Once in royal David’s city

(Solo first verse sung by Tom Sears one of the Chapel’s choristers)

Words: Mrs C. F. Alexander (1818-1895)

Tune: ‘Irby’, H. J Gauntlett (1808-1876), rev. A. H. Mann (1850-1929)

Descant: Philip Berg (b. 1959)

WELCOME

The Chaplain

BIDDING PRAYER

CAROL

Adam lay ybounden,

Words: Traditional English, 15th Century

Music: Peter Warlock (1894–1930)

First Lesson  Isaiah 9: 2, 6 & 7 (The Prophecy of the Messiah's Birth);

Read by Jonathan Ford, Secretary of the Athenaeum

CAROL

O little town of Bethlehem,

Words: Phillips Brooks (1835–93)

Music: Traditional English

Harmony: Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958), adapted: Philip Berg (b. 1959)

Second Lesson Matthew 1:18-23 (The Birth of Emmanuel)

Read by Jane Barker CBE, chairman of the General Committee

CAROL

When Christ was born of Mary free

Words: 15th century

Music: Timothy Hamilton (b. 1973)

Third Lesson John 1; 1-14 (The Incarnation of the Word of God)

Read by Alan Titchmarsh MBE, chairman of the Works of Art Committee

CAROL

God rest you merry, gentlemen,

Words: English traditional

Music: Traditional, arr. Philip Berg (b. 1959)

COLLECT FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

The Chaplain

Almighty God, you make us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of your Son Jesus Christ: grant that, as we joyfully receive him as our redeemer, we may with sure confidence behold him when he shall come to be our judge; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

THE BLESSING

CAROL

Hark! the herald-angels sing

Words: Charles Wesley (1707-1788) and others

Music : Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809-1847)

CLOSING VOLUNTARY

I Saw Three Ships

English Traditional Carol, arr. for voices and organ by

Philip Berg MVO (b. 1959).

Transcribed for saxophone ensemble, and played, by

Alfie Beston (current chorister).