Over the years I have experimented with a post Christmas version of Lessons and Carols. At first it was basically a sly way (in my humble opinion) to have an off day without taking a vacation day. Then again I have never been a big fan of the Lesson and Carols service taking the place of a Sunday morning or Christmas Eve worship service. Don't get me wrong I love the service, I listen to it each year, and I have several copies of it on my computer. What keeps the service in Cambridge fresh is the inclusion of new carols each year, sometimes up to three new commissions each year!. But what congregation has the wallets to commission three new carols every year and a 32 member full-time highly trained choir and a full-time choirmaster and full-time organist to rehearse and perform them? Not many. Thus came the post-Christmas lessons and carols, a service of reflection on Advent and Christmas Eve along with in house musicians, new compositions, familiar carols, and Jesus specific lessons. This year I was blown away by the level of creativity, love and energy from the service. I offer it as a model for others to consider. Enjoy.
First Sunday of Christmas
December 29, 2013 9:30 AM
PRELUDE “A Medley of Carols”
Polly Schrom, Jim ten Bensel, Eileen McLaughlin, Jim Wentink
LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES Scholz/Slominski family
MUSIC “The First Noel” Jimmi Langemo
and family members
*HYMN #597 “Shall We Gather at the River” Hanson Place (vs. 1, 2, 3)
FIRST LESSON Matthew 3:1-12 Anton Hesse
The Forerunner
page 2 red pew Bible, New Testament
MUSIC “The Chosen One” Doug Weatherhead
SECOND LESSON Luke 1:46-55 Travis Norvell
The Song of Mary, read responsively.
page 57 red pew Bible, New Testament
One even verses; Many odd verses.
MUSIC “Once Again My Heart Rejoices” Scott & Jane Ulring
THIRD LESSON Luke 2:21 Anton Hesse
The Naming of Jesus
page 59 red pew Bible, New Testament
ANTHEM “Sweet little Jesus Boy” Jim ten Bensel
*HYMN #148 “What Child Is This” Greensleeves
FOURTH LESSON Matthew 2:16-18 Anton Hesse
The Killing of the Innocents
page 2 red pew Bible, New Testament
MUSIC “Killing of the Innocents” Doug Weatherhead
MORNING PRAYER
CALL TO OFFERING
OFFERTORY “In the Bleak Mid-Winter” Gustav Holst
*DOXOLOGY Brian Wren/Lasst Uns Erfreuen
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures high and low.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise God, in Jesus fully known: Creator, Word, and Spirit one
Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
FIFTH LESSON Luke 2:41-52 Travis Norvell
Jesus at the Temple
page 59 red pew Bible, New Testament
MUSIC "Christmas Spirit" Van Johnson
*HYMN #154 “Go Tell It On the Mountain” Jimmi Langemo
SIXTH LESSON Matthew 27:32-44 Anton Hesse
Crucified Like a Bandit
page 32 red pew Bible, New Testament
*BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE “My Favorite Things” Rodgers & Hammerstein Brett Hirsch
Next year, I would like to start a new carol contest with the winning carol making its debut on Christmas Eve, performed by the amazing Judson Choir.
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