you would not forget us. Time and again you called us to live in the fullness of your love. And so this day we join with Saints and Angels in the chorus of praise that rings through eternity, lifting our voices to magnify you as we sing:

Celebrant and People SANCTUS Missa Emmanuel Celebrant Glory and honor and praise to you, holy and living God. To deliver us from the power of

sin and death and to reveal the riches of your grace, you looked with favor upon Mary, your willing servant, that she might conceive and bear a son, Jesus the holy child of God.

Living among us, Jesus loved us. He broke bread with outcasts and sinners, healed the sick, and proclaimed good news to the poor. He yearned to draw all the world to himself yet we were heedless of his call to walk in love. Then, the time came for him to complete upon the cross the sacrifice of his life, and to be glorified by you.

On the night before he died for us, Jesus was at table with his friends. He took bread, gave thanks to you, broke it, and gave it to them, and said: “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

As supper was ending, Jesus took the cup of wine. Again, he gave thanks to you, gave it to them, and said: “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

Now gathered at your table, O God of all creation, and remembering Christ, crucified and risen, who was and is and is to come, we offer to you our gifts of bread and wine, and ourselves, a living sacrifice. Pour out your Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Body and Blood of Christ. Breathe your Spirit over the whole earth and make us your new creation, the Body of Christ given for the world you have made. In the fullness of time bring us, with Peter and all your saints, from every tribe and language and people and nation, to feast at the banquet prepared from the foundation of the world.

Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to you be honor, glory, and praise, for ever and ever. AMEN.

*THE LORD’S PRAYER It is our custom, for those who wish, to hold hands during this prayer.

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, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD Celebrant Alleluia. We break this bread to share in the Body of Christ. People We who are many are one body, for we all share in the one bread. Alleluia. FRACTION ANTHEM Response sung to the tune of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Celebrant Blessed be God by whose grace creation is renewed, by whose love heaven is opened, by whose mercy we are fed. People Rejoice, Rejoice! Emmanuel. Shall come to thee, O Israel.

The Distribution of Communion--All God’s people are welcome to receive the Holy Sacrament, including children. If it is difficult for you to come forward, please signal the Celebrant and the Sacrament will be brought to you.

COMMUNION MEDITATION Come Weal, Come Woe John Foley, SJ

COMMUNION HYMN In the bleak midwinter Cranham 1. In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,

earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, in the bleak midwinter, long ago.

2. Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain; heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign: in the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed the Lord God incarnate, Jesus Christ.

3. Angels and archangels may have gathered there, cherubim and seraphim thronged the air; but his mother only, in her maiden bliss, worshiped the beloved with a kiss.

4. What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a wise man, I would do my part; yet what I can I give him--give my heart.

*POST-COMMUNION PRAYER Celebrant and People

God of abundance, you have fed us with the bread of life and cup of salvation; you have united us with Christ and one another; and you have made us one with all your people in heaven and on earth. Now send us forth in the power of your Spirit, that we may proclaim your redeeming love to the world and continue for ever in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen.

*BLESSING Christ, who by his incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, fill you with peace and goodwill and make you partakers of the divine nature and the blessing of the Holy Trinity be upon you now and forever. Amen. *RECESSIONAL HYMN God rest you merry gentlemen God rest you merry

1. God rest you merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay, remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day To save us all from Satan's pow'r when we were gone astray. O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy; O tidings of comfort and joy.

2. From God our heav'nly Father a blessed 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, comfort and joy; O tidings of comfort and joy.

3. "Fear not," then said the angel, "Let nothing you affright; this day is born a Savior of a pure virgin bright, to free all those who trust in Him from Satan's pow'r and might." O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy; O tidings of comfort and joy.

4. Now to the Lord sing praises all you within this place, and with true love and brotherhood each other new embrace; this holy tide of Christmas all other doth deface. O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy; O tidings of comfort and joy.

DISMISSAL Reader #1 This night is born Jesus, Son of the King of glory. This night is born to us the root of our

joy. This night gleamed sea and shore together. This night was born Christ the king of greatness.

Reader #2 Though laid in a manger, he came from a throne; on earth though a stranger, in heaven he was known.

People How lowly, how gracious his coming to earth! His love my love kindles to joy in His birth.

Reader #1 Sweet Jesus, King of glory! Reader #2 Now you sleep in a manger, in a stable poor and cold. People But for us You are the highest King, making our hearts into your palace. Celebrant Go in peace to love and serve our Lord. People Thanks be to God.

ABOUT THIS CELTIC LITURGY The prayers and praises for this evening have been drawn from a variety of sources:

The Iona Community & 2) and the Episcopal Church (Enriching our Worship). The music listed is used with permission: OneLicense #A-709423 / LicenSing License #626853

ANNOUNCEMENTS Office Closed. The office will be closed Monday, December 25 and Monday, January 1, for the Christmas and New Year holidays. Epiphany Dinner on Saturday, January 6, at 6 p.m. On the menu are soup, chili, salad, cornbread, and dessert. Some carols will be sung (led by T.J. Thomas). This event is hosted by the choir. There is no cost to attend but seating is limited to the first 90 people to call the parish office to RSVP. (Free will donations will be gratefully accepted.) Fun night for all ages! St. Peter’s Youth Group. We have a newly-formed Youth Group! All youth grades 7 and up are welcome! Bring a friend, too!!!

• The Youth Group Retreat is scheduled for the first weekend in March (March 2, 3, 4) and we will be going to a large indoor water park in the Poconos (goo.gl/UTZVWR). Details to follow.

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade. The Youth (and all who would like to join in) will be walking in the Martin Luther King, Jr. parade on Saturday, January 13 at 11 a.m. All welcome!

• Next Meeting. We will meet on Sunday, January 14, at noon in the SPY Room. Hope to see you all there!

CHRISTMAS FLOWER DEDICATIONS Kenneth and Kristine Alumno in memory of Henry K. Macli-ing

Dean Belt in memory of Peg Belt and Dean C. Belt, Jr.

David and Elinor Boyce in thanksgiving for life and health

Judy Cousins in thanksgiving for Jon, David, loving friends and family

Adele Fluharty in memory of loved ones

The Graham Girls in thanksgiving for our parents, Victor and Jane Graham

Eleanor Hodges in thanksgiving for children and grandchildren

Bob Howard and Robert Kovalcik in memory of Frank and Mary Jo Kovalcik and Barbara and Tom Bowden

Alicia Jones and Owen Cheevers in remembrance of family members departed and far away

Richard and Tina Jundt in memory of Charles and Sada Jundt

Evelyn Kyritsis in memory of John Kyritsis

Drew McKay and Susan McElligott in thanksgiving for our sons Nick McKay and John McKay

Judy McKay and Family in memory of the Petterson’s, Jack McKay and John McKay, Jr.

Suzanne McLean and Holger Stenberg in memory of Rodney and Anne Evans

Red and Barbara Moulinier in memory of the Kearns & Moulinier Families

Helen Murphy in memory of Cornelius Murphy, Stephen Murphy and my niece Claudia

Richard Pittaccio in memory of Ronnie Mulhurn Jeffrey Ross and Sheila Bravo

in thanksgiving for Morgan and Austin John Michael Sophos

in memory of Michael Sophos, Marge Kelsey, John & Cecelia Scott Kelsey, Howard & Helen Kelsey Enderlin, Pat Kelsey Scharf & Landis Vance

and in thanksgiving for my mother “Miss Dot” Sophos Irving and Linda Walls

in memory of Christopher Walls, Pauline Temple and George Coverdale Myra and Bob Vanderwerker

in celebration of family and friends and in remembrance of those no longer with us Patty Warden

in memory of Robert I. Warden

UPCOMING SERVICE SCHEDULE Christmas Day

9 a.m. Festal Eucharist

Saturday & Sunday, December 30 & 31 First Sunday After Christmas

5 p.m. Holy Eucharist 8 & 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist 10:30 a.m. LIGHT Family Service (Parish Hall)

REGULAR WORSHIP TIMES AT ST. PETER’S

Saturday Evening Service

5 p.m. in the Church

Sunday Services 8 and 10 a.m. in the Church; 10:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall (L.I.G.H.T. Service)

During the Week

Morning Prayer (Monday through Saturday) 8 a.m. in the Church Holy Eucharist – Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. in the Church

Holy Eucharist – Thursday, 10 a.m. (at Cadbury)

PARISH CLERGY AND STAFF The Reverend Jeffrey Austin Ross, Rector • jross@stpeterslewes.org The Reverend Doug Culton, Rector Emeritus The Reverend Canon Mark Harris, Priest Associate • poetmark1940@gmail.com The Reverend Carlyle Gill, Priest Associate • jcarlylegill@yahoo.com The Reverend Larry Hofer, Priest Associate • hofer09@gmail.com The Reverend Ray Michener, Priest Associate • rmichener@aol.com Ms. Adele Fluharty, Parish Administrator • afluharty@stpeterslewes.org Mr. T.J. Thomas, Minister of Music • tthomas@stpeterslewes.org Ms. Lorri Camilleri, Youth and Family Minister • lorri@stpeterslewes.org Dr. Sheila Bravo, Director of Alternative Liturgy • sbravoross@aol.com Mr. Bob Reehorst, Sexton

ST. PETER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH P.O. Box 464 Lewes, DE 19958 (302) 645-8479 | www.stpeterslewes.org