The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ€¦ · go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born. 1) While shepherds kept their watching 2) The shepherds feared and trembled o’er

The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ

CHRISTMAS EVE Saturday, December 24, 2016

Christmas Eve Concert - 10:30 p.m.Festival Choral Eucharist - 11:00 p.m.

The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew719 N. Shipley Street

Wilmington, Delaware 19801302-656-6628 | www.SsAM.org

PARTICIPANTS

The Reverend David T. Andrews, Jr., (Rector) Celebrant and PreacherThe Reverend Canon Lloyd S. Casson (Rector Emeritus)

The Reverend Emily Gibson (Associate Priest)The Reverend Ed Godden

The SsAM Choir and CollegiumDavid Christopher, Organist and Director of Music

Joan Sparks, Flute

Christmas Eve Concert10:30 p.m.

The SsAM Choir and CollegiumDavid Christopher, Organist and Director of Music

Joan Sparks, Flute Soloist

Noel sur les jeux d’anches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Louis-Claude Daquin (1694-1772)

Carol Suite. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Evan Thomas (b. 1958)Joan Sparks, Flute

Prelude – O Jesulein süss – The Lamb of God – The Wexford Carol

In natali Domini. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Praetorius (1571-1621)SsAM Collegium

At the birth of the Lordall mortals cried out together:Where is the child born for us?In Bethlehem is the little child born for us,wrapped in a blanket:Jesus is his name.

Theme and Variations on “Jesous Ahatonhia”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M. P. Moon

The Holly and the Ivy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Traditional English; arr. Craig Phillips (b. 1961)

1. The holly and the ivy,When they are both full grown,Of all the trees that are in the wood,The holly bears the crown.

The rising of the sunAnd the running of the deer,The playing of the merry organ,Sweet singing in the choir.

2. The holly bears a blossom,As white as the lily flower,And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,To be our sweet Saviour.

The rising of the sun, etc.

3. The holly bears a berry,As red as any blood,And Mary bore sweet Jesus ChristTo do us sinners good.


4. The holly bears a prickle,As sharp as any thorn,And Mary bore sweet Jesus ChristOn Christmas Day in the morn.


5. The holly bears a bark,As bitter as any gall,And Mary bore sweet Jesus ChristFor to redeem us all.


Gesu Bambino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pietro A. Yon (1886-1943)

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FESTIVAL CHORAL EUCHARIST11:00 p.m.

BCP refers to the Book of Common Prayer.Hymns marked # and service music marked S are found in the Hymnal 1982.

Hymns marked (LEVAS II) are found in Lift Every Voice and Sing.

All who are able, stand as the procession enters.

SOLEMN PROCESSION

To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory.Let us go forth in peace. In the Name of Christ, Amen,

HYMN # 83 “O come, all ye faithful” Adeste fideles

1) O come, all ye faithful,joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;come, and behold him,born the King of angels;

O come, let us adore him,O come let us adore him,O come let us adore him,Christ the Lord.

2) God from God, Light from light eternal,lo! He abhors not the Virgin’s womb;only begotten Son of the Father;

3) Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,sing, all ye citizens of heaven above;glory to God, glory in the highest;

STATION AT THE CHRISTMAS CRECHE

THE HOLY GOSPEL Luke 2:1-20

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should beregistered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor ofSyria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town ofNazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he wasdescended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, towhom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the timecame for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped himin bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in theinn.

In 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, andthey were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see–I am bringing you goodnews of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who isthe Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of clothand 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 thosewhom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to oneanother, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord hasmade known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying inthe manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; andall who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all thesewords and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God forall they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

HYMN # 83 continues

4) See how the shepherds,summoned to his cradle,leaving their flocks,

draw nigh to gaze;we too will thitherbend our joyful footsteps;

5) Child, for us sinnerspoor and in the mangerwe would embrace thee,with love and awe;who would not love thee,loving us so dearly?

6) Yea, Lord we greet thee,born this happy morning;Jesus, to thee be glory given;Word of the Father,now in flesh appearing;

COLLECT FOR PURITY (all in unison)

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secretsare hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, thatwe may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ ourLord. Amen.

GLORIA IN EXCELSIS (sung by the choir) “Mass of the Nativity” by Richard Shephard

Isabel Gray, Augustine Mercante, Chaz Warrick and Benjamin Dutton, soloists

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father; receive our prayer.For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

God be with you.And also with you.Let us pray

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COLLECT OF THE DAY

O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light:Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy himperfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, inglory everlasting. Amen.

All sit for the readings.

THE WORD OF GOD

At the conclusion of each Reading:Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s People.Thanks be to God.

FIRST READING Isaiah 9:2-7

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land ofdeep darkness–on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you haveincreased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult whendividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rodof their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of thetramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; andhe is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Hisauthority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of Davidand his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness fromthis time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

PSALM 96 (sung by the choir) Cantate Domino David Hurd (b. 1950)

1 Sing to the Lord a new song; * sing to the Lord, all the whole earth.

2 Sing to the Lord and bless his Name; * proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day.

3 Declare his glory among the nations * and his wonders among all peoples.

4 For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; * he is more to be feared than all gods.

5 As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; * but it is the Lord who made the heavens.

6 Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! * Oh, the power and the splendor of his sanctuary!

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7 Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples; * ascribe to the Lord honor and power.

8 Ascribe to the Lord the honor due his Name; * bring offerings and come into his courts.

9 Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; * let the whole earth tremble before him.

10 Tell it out among the nations: “The Lord is King! * he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.”

11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea thunder and all that is in it; * let the field be joyful and all that is therein.

12 Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy before the Lord when he comes, * when he comes to judge the earth.

13 He will judge the world with righteousness * and the peoples with his truth.

SECOND READING Titus 2:11-14

The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impietyand worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright,and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of ourgreat God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeemus from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for gooddeeds.

All who are able, stand and sing the Hymn as the Gospel Book is carried in procession.

HYMN # 21 (LEVAS II) “Go, tell it on the mountain” Go Tell It on the Mountain

Refrain: Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere;go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.

1) While shepherds kept their watching 2) The shepherds feared and trembled o’er silent flocks by night when lo! above the earth behold, through-out the heavens rang out the angel chorus there shone a holy light. that hailed our Savior’s birth.

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THE HOLY GOSPEL John 1:1-14

Congregation: Glory to you, Lord Christ

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Hewas in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without himnot one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life wasthe light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did notovercome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as awitness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was notthe 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 throughhim; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own peopledid not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gavepower to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the fleshor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, andwe have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

Congregation: Praise to you, Lord Christ

HYMN # 21 (LEVAS II) “Go, tell it on the mountain” Go Tell It on the Mountain

Refrain: Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere;go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.

3) Down in a lowly mangerthe humble Christ was born,and God sent us salvationthat blessed Christmas morn.

SERMON

THE NICENE CREED

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation

he came down from heaven,was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Maryand became truly human.For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;he suffered death and was buried.On the third day he rose again

in accordance with the Scriptures;he ascended into heavenand is seated at the right hand of the Father.He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Let us, God’s people, pray.

O God of Light, at last Your Child is born for us, our Messiah is come, who is Christ theLord! Your Promise is fulfilled, Your Word is made Flesh - our Good News of Great Joyis among us!

Glory to God in the HighestSend Peace on Earth for us all

O God of Light, grant wisdom and the will for righteous, equitable, and truthful action tothose who govern on this earth, in our country, and in our community; and the courage tous to be proactive for all who are oppressed. Let us pray in earnest for those who governin our names, especially for: Barack, our President; Jack, our Governor; Tom, our CountyExecutive; and Dennis, our Mayor, and all recently elected to office nationally andlocally.


O God of Light, with Your grace of healing and hope, brighten the long shadows for theones among us who are seriously ill, addicted, or homeless; and strengthen the hearts ofall who give them care. We now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need…


O God of Light, may the Luminous Presence of this Precious Child pierce the deepdarkness for those who walk in grief, as our precious loved ones, who have passedthrough this life, now live again in the magnificent glory of your everlasting Peace. Wepray especially for: Eleanor Derrickson, Billy Etienne, Jimmy Hackett, Anna Hayes,Dorothy McNinch, Thelma Thomas and Dell Venarde.

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O God of Light, we pause in this moment to offer you our other heartfelt intentions andpetitions, aloud or silently…


O God of Light, renew the delight and wide-eyed wonder in Christ's birth for the leadersof Your Church, our Shepherds in Your fields. Refresh us all as we go forth together,worshiping in the beauty of holiness, and singing a new song to the whole earth. We prayespecially for: Michael, our Presiding Bishop; Wayne, our own Bishop; David, ourRector; Lloyd, our Rector Emeritus; Emily and Peter, our Associate Priests, and SisterRosie, our Lay Pastoral Associate. We also pray for the people of Japan, Kenya, ChristChurch - Christiana Hundred and El Calvario, Hidalgo, Mexico.


The Celebrant adds the following prayers.

A Prayer for the Diocese of Delaware

In your Name, Lord Jesus, the community that is the Diocese of Delaware has been raisedup and has flourished. We pray that in our day we may continue to be a sign of yourpresence in this State, a people devoted to you, and willing agents of your peace. In thistime of transition as we seek a new bishop, help us to discern your will for us, receivewith joy and grace those who offer themselves to the election process, and help us tocelebrate the episcopal ministry we have been given and that which is yet to come. Giveus open and gracious hearts, patience with one another, and joy in anticipation. LordJesus Christ be with us in these days, as you are with us always, for you, with the Creatorand the Holy Spirit, are one, Our God, now and forever.

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty Savior, revive our souls with the awe and elation ofchildren for Your Holy and momentous birth. Anoint our hearts with gladness, so that ourlives reflect your imprint in every thought, prayer, and action. We ask through the HolySpirit, our Spiritual Breath, and the Eternal Creator, our Reason for Being, who togetherwith you, are our One Holy and Eternal God, forever and ever. AMEN.

PEACE

The peace of Christ be always with you.And also with you.

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THE HOLY COMMUNION

OFFERTORY

ANTHEM “Susa ninna” Peter Louis Van Dijk (b. 1953)

Lead us, evening star, with your clear lightback to Bethlehem, to Jesus this night,the place where he lies in Mary’s armsand sighs as she tenderly sings: susa ninna, susa ninna, susa noo, susa, baby, close our ninna eyes now, do.

Lead us, evening star, through this dark nightback to Golgotha, where Jesus still waits:the cross where he triumphs over death’s bittermight and where angels still sing: Alleluia! Now all is fulfilled! Alleluia! From the crib to the cross, let your name be praised. Alleluia! Ah!

Fasten, evening star, my weary eyes on the child-king,on Jesus, the Lord, the Saviour and shepherd,my fortress and my rest,he who comforts and sings: susa ninna, susa ninna, susa noo, susa, baby, close our ninna eyes now, do.

All who are able, stand and sing this hymn as the gifts are brought forward.

HYMN # 96 “Angels we have heard on high” Gloria

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING Eucharistic Prayer B, BCP 367

The Lord be with you.And also with you.Lift up your hearts.We lift them to the Lord.Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.It is right to give God thanks and praise.

The Celebrant continuesIt is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you,Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

Because you gave Jesus Christ, your only Son, to be born for us; who, by the mightypower of the Holy Spirit, was made perfect Man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary hismother; so that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin, and receive power tobecome your children.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all thecompany of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

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SANCTUS - *Choral setting from “Mass of the Nativity” Richard Shephard

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might.Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.[Blessed is he (the one) who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.]

The Celebrant continuesWe give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us increation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets;and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to beincarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world.

In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, youhave brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.

On the night before he died for us, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he hadgiven thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This ismy Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them,and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed foryou and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for theremembrance of me.”

Therefore, according to his command, O Father,We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory;

The Celebrant continuesAnd we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting toyou, from your creation, this bread and this wine.

We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be theSacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to yourSon in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the HolySpirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring usto that heavenly country where, with Andrew and Matthew and all your saints, we mayenter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord,the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.

By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory isyours, Almighty Father, now and for ever.

CHORAL AMEN (at the conclusion of the Eucharistic Prayer) Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (traditional) BCP 364

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BREAKING OF THE BREAD

FRACTION ANTHEM (all singing) “Christ Our Passover” Craig Phillips (b. 1971)

The choir adds the following verse.Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;therefore let us keep the feast.

The ANTIPHON is repeated by all

INVITATION (all in unison)

This is the table, not of the Church but of the Lord. It is made ready for those who seek him,those who love him and those who want to love him more. So come, you who have much faithand you who have little, or are questioning faith. You who have been here often and you whohave not been for a long time or ever before, You who have tried to follow and you who havefailed. Come, not because the Church invites you; It is Christ who invites you to be known,fed, and loved here.

COMMUNION - Everyone is invited to Holy Communion

HYMN “O little town of Bethlehem” Forest Green

IO little town of Bethlehem,How still we see thee Lie!Above thy deep and dreamless sleepThe silent stars go by.Yet in thy dark streets shinethThe everlasting light;The hopes and fears of all the yearsAre met in thee tonight.

IIO morning stars, togetherProclaim the holy birth,And praises sing to God the King,And peace to men on earth;For Christ is born of Mary;And, gathered all above,While mortals sleep, the angels keepTheir watch of wond'ring love.

IIIHow silently, how silently,The wondrous gift is giv'n!So God imparts to human heartsThe blessings of his heav'n.No ear may hear his coming;But in this world of sin,Where meek souls will receive him, stillThe dear Christ enters in.

IVO 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 angelsThe great glad tidings tell:O come to us, abide with us,Our Lord Emmanuel.

When all have received communion and are at their places, candles of the worshipers are lit.

The congregation may kneel to sing the following hymn.

HYMN # 111 “Silent night, holy night” Stille Nacht

1) Silent night, holy night, 2) Silent night, holy night,all is calm, all is bright shepherds quake at the sight,round yon virgin mother and child. glories stream from heaven afar, Holy infant, so tender and mild, heavenly hosts sing alleluia;sleep in heavenly peace. Christ, the Savior is born!Sleep in heavenly peace. Christ, the Savior, is born!

3) Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love’s pure lightradiant beams from thy holy face,with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.

POST COMMUNION PRAYER (said by all)

Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members ofyour Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in theSacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant usstrength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart;through Christ our Lord. Amen

BLESSING

May Almighty God, who sent his Son to take our nature upon him, bless you in this holyseason, scatter the darkness of sin, and brighten your heart with the light of his holiness.Amen.

May God, who sent his angels to proclaim the glad news of the Savior’s birth, fill youwith joy, and make you heralds of the Gospel. Amen.

May God, who in the Word made flesh joined heaven to earth and earth to heaven, giveyou his peace and favor. Amen.

And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon youand remain with you for ever. Amen.

Candles may be extinguished during the following hymn.

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HYMN “Hark! the herald angels sing” Mendelssohn

1) Hark! the herald angels sing glory to the new-born King! Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled! Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies; with angelic host proclaim Christ is born in Bethlehem! Hark! the herald angels sing glory to the new-born King!

2) Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord; late in time behold him come, off-spring of the Virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the God-head see; hail the incarnate Deity. Pleased as man with us to dwell; Jesus, our Emmanuel! Hark! the herald angels sing glory to the new-born King!

3) Hail, the heaven-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 we no more may die, Born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing glory to the new-born King!

DISMISSAL

Congregational Response: Thanks be to God.

VOLUNTARY “Noel: Grand jeu et duo” Louis-Claude Daquin

Christmas Day ServiceSunday, December 25, 2016

10:00 a.m.

Holy EucharistRev. David T. Andrews, Jr., Celebrant and Preacher

Augustine Mercante, Soloist

A Christmas Message

We wish for everyone a blessed Christmas and aNew Year filled with happiness and peace

in our homes, in our communities,and throughout the world.

The Clergy, Wardens, Vestry, Staff and Congregationof The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew

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Documents

The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ€¦ · go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born. 1) While shepherds kept their watching 2) The shepherds feared and trembled o’er