Festival of Lessons and Carols
December 22, 2024 | 8:30am
Festival of Lessons and Carols is a bridge between the liturgical seasons of Advent and Christmas. Our service is an adaptation of the form used on Christmas Eve at King’s College Chapel in Cambridge, England. As the service begins, the prayers of the people are sought for those in need at this time. The nine lessons which follow detail the salvation story of God’s people, from the time of creation through the prophets, and conclude with the fulfillment of these prophecies as recorded in the gospels. Each lesson is followed by a carol which is chosen to enhance its message. The congregation is invited to prepare for the service in silent meditation. We ask you to refrain from applause.
Prelude
Welcome
Rev. Dr. Jason Hays
Executive Minister
Lighting of the Fourth Advent Candle — Candle of Love
Reader One: This Advent we have embraced hope, peace, and joy amid despair, injustice, and grief. While we wait for Christmas, love is gestating in darkness.
Reader Two: The fourth candle is the candle of LOVE. In the birth of Jesus, God’s love for us was made known in an unexpected way. Reminded that Emmanuel, God with us, is both fierce and tender, we light this candle of love.
(Light four candles on the Advent wreath.)
Reader One: Love permeates every aspect of this life: from birth to death, pain to delight, strangers to lovers. Preparing the way of love, may this light kindle compassion, solidarity, and hospitality for others.
All: May the light from this candle ignite compassion that guides our actions, understanding that bridges our differences, and kindness that transforms the world around us, declaring that God’s love is on its way.
Opening Hymn Once in Royal David’s City (Irby)
Verse 1: Emma Dahab & Tallen Glossy, soloists
*Verses 2-6: Congregation and Choirs (Please rise in body or spirit.)
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 Savior holy.
And through all his wondrous childhood, He would honour and obey,
love, and watch the lowly maiden In whose gentle arms he lay;
Christian children all must be Mild, obedient, good as he.
For He is our childhood’s pattern, Day by day like us He grew;
He was little, weak, and helpless, Tears and smiles like us He knew;
and He feeleth for our sadness, And He shareth in our gladness.
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.
Not in that poor lowly stable, With the oxen standing by,
We shall see him; but in heaven, Set at God’s right hand on high;
Where like stars his children crowned All in white shall wait around.
*Bidding Prayer
*The Lord’s Prayer (Unison)
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 debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
First Lesson Genesis 1: 1-5 (selected verses)
Reader: Amanda Osenga
*Note: There is no Word to the Children today. Childcare sign-in is available in the Commons.
*Hymn 83 Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (Stuttgart)
Second Lesson Isaiah 9: 2, 6-7
Reader: Dianne Briscoe McKenzie
Carol Away In A Manger
arr. Valerie Stephenson
Montview Ringers
Third Lesson Isaiah 11: 1-4, 6-9
Reader: Rev. Dr. Lorraine Leist
*Hymn 129 Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming (Es Ist Ein’ Ros’)
Fourth Lesson Luke 1: 26-35, 38
Reader: Kate Williams
Carol Angels We Have Heard On High
arr. Susan Geschke
Montview Ringers
Fifth Lesson Luke 1: 39-55
Reader: Sandy Prouty
Carol Let That Baby In
Susie Phillips
Barbara Wollan, soprano
Heidi Shriver, alto
Snow is falling, angels calling, star is beckoning to a barn.
Lives are turning, gently churning, people yearning to be warm.
Baby rocking, softly knocking, born to free us from our sin.
All that’s needed is to heed the news and let that baby in.
(Refrain) So Let that baby in, He is knocking on your heart
For unto you this Child is born but you must do your part.
So let that baby in, He was born for you and me
To be the light in this dark world, to set our spirits free.
You are wise man, I am shepherd gathered round our Christmas tree,
Bringing gifts and singing carols just to share this mystery.
Baby rocking, softly knocking, born to free us from our sin.
All that’s needed is to heed the news and let that baby in.
(Refrain)
Sixth Lesson Matthew 1: 18-21
Reader: Beth Ellsworth
*Hymn 121 O Little Town of Bethlehem (St. Louis)
Seventh Lesson Luke 2: 1-7
Reader: Peter Hulac
Carol
Coventry Carol
Traditional English Carol
Wendy Bawmann, soprano & auto harp
(Refrain)
Lully, lulla,
thou little tiny child,
by by, lully lullay.
O sisters too,
how may we do
for to preserve this day
this poor youngling,
for whom we do sing
by by, lully lullay?
Herod the king,
in his raging,
charged he hath this day
his men of might,
in his own sight,
all young children to slay.
That woe is me,
poor child for thee!
and ever morn and day,
for thy parting
neither say nor sing
by by, lully lullay!
Eighth Lesson Luke 2: 8-20
Reader: Rev. Dr. Jason Hays
Carol
Chorale Prelude on “From Heaven on High to Earth I Come”
Heinrich Scheidemann (1595-1663)
Barbara Hulac, organ
Ninth Lesson John 1: 1-14
Reader: Rev. Clover Reuter Beal
Carol Sweet Little Jesus Boy
Robert MacGimsey (1898-1979)
Dianne Briscoe McKenzie, soprano
Sweet little Jesus Boy —
They made you be born in a manger.
Sweet little Holy Child —
Didn’t know who You was.
Didn’t know You’d come to save us, Lord;
To take our sins away.
Our eyes was blind, we couldn’t see,
We didn’t know who you was.
Long time ago, you was born,
Born in a manger low,
Sweet little Jesus Boy.
The world treat you mean, Lord,
Treat me mean, too,
But that’s how things is down here —
We don’t know who You is.
You done told us how, we is a tryin’!
Master, You done show’d us how, even when you was dyin’.
Just seem like we can’t do right,
Look how we treated You.
But please, Sir, forgive us, Lord —
We didn’t know ’twas You.
*Collect for Christmas
*Blessing
*Hymn 88 O Come, O Come Emmanuel (Veni Emmanuel) verses 1, 6 & 7
1 O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
6 O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer
our spirits by thine advent here;
disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
and death’s dark shadows put to flight. [Refrain]
7 O come, Desire of nations, bind
all peoples in one heart and mind;
bid envy, strife, and discord cease;
fill the whole world with heaven’s peace. [Refrain]
*Benediction
Postlude
ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS
Piano: Adam Waite
Organ: Yinying Luo
OFFERINGS
Giving to Montview
Many of us are prayerfully discerning our Christmas giving. We invite you to consider making a special year-end gift to the church at www.montview.org/giving or by texting a dollar amount to 720.452.6449. Offering boxes are stationed at the exit for cash and checks. We’re grateful for your support.
Christmas Joy Offering
We invite you to make a Christmas Joy Offering using the envelopes that are distributed in the pews. Your donation to this PC(USA) special offering will provide assistance to current and retired church workers in their time of need and leadership development and education for communities of color Presbyterian-related schools and colleges. You may also give online at specialofferings.pcusa.org.
PARISH NEWS
Prayer Tree
Everett Cordy, brother of Sylvia Cordy; Jolene Cranston; Vicki Dunham, mother of Bryn Dunham; Bruce Easton, brother of Doug Easton; Beth Ellsworth, mourning the death of her brother, Michael Wallis; John Hartshorn; Steve Hatlem, brother of Jenni Hatlem; William Hatlem, father of Jenni Hatlem; Jay Henry, family of Mary Jo Bush; Joe Hickman; Ellen Easton Howard, sister of Doug Easton; Tony Johnson; Eden Murphy; Mac Murphy; Scot Sandoval, son of Juanita Martinez; Page Shaver and family,
mourning the death of Jud Shaver; Jewel Wegs
Memorial Services
Patricia (Patty) Romeo | December 28 at 11:00am in the Miller Chapel
CHRISTMAS EVE AT MONTVIEW
2pm & 4pm – Family Service
Sanctuary & 4pm Livestream
6pm & 8pm – Candlelight
Sanctuary & 6pm Livestream
7:15pm – Witness to the Light
(candlelight and music along Montview Blvd)
10pm – Candlelight with Choir
Sanctuary (with a special prelude performance of “In Terra Pax” beginning at 9:55pm)
December 29 Worship Service
One Service at 11am (Sanctuary)
On December 29, we’ll have one worship service at 11:00am in the sanctuary. Join us for this special service where we’ll have poetry and prose, along with a carol sing. We’ll celebrate the gifts of the season and prepare for the year to come. There will be a hot chocolate bar reception in the McCollum Room following the service. Childcare will be available for ages birth-7.
ABOUT THIS SERVICE
Assistive listening devices are available in the sound booth in the back of the sanctuary.
Restrooms are available in the Commons. An all-gender restroom is available on the lower level across from the Youth Cellar.
Childcare is available for ages Birth-7 on the Preschool floor.
FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN
We are so glad your family is worshiping with us today. We also know that sometimes children tire of being in worship. We have a space for those times directly below the sanctuary. You can follow the service on a large screen there while your children enjoy toys, books and space. The greeters can direct you!
VISITORS
We are happy that you are worshiping with us today and invite you to learn more about Montview. Please fill out one of the Friendship Pads that are placed in the pews. Feel free to contact our office at 303.355.1651 or email Todd Rembe at todd@montview.org with questions. Please come again.
MONTVIEW BOULEVARD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1980 Dahlia Street, Denver, CO 80220
303.355.1651 | www.montview.org
*You’re invited to rise in body or spirit.