RING IN THE CHRIST
XII. Christmas
I
Instrumental prelude Hymn No. 79 (From "The Messiah")
Hymn No. 36 Come, All Ye Faithful, Joyful and Triumphant
Responsive Reading (Standing)
Leader:
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
Assembly
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end.
Invocation
Hymn No. 31 Joy to the World; the Lord Is Come
Responsive Reading
Leader:
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,keeping watch over their flock by night.
Assembly:
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them : and they were sore afraid.
Leader:
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Assembly:
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
Leader:
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Assembly:
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Leader:
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Assembly:
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
Leader:
And they came with haste and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
Assembly:
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning the child.
Leader:
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
Assembly:
But Mary kept all these sayings, and pondered them in her heart.
All:
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising god for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Hymn No. 32 Hark the Herald Angels Sing
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