Once in royal David’s city

(Solo first verse sung by Darragh Keane a chorister of The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy)

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

ANTHEM

Zion hört die Wächter singen

Words: P. Nicolai (1556 – 1608)

Music: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

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

Read by Sir Michael Hirst

CAROL

It came upon the midnight clear,

Words: Edmund Sears (1810 – 76)

Music: Traditional English, adapted by Sir Arthur Sullivan (1842 –1900)

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

Read by The Rt Hon Sir Gary Hickinbottom

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 Professor Sir Colin Berry

God rest you merry, gentlemen,

Words: English traditional

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

The Chaplain

THE COLLECT FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

THE SOCIETY’S COLLECT

Almighty and eternal God, we thank thee on this day for our forebears who by their vision

gathered in the spirit of faith and service to form the unity of the Imperial Society of Knights Bachelor. Grant to us the same vision and the strength of heart and mind to uphold their purpose, united in fellowship to honour and serve our Sovereign Lady The Queen, her Crown and her dignity; this we pray in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 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).