Christmas Eve + Baptisms Liturgy, Songs, and Prayers
December 24, 2025 Christmas Eve
*All are invited to grab a candle from the baskets at the entry of the chapel, we will light them together following communion.
*All are invited to pick up a star in the entry of the chapel, Following the Lesson and as we worship together, we will bring the stars up to the manger during sung worship. 1 per family is perfect.
Instrumental prelude -Each week we take a few moments for silent prayer and reflection during the instrumental prelude. We invite you to join us in quiet prayer; to enter this place with quietness and trust before the Lord.
Call to worship: (standing together)
Silent Night
Silent night holy night, all is calm all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace
Verse 2
Silent night holy night shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Halleluia
Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born
Verse 3
Silent night, Holy night, Son of God, Love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming Grace
Jesus Lord at Thy birth, Jesus Lord at Thy birth
THE ACCLAMATION
‘Do I not fill heaven and earth?’ says the Lord.
Now the Word is made flesh and laid in a narrow manger.
From eternity to eternity you are God,
and now we see you as a newborn child.
For unto us a child is born,
Unto us a son is given.
Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
And with your spirit.
COLLECT OF THE DAY (standing together)
The Lord be with you.
And with your spirit.
Let us pray.
Eternal God, you have made this most holy night to shine with the brightness of your one true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting.
Amen.
THE LIGHTING OF THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE (standing together)
the Christ candle is lit
May the grace of Christ our Savior be with us all.
Amen.
THE LESSON (standing together)
Let’s read together from the book of the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 9: 1-7)
For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Sung Worship (standing together)
TOGETHER WE BRING STARS TO THE MANGER
All are invited to pick up a star in the back of the chapel, as we worship together, we will bring the stars to the manger at the front of the chapel to your right.
1 per family is recommended.
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Verse 1
Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King"
Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners re - conciled
Joyful all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies
With angelic hosts proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King"
Verse 2
Christ by highest heaven adored, Christ the everlasting Lord
Late in time behold Him come, offspring of the fa - vored one
Veiled in flesh the God-head see, hail the incarnate deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King
Verse 3
Hail the heav'n born Prince of Peace Hail the Son of Righteousness
Light and life to all He brings, risen with healing in His wings
Mild he lays his glory by, born that men no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King"
THE BLESSING OF THE MANGER (standing together)
In the faith of Christ, and in your name, O God most holy, we hallow this crib of Christmas, to set before the eyes of your children the great love and humility of Jesus Christ your only Son; who for us, and for our salvation, came down as at this time from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary his mother, and was made man; to whom with you and the same Spirit be all honor, majesty, glory and worship, now and to the ages of ages.
Amen.
O Come All Ye Faithful (standing together)
Verse 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
Chorus
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord
Verse 2
Sing choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
O sing, all ye bright hosts of heaven above!
Glory to God, glory in the highest!
THE GOSPEL (standing together)
Today Christ is born:
Alleluia.
Today the Savior has come:
Alleluia.
Today the angels sing on earth:
Alleluia. Glory to God in the highest.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke (Luke 2: 1-20)
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
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, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and 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 those whom he favors!’
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Message Cn Tim Clayton
THE BAPTISMS (please be seated)
Parents and Sponsors come forward with those who are to be baptized.
The Exhortation
Dearly beloved, Scripture teaches that we were all dead in our sins and trespasses, but by grace we may be saved through faith. Our Savior Jesus Christ said, “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God”; and he commissioned the Church to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Here we ask our heavenly Father that these Candidates, being baptized with water, may be filled with the Holy Spirit, born again, and received into the Church as living members of Christ’s body. Therefore, I urge you to call upon God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that of his abundant mercy he will grant to these Candidates that which by nature they cannot have.
The Presentation
The Candidates for Holy Baptism will now be presented.
We present _______________ to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.
Today, on behalf of this child, you shall make vows to renounce the devil and all his works, to trust God wholeheartedly, and to serve him faithfully. It is your task to see that these children are taught, as soon as they are able to learn, the meaning of all these vows, and of the Faith that you will profess as revealed in the Holy Scriptures. They must come to put their faith in Jesus Christ, and learn the Creeds, the Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and all other things that a Christian ought to know, believe, and do for the welfare of their soul. When they have embraced all these, they are to come to the Bishop to be confirmed, that they may publicly claim the Faith for her own and be further strengthened by the Holy Spirit to serve Christ and his kingdom.
Are you willing and ready to undertake this?
I am, the Lord being my helper.
Profession of Faith
Do you renounce the devil and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God?
I renounce them.
Do you renounce the empty promises and deadly deceits of this world that corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?
I renounce them.
Do you renounce the sinful desires of the flesh that draw you from the love of God?
I renounce them.
The Celebrant prays over the Candidate(s) and may anoint each Candidate(s) with the Oil of Exorcism, saying
Almighty God deliver you from the powers of darkness and evil, and lead you into the light and obedience of the kingdom of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Celebrant continues
Do you turn to Jesus Christ and confess him as your Lord and Savior?
I do.
Do you joyfully receive the Christian Faith, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments?
I do.
Will you obediently keep God’s holy will and commandments, and walk in them all the days of your life?
I will, the Lord being my helper.
(PLEASE STAND TOGETHER)
The Celebrant then addresses the Congregation, first inviting them to stand.
Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support these Candidates in their life in Christ?
We will.
Let us join with these Candidates to proclaim our faith in the words of the ancient baptismal confession, the Apostles’ Creed.
Do you believe and trust in God the Father?
I do. I believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe and trust in Jesus Christ?
I do. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit?
I do. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.
THE PRAYERS (seated or kneeling as you’re able)
celebrant:
Let us now pray for the Candidates who are to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.
intercessor:
That they may come to confess their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Hear us, Good Lord.
That they may continue in the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers.
Hear us, Good Lord.
That they may walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which they have been called, ever growing in faith and all heavenly virtues.
Hear us, Good Lord.
That they may persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever they fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord.
Hear us, Good Lord.
That they may proclaim by word and deed the Good News of God in Christ Jesus to a lost and broken world.
Hear us, Good Lord.
That as living members of the Body of Christ, they may grow up in every way into him who is the head.
Hear us, Good Lord.
That, looking to Jesus, they may run with endurance the race set before them, and at the last receive the unfading crown of glory.
Hear us, Good Lord.
Celebrant continues:
The Blessing of the Water
Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting Father, in your great mercy you saved Noah and his family in the Ark from the destruction of the flood, prefiguring the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. Look mercifully upon these your servants. Wash and sanctify them through your Holy Spirit, that they may be delivered from destruction and received into the Ark of Christ’s Church; and being steadfast in faith, joyful through hope, and rooted in love, they may pass through the turbulent floods of this troublesome world and come into the land of everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Lord be with you.
And with your spirit.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give him thanks and praise.
We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water. Over it the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation. Through it you led the children of Israel out of their bondage in Egypt into the land of promise. In it your Son Jesus received the baptism of John in the River Jordan when the Holy Spirit descended upon him as a dove.
We thank you, Father, for the water of Baptism. In it we are buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his resurrection. Through it we are made regenerate by the Holy Spirit. Therefore in joyful obedience to your Son, we bring into his fellowship those who come to him in faith, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Here the Celebrant touches the water and says
Now, Father, sanctify this water by the power of your Holy Spirit. May all who are baptized here be cleansed from sin, be born again, and continue for ever faithful in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Savior. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
The Celebrant may say to the Sponsors
Name this Child.
_________, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Celebrant makes the sign of the Cross upon the forehead of the newly baptized (using the Oil of Chrism), saying
_________, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own for ever. Amen.
If garments or candles are presented, they are given here. When all have been baptized and signed the Celebrant says
Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon these your servants the forgiveness of sin, received then as your own children by adoption, made them a member of your holy Church, and raised them to the new life of grace. Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit, that they may enjoy everlasting salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us welcome the newly baptized.
We receive you into the fellowship of the Church. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in the royal priesthood of all his people.
THE PEACE (standing together)
This holy night the angels sang, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to His people on earth.’ Luke 2.1
The Peace of the Lord be always with you.
And with your spirit.
(Let’s greet one another with a sign of peace)
The parents present the newly-baptized to the people who are invited to cheer for the happy occasion. The Celebrant may asperge the people with the water of baptism.
OFFERING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
(Get the latest info: News, Events and Missions)
“Madonna and Child” by Ukrainian Artist Ivanka Demchuk
“Christmas Day”, by Ivanka Demchuk
The Joseph Fund - ARDF Relief Support for the People of Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, Mozambique, Turkey, Syria; Earthquake, Hurricane, Flooding, and Wildfire relief and other relief efforts.
Details on our Missions Page
Joy, Love, and Goodness - A Year End Update
Please support Trinity with a special gift this year-end, however large, or small, that gift can be for you. As you have time please have a look at our Year End Letter from Cn Tim. It’s a great time to get involved as we continue the work of Trinity together and go forward into the New Year.
Read the full Year End Update from Cn Tim here
Get more info on upcoming events on our News Page
To Marvel More
We are so excited to announce the release of our latest title from Trinity Books!
To Marvel More: Holy Attention in the Incarnation Poems of Martha Marchina
*Translated with commentary by Elspeth Currie
Perfect for the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Seasons, this collection of sacred poetry by the female Renaissance author, Martha Marchina has been translated from Latin to English for the first time. Selected poems that journey through Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany seasons.
Now Available!
Details on our Trinity Books Page
Sung Worship/Offering: we worship together with our hearts in song and in giving
the opportunity to worship through giving is available online here.
There is also a giving area near the welcome table. Look for the box shaped like a church building on the table near the lawn entry.
Little Drummer Boy
“Come,” they told me Pa rum pum pum-pum
“A newborn King to see,” Pa rum pum pum-pum
“Our finest gifts we bring,” Pa rum pum pum-pum
“To lay before the king,” Pa rum pum pum-pum
Rum pum pum-pum Rum pum pum-pum
Rum pum pum-pum
“So to honor Him,” Pa rum pum pum-pum
“When we come”
Baby Jesus Pa rum pum pum-pum
I am a poor child too Pa rum pum pum-pum
I have no gifts to bring Pa rum pum pum-pum
That's fit to give our King Pa rum pum pum-pum
Rum pum pum-pum Rum pum pum-pum
Rum pum pum-pum
Shall I play for you Pa rum pum pum-pum
On my drum
Mary nodded Pa rum pum pum-pum
The ox and lamb kept time Pa rum pum pum-pum
I played my drum for Him Pa rum pum pum-pum
I played my best for Him Pa rum pum pum-pum
Rum pum pum-pum Rum pum pum-pum
Rum pum pum-pum
Then He smiled at me Pa rum pum pum-pum
Me and my drum
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
Amen.
THE PRESENTATION OF THE GIFTS
All things come from you, O Lord,
And of your own have we given you.
THE SURSUM CORDA (standing together)
The Lord be with you.
And with your spirit.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is right, our duty and our joy, 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 Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary his mother, was made truly man, yet without the stain of sin, that we might be cleansed from sin and given the right to become your children. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
THE SANCTUS
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
THE PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
(kneeling as you’re able or sitting)
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and when we had sinned against you and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent your only Son Jesus Christ into the world for our salvation. By the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary he became flesh and dwelt among us. In obedience to your will, he stretched out his arms upon the Cross and offered himself once for all, that by his suffering and death we might be saved. By his resurrection he broke the bonds of death, trampling Hell and Satan under his feet. As our great high priest, he ascended to your right hand in glory, that we might come with confidence before the throne of grace.
On the night that he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is my Body, which is given for you: Do this in remembrance of me.”
Likewise, after supper, Jesus took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink this, all of you; for this is my Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you, and for many, for the forgiveness of sins: Whenever you drink it, do this in remembrance of me.”
Celebrant: Therefore, we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, and we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Word and Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Sanctify us also, that we may worthily receive this holy Sacrament, and be made one body with him, that he may dwell in us and we in him. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us with all your saints into the joy of your heavenly kingdom, where we shall see our Lord face to face.
All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: by him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray:
Our Father in heaven,
your Name be hallowed,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
as in heaven, also on earth.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Matthew 6:9–13)
THE FRACTION
Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia!
THE MINISTRATION OF COMMUNION
The gifts of God for the people of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
A PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
(for those with us online)
Lord Jesus, truly present in the Holy Sacrament: come spiritually into my heart and give me yourself, for I love you above all else, and I desire to be united with you within my soul.
Communion instructions - * Candles for Christmas Eve- as you return to your seats please pick up a candle from the baskets at the back of the room. We will use these together following communion during the final song.
The First Noel
The first Noel. the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay:
In fields where they lay all keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Chorus
Noel Noel Noel Noel
Born is the King of Israel.
Verse 2
They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the east beyond them far:
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night.
(Chorus)
Verse 3
Then entered in those wise men three,
Fell reverently on bended knee,
And offered there in his presence
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Chorus
Noel Noel Noel Noel
Born is the King of Israel.
THE POST COMMUNION PRAYER
(standing together)
God our Father, whose Word has come among us in the Holy Child of Bethlehem: may the light of faith illumine our hearts and shine in our words and deeds; through him who is Christ the Lord. Amen.
THE BLESSING
Let’s take a moment and light our candles together. The switch is underneath the candle on the bottom.
THE CHRISTMAS GOSPEL (standing together)
St John speaks of the Incarnation of the Word of God
(John 1:1-18)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the 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 through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.”’) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
May Christ, who by his incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, fill you with peace and goodwill and make you partakers of the Divine nature; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.
Amen.
THE DISMISSAL
Alleluia, alleluia. Let us go forth to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God, Alleluia, alleluia,
Sung Worship
O Holy Night
Oh holy night
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night divine
May the Peace of God be with you.
*Personal and Confidential Prayer is available in back of the chapel near the center of the room. Look for the team with the “Prayer” badges.
Cn Timothy Clayton, lead pastor, teacher
Mtr Wendy Dixon, clergy
Mtr Jen Keifer, clergy
Michael Pritzl, sung worship leader
Christian Erickson, keyboards, vocals
Ian Clayton, production, guitar
Jennifer Mahnke, vocals, reader, intercessor
Juniper Mahnke, vocals
sung worship:
O Come, All Ye Faithful (originally written in Latin as "Adeste Fideles") is a Christmas carol that has been attributed to various authors, including John Francis Wade (1711–1786), John Reading (1645–1692), King John IV of Portugal (1604–1656), and anonymous Cistercian monks.
The First Noel, is a traditional English Christmas carol with Cornish origins, most likely from the early modern period, although possibly earlier
Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, includes lyrical contributions from Charles Wesley and George Whitefield, with music adapted from "Vaterland, in deinen Gauen" by Felix Mendelssohn.
Little Drummer Boy, written by American composer Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941. It was first published with the title ‘Carol of the Drum’, and described as a ‘Czech carol freely transcribed by C.R.W. Robertson’ ( C.R.W. Robertson being a name Davis published under).
So it’s likely to have been based on a Czech melody, although the US musicologist Claire Fontijn wrote that Kennicott Davis was inspired by the old French Christmas carol, ‘Patapan’.
“When she was trying to take a nap, she was obsessed with this song that came into her head and it was supposed to have been inspired by a French song, ‘Patapan,’” Fontijn said. “And then ‘patapan’ translated in her mind to ‘pa-rum-pum-pum,’ and it took on a rhythm.”
Silent Night, written in 1816 by a young priest in Austria, Joseph Mohr, not long after the Napoleonic wars had taken their toll.
O Holy Night, “Cantique de Noel” as it was known in France. Originally based on a French-language poem by poet Placide Cappeau, set to music by Adolphe Adam. The song was banned for two decades by the Catholic church when it was discovered that the lyrics to this popular Christmas Carol were written by Placide Cappeau, an atheist known for his strong anticlerical views. The melody was later composed by Adolphe Adams, a Jew. O Holy Night is likely popular today because of its revival by American abolitionist John Sullivan Dwight who translated it into English.
Dwight identified with the third verse of the carol: “Truly he taught us to love one another; his law is love and his gospel is peace. Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother; and in his name all oppression shall cease.” which made the song popular during the American Civil War.
”Trinity” and “Christmas Day” artwork by Ukrainian Icon Artist Ivanka Demchuk
Today’s liturgy is based on the Book of Common Prayer, 2019, the Renewed Ancient Eucharistic Rite, and the Church of England’s Times and Seasons
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We all live on Indigenous land. We would like to acknowledge the Massachusett Tribe: the tribe of Indigenous peoples from whom the Colony, Province, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts have taken their name. We would like to pay our respect to the ancestral bloodline of the Massachusett Tribe and their descendants who still inhabit historical Massachusett Tribe territories to this day.
We are grateful to Thomas Green, VP of the Massachusett Tribe, for providing this paragraph. https://massachusetttribe.org/the-tribe
Saturday Evening Vigils
The practice of holding vigils on Saturday evening has roots in ancient Christian traditions, originally as the solemn Great Vigil of Easter, which was a night-long watch that celebrated the resurrection of Christ and was the first celebration of Easter. Over time, the vigil shifted to Saturday morning in some traditions, primarily due to fasting rules, but was restored to the evening in the mid-20th century, and Saturday evening Mass for Sunday obligations became a common practice in the 1970s
be·gin·ning
/bəˈɡiniNG/
noun: the point in time or space at which something starts.
mer·cy
/ˈmərsē/
noun: compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.
