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.

Lessons Carolswashington national cathedral

a service of

—Luke 2: 10-11

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christmas at washington national cathedral

On Christmas Day, we hear again these words from John’s Gospel:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it." [ John 1: 1-5]

Here is the central, historic proclamation of Christmas: God has taken on human flesh in the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. This is perhaps Christianity’s most startling proposition. It has radical consequences. God became one of us in Jesus. This means at least two things. It means that God now knows what it is like to be us. And it means that who we are and how we live is raised to a new level of divine importance. We matter. God feels our joy and our pain. The One we pray to knows what our life feels like. And more than that: all human life, all human experience, is important and holy because all human beings are holy. By becoming one of us in Jesus, God has blessed and transformed all human life.

And this blessing and transformation are at the heart of what Christmas means right now. Your life, your joys and sorrows, your work and relationships, your story—all of what makes you “you” matters because of what happened that morning in Palestine two thousand plus years ago. In our culture Christmas has not become “commercialized” so much as it has become “trivialized”. We have made of it too light a thing. The reindeer antlers, the silly ties, and the Santa hats are great, but we should wear them not only at parties but out on the street, stopping traffic and giving people the good news that God has become one of us in Jesus, that their lives are now charged with divine significance, that it is OK for them to be who they are.

As John says at the close of the Christmas Day Gospel, “And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” [ John 1:14] Jesus’ life is the light of all people, and it is available to us each and all, here and now. God has taken you into the divine mystery. You are now part of it. That is the deepest meaning of this holiday.

Merry Christmas to you, your household, and the world.

Gary HallDean, Washington National Cathedral

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organ preludeNoël Suisse Louis-Claude Daquin (1694-1772)Greensleeves (What child is this?) Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958); arr. Stanley RoperHumoresque Pietro Yon (1866-1943)

introitI saw three ships English traditional; arr. Richard WaltersI saw three ships come sailing in on Christmas Day in the morning. And what was in those ships all three on Christmas Day in the morning? Our Savior Christ and His lady, on Christmas Day in the morning. Pray, wither sailed those ships all three, on Christmas Day in the morning? O they sailed into Bethlehem, on Christmas Day in the morning And all the bells on earth shall ring, on Christmas Day in the morning.

christmas day a service of lessons & carols

december 25, 2014 • 4:00 pm

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hymn at the procession Sung by all, standing.Once in royal David’s city Irby

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acclamation of the nativityOfficiant Christ is born: give him glory! People Christ has come down from heaven: receive him!

Officiant Christ is now on the earth: exalt him!People O you earth, sing to the Lord!

Officiant O you nations, praise him in joy, for he has been glorified! People Christ has come down from heaven: receive him!

biddingDear people of God, this Christmas Day let it be our duty and delight to hear once more the message of the angels, to go in heart and mind to Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, the Son of God lying in a manger. Let us hear again from Holy Scripture the story of the loving purposes of God from the time of our rebellion until the glorious redemption brought to us by this holy Child, and let us make this place glad with our carols of praise. Yet first, because this of all things would rejoice Jesus’ heart, let us pray for the needs of the whole world, and of all people.

Holy God, heaven and earth are met this day in the newborn Child, Savior of the world. We celebrate his birth; for in him you come to be close to us, that we might be close to you. Especially, we give thanks for the birth, life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and for all he means to us; for prospects of peace in the world, for confidence in your almighty love; for those who generously give, for those who graciously receive; for the Church’s nurturing us in faith. God of all mercy, as you have come in Jesus Christ to be our guest, inspire our hearts to a hospitality that welcomes all your children in his name. Especially we pray for those who have not heard your good news; for the sick and suffering; for those who know no laughter, only tears; for those who govern and rule; for those enslaved by tyranny; for prisoners of addition or abuse; for the Church as a refuge for the needy. Amen.

the lord’s prayerOfficiant These prayers and praises let us humbly offer up to the throne of heaven, saying each in our own language

the words that Christ himself has taught us,People Notre Père…, Padre nuestro…, Vater unser…, 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 people are seated.

first lesson In which the Lord promises salvation Isaiah 52:7–10How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the Lord to Zion. Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

carolThe Angel Gabriel arr. Bob Chilcott (b. 1955)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!

—Sabine Baring-Gould (1832-1924)

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second lesson In which the prophet proclaims that God will come and save us Isaiah 35:1–10The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.” Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God’s people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

carolSusanni Richard Rodney Bennett (1936-2012)A little child is yborn, Eia, susanni. And he sprang out of Jesse’s thorn, Alleluya. To save us all that were forlorn. Now Jesus is the childes name. Eia, susanni. And Mary mild she is his dame, Alleluya. And so our sorrow’s turned to game. It fell upon the high midnight. Eia, susanni. The stars they shone both fair and bright. Alleluya. The angels sang with all their might. Three Kings there came with their presents, Eia, susanni. Of gold and myrrh and frankincense, Alleluya. As clerkes sing in their sequence. Now sit we down upon our knee. Eia, susanni. And pray we to the Trinity, Alleluya. Our help and succour for to be.

—14th century

hymn Sung by all, standing.It came upon a midnight clear Carol

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The people are seated.

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third lesson In which Jesus is born Luke 2:1–7

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.

carolQuittez pasteurs French traditional; arr. John Rutter (b. 1945)Come, leave your sheep, your ewes with lambs afeeding, O shepherds, hear our message of good cheer; no longer weep; the angel tidings heeding, to Bethlem haste away! Our Lord is born this happy day. He lieth there within a lowly manger; an infant poor he languisheth full sore. God’s loving care hath saved us all from danger and brought us to his fold; now own his faithful love revealed of old. Ye sages three arrayed in royal splendor, your homage pay; a king is born this day the star ye see its radiance must surrender before our Sun most bright; your gifts are precious in his sight Come, Holy Ghost, of blessings source eternal, our souls inspire with thy celestial fire; the heavenly host praise Christ the Lord supernal and sing the peace on earth God gives us by his holy birth.

fourth lesson In which the shepherds go and worship the Christ Child Luke 2:8–20In 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.

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hymn Sung by all, standing.Angels we have heard on high Gloria

The people remain standing.

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fifth lesson In which the Word became flesh and lived among us John 1:1–14In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of human will, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

The people are seated.

carolA babe is born William Mathias (1934-1992)A babe is born all of a may, to bring salvation unto us. To him we sing both night and day. Veni creator Spiritus. At Bethlehem, that blessed place, the child of bliss now born he was; and him to serve God give us grace, O lux beata Trinitas. There came three kings out of the East, to worship the King that is so free, with gold and myrrh and frankincense, a solis ortus cardine. The angels came down with one cry, a fair song that night sung they in worship of that child, Gloria tibi Domine.

hymn Sung by all, standing.Joy to the world Antioch

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The people are seated at the invitation of the homilist.

homily Canon Campbell

announcementAt the conclusion of this service, people are invited to the great choir for the Christmas Day organ recital. Enter by way of St. Mary’s Chapel and St. John’s Chapel. Please do not attempt to enter the great choir via the platform. All those moving to the great choir for the recital are asked to regard the safety of others exiting the Cathedral following this service.

inviting the offering

The people remain seated while an offering is received to support the Cathedral’s work of sharing God’s love with the world.

carol at the offertorySome children see him Alfred Burt (1920-1954); arr. Joseph M. Martin (b. 1959)Some children see Him lily white, the baby Jesus born this night. Some children see Him lily white, with tresses soft and fair. Some children see Him bronzed and brown, the Lord of heav’n to earth come down. Some children see Him bronzed and brown, with dark and heavy hair. Some children see Him almond-eyed, this Savior whom we kneel beside. Some children see Him almond-eyed, with skin of yellow hue. Some children see Him dark as they, sweet Mary’s Son to whom we pray. Some children see him dark as they, and, ah! they love Him, too! The children in each different place will see the baby Jesus’ face like theirs, but bright with heavenly grace, and filled with holy light. O lay aside each earthly thing and with thy heart as offering, come worship now the infant King. ‘Tis love that’s born tonight!

—Wihla Hutson (1901-2002)

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The people stand.

christmas litanyOfficiant Jesus, Son of the Living God, Splendor of the Father, Light Eternal, King of glory, Sun of justice, born of

the Virgin Mary:People Glory to you, O Christ!

Officiant Jesus, Wonderful Counselor, strong Lord, eternal God, Prince of Peace:People Glory to you, O Christ!

Officiant Jesus, most powerful, patient, obedient, gentle and humble of heart, loving all who are pure in heart:People Glory to you, O Christ!

Officiant Jesus, God of peace, source of life, pattern of holiness, friend of all, our God and our refuge:People Glory to you, O Christ!

Officiant Jesus, brother of the poor, treasure of the faithful, Good Shepherd, True Light, inexhaustible Wisdom, boundless Love, our Way and our Life:

People Glory to you, O Christ!

Officiant Jesus, joy of the angels, master of the apostles, teacher of the evangelists, strength of the martyrs, light of every witness to the truth, crown of all the saints:

People Glory to you, O Christ!

concluding collectAll-powerful and unseen God, the coming of your light into our world has brightened weary hearts with peace. Call us out of darkness, and empower us to proclaim the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

christmas blessing May Christ, who by his Incarnation gathered all things earthly and heavenly into one, bestow upon you the fullness of peace and goodwill; and the blessing of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

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hymn at the closing Sung by all. Hark! the herald angels sing Mendelssohn

organ voluntaryFanfare Jacques-Nicolas Lemmens (1823-1881)

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musiciansThe Cathedral Choir

Canon Michael McCarthyDirector of Music, Washington National Cathedral

Christopher Betts

Organist and Associate Director of Music, Washington National Cathedral

Benjamin StraleyOrganist and Associate Director of Music, Washington National Cathedral

Edward M. Nassor

Carillonneur, Washington National Cathedral

Rosa Lamoreaux Soprano

worship leaders

The Reverend Canon Gina Gilland Campbell Canon Precentor, Washington National Cathedral

The Very Reverend Gary Hall

Dean, Washington National Cathedral

readersDoro KochPaula Mays

DiAna Hart SmithDavid Torrealba

The Reverend Canon Samuel Van Culin

permissions: Cover photo: Colin Winterbottom. Once in royal David’s city. Words: Sts. 1-2, 4-6, Cecil Francis Alexander (1818-1895), alt. Public Domain. St. 3, James Waring McCrady (b. 1938) © 1982, James Warring McCrady. © 1957, Novello and Company Limited. Permission requested. Music: Irby, melody Henry John Gauntlett (1805-1876); harm. Arthur Henry Mann (1850-1929). Public Domain. Angels we have heard on high. Words: French carol; tr. James Chadwick (1813-1882), alt. Public Domain. Music: Gloria, French carol; arr. Edward Shippen Barnes (1887-1958). Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-709283. Joy to the world! Words: Isaac Watts (1674-1748), alt. Public Domain. Music: Antioch, George Frideric Handel (1685-1759); adapt. and arr. Lowell Mason (1792-1872). Public Domain. Hark! the herald angels sing. Words: Charles Wesley (1707-1788), alt. Public Domain. Music: Mendelssohn, Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847); adapt. William H. Cummings (1831-1915). Public Domain. It came upon the midnight clear. Words:Edmund H. Sears (1810-1876), alt. Music: Carol, Richard Storrs Willis (1819-1900). Public domain.

Massachusetts and Wisconsin Aves, NWWashington, DC 20016-5098

www.nationalcathedral.org

flowers throughout the cathedral are given to the glory of god. High Altar: in memory of Hibbard G. James, and in loving memory of Lansing Kemton DD, Rt. Reverend Benjamin Dagwell, Philip Hulley, Margaret Hulley Watzek, C.H. Watzek, A.R. Watzek, Mr. & Mrs. Kanah Hulley; the candelabra in the High Altar sanctuary: in loving memory of Mary Russell and Charles Bounds; altar in St. Mary’s Chapel: in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Larz Anderson, and in loving memory of the Reverend and Mrs. Norman Egerton and Robert Marsden Goodchild; St. Mary’s Chapel gates: in loving memory of Richard Hewitt; the altar in Holy Spirit Chapel: in memory of Ann Wilson, and in loving memory of Rosanna Milner Warner and Frank J. Murray; the altar in St. John’s Chapel: in thanksgiving for the Charles Ray Long family and friends; the altar in Children’s Chapel: in memory of Wayne Evan Matejik; the Christ Child tree: in honor of Andrew, Kurt, and Stefan Moss; Jennifer and Robert Vettori Jr.; and Lydia Hynson, and in honor of The Great Mystery of the Incarnation; altar in War Memorial Chapel: in memory of Margaret H. Howard; Dulin Bay: given in memory of and thanksgiving for Blanche Scott Dulin, Edward Milton Dulin Sr., and Dr. William C. Dulin; Folger Bay: given in memory of J. Clifford Folger; Woodrow Wilson tomb: in thanksgiving for and in honor of President Woodrow Wilson; the altar in Bethlehem Chapel: in honor of David, Michael and Peter Lee; Angus Dun Font: in honor of Helen Barnard and in thanksgiving for her service to the Cathedral; the Prince tombs in St. John’s Chapel and outside Bethlehem Chapel: in memory of and in thanksgiving for Norman Prince along with his parents, Frederick Henry Prince and Abbie Norman Prince; the altar in Resurrection Chapel: in thanksgiving for the Charles Ray Long family and friends; ushers’ carnations: in memory of Lieutenant James Norbert Matthews.