Online Lessons & Carols from St John's 2020
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- Published: Thursday, 17 December 2020 12:38
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St John the Evangelist, Bexley
Part of the Bexley Team Ministry
Online Lessons & Carols
From St John's 2020
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.
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.
And our eyes at last shall see him,
Through his own redeeming love,
For that child so dear and gentle
Is our Lord in heaven above;
And he leads his children on
To the place where he is gone.
(C.F Alexander)
An introduction to the service from the Team Vicar:
The choir sings John Rutter’s Star Carol:
St Matthew tells of the birth of Jesus: Read by the Rt Hon. James Brokenshire MP
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.
How silently, how silently,
The wondrous gift is giv’n!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of his heav’n.
No ear may hear his coming;
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him, still
The dear Christ enters in.
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.
(Bishop Phillips Brooks)
St Luke tells of the birth of Jesus: Read by Mrs J. Ivil, Headteacher, Old Bexley C of E Primary School
The past year has not been easy: We have experienced sadness, grief, fear and frustration, as individuals and as a community. The ‘Coventry Carol’ calls us into the emotional space of the women of Jerusalem whose sons were to be slaughtered by King Herod. As the choir sings this sacred piece, we invite you to join with the lament of the women of Jerusalem – expressing whatever fears or frustrations you carry with you at present and offering them to God’s care.
If you need support or someone to listen to you at this time, please use the resources detailed elsewhere on the St John’s Website.
St John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation
The choir sings John Rutter’s All Bells in Paradise
It is customary at the end of a Carol Service to take a retiring collection. Should you wish to make a donation in this season of Good Will to All, please use the following links:
To donate to the upkeep, worship and ministry of St John’s
To donate to the Bexley Winter Shelter, supporting rough sleepers in the local area
Hark! The herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn 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 newborn 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 the sons of Earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! The herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King.
(Words: C. Wesley & Others)
May the joy of the angels,
The eagerness of the shepherds,
The perseverance of the wise men,
The obedience of Joseph and Mary,
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,
Be upon you and remain with you,
This Christmastide and forever more.
Amen
With thanks to:
The Rt Hon. James Brokenshire MP
Mrs J. Ivil
Phoebe Tak Man Chow (Organ)
Alex Cromwell (Trumpet)
Katy Kibby and the choir of St John the Evangelist, Bexley
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