GRACE COVENANT

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1627 Monument Avenue, Richmond, Virginia

THE SEVENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL CANDLELIGHT CAROL

SERVICE
D e c e mb e r 2 0 , 2 0 0 9 , a t 5 : 0 0 p . m.
A SERVICE OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS
FOR CHRISTMASTIME

Preludes

Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella (French Carol) Cathy Mockelbust

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen Cynthia Dobrinski
Handbell Choir

Improvisation on “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” Myron Roberts

Organ Voluntary

The choirs and ministers assemble in the narthex. The congregation stands at the invitation of the minister. The
congregation joins in singing the Processional Hymn on the third stanza.

Processional Hymn
-1-
Soloist: Once in royal David’s city
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her Baby
In a manger for His bed.
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little Child.
-4-
All: 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.

-2- -5-
Choir: He came down to earth from heaven All: Not in that poor lowly stable,
Who is God and Lord of all, With the oxen standing round,
And His shelter was a stable, We shall see Him; but in heaven
And His cradle was a stall. Where His saints
With the poor, oppressed, and lowly, His throne surround:
Lived on earth our Saviour holy. Christ revealed to faithful eye,
Set at God*s right hand on high.
-3-
All: Jesus 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 feels for all our sadness,
And He shares in all our gladness.
Words: Cecil Frances Humphreys Alexander (1818-1895), in her Hymns for Little Children, 1848.
Music: Irby, Henry J. Gauntlett (1805-1876) in Carols, Four Numbers, 1849; harmony by Arthur Henry Mann (1850-
1929) for King’s College, Cambridge.
Prayer of Invocation Reverend Steve Cobb
Led by the Pastor.

The Lord’s Prayer

Said by all.

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. Amen.

The congregation sits.

Greeting

Carols
Sung by the Carol Choir (ages 3-5).

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.

Go, tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere;

Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born!
While shepherds kept their watching O’er silent flocks by night,
Behold throughout the heavens There shone a holy light.

Words: Little Children’s Book for Schools and Families, c. 1885. / John Work II, (1872-1925).
Music: James R. Murray, 1887. / African-American spiritual, harmonized 1940.

First Lesson Isaiah 11:1-9 Reader: Cameron Baird

The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon the Holy One. Junior Choir

Carol
Sung by the Chancel Choir.

Alleluia! Christ is born! Heaven and earth rejoice this morn!

Let us with praise the child adorn! Alleluia! Christ is born!

Hodie Christus natus est: On this day is born our Savior.

Words and Music: David Lasky, 2009.

Second Lesson Isaiah 40:1-5 Reader: Wayne Casey

Isaiah proclaims the coming of the Lord. Handbell Choir
Carol
Sung by the Junior Choir (grades 1-6).

Today a Savior is born for you. Glory to God in the highest! This will be a sign to you, the babe
asleep on the hay. Tell the news to everyone, Jesus, Messiah, is born today! Shepherds ran to Bethlehem to see
the babe on the hay. Angels in the heavens sang, “Jesus, Messiah, is born today.”

Words and Music: Lynn Shaw Bailey, 2009.

Third Lesson Luke 1:26-35, 38 Reader: Suzanne Sizemore

The angel Gabriel salutes the Virgin Mary. Chancel Choir

The congregation stands at the introduction of the carol.

Carol

Words: Paraphrased by Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924).

Music: Gabriel’s Message, Basque Carol.
The congregation sits.

Fourth Lesson Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 Reader: Martha Rubin

The prophet Isaiah foretells the coming of the Savior. Bookkeeper

Carol
Sung by the Chancel Choir.
Oboist, George Pavelis.

Wind through the olive trees softly did blow

round little Bethlehem, long, long ago.

Sheep on the hillside lay, whiter than snow.

Shepherds were watching them, long, long ago.

Still, still, still, for now the baby sleeps.

The angels sing a song of joy by the cradle of the boy.
Still, still, still, for now Christ Jesus sleeps.

Come, let us journey there, where the winds blow,

Open our eyes to Love, Born long ago.

Words: Katherine Parker and Sandra Peter.

Music: George Wilmont (early twentieth century); Traditional Austrian Carol, arranged by Sandra Peter, 2009.

Fifth Lesson Luke 2:1-7 Reader: Matt Johnson

Luke tells of the birth of Jesus. Clerk of Session

Carol
Sung by the Chancel Choir.

Tomorrow shall be my dancing day: I would my true love did so chance

To see the legend of my play, To call my true love to my dance:

Then was I born of a virgin pure, Of her I took fleshly substance;

Thus was I knit to man’s nature, To call my true love to my dance:

In a manger laid and wrapped I was, So very poor this was my chance,
Betwixt an ox and a silly poor ass, To call my true love to my dance:

Then afterwards baptized I was; The Holy Ghost on me did glance,

My Father’s voice heard from above, To call my true love to my dance:

Sing O my love, O my love, my love, my love; This have I done for my true love.

Words: Traditional English Carol.

Music: John Gardner (b. 1917).
Sixth Lesson Hebrews 1:1-12 Reader: Benjamin Cardwell
In the fullness of time, God sent His Son,whose reign is for ever and ever. Youth Ministry

The congregation stands at the introduction of the carol.

Carol

Words: Phillips Brooks (1835-1893).

Music: Forest Green, English folk melody, arranged Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958).

The congregation sits.

Seventh Lesson Luke 2:8-20 Reader: Christopher Martin
The shepherds go to the manger. Director of Music

Carol
Sung by the Chancel Choir.

Chill of the nightfall, lamps in the windows, letting their light fall clear on the snow;
bitter December bids us remember Christ in the stable long, long ago.

Silence of midnight, voices of angels, singing to bid night yield to the dawn;
darkness is ended, sinners befriended, where in the stable Jesus is born.

Splendor of starlight high on the hillside, faint is the far light burning below.
Kneeling beside Him shepherds adore Him, Christ in the stable long, long ago.

Glory of daybreak! Sorrows and shadows, suddenly they break forth into morn;
Sing out and tell now all shall be well now, for in the stable Jesus is born!

Text: Timothy Dudley-Smith (b. 1926).

Music: Larry Shackley (b. 1956).

Eighth Lesson Matthew 2:1-12 Reader: Chris Thomas

The Wise Men are led by the star to Jesus. Associate Pastor

Carol
Sung by the Chancel Choir.

Dormi, Jesu! mater ridet [Sleep, sweet baby, my cares beguiling:

Quae tam dulcem somnum videt, Mother sits beside thee, smiling;
Dormi, Jesu, blandule. Sleep, my darling, tenderly.]

Si non dormis, mater plorat [If thou sleep not, mother mourneth,
Inter fila cantans orat, Singing as her wheel she turneth:
Blande, veni, somnule. Come, soft slumber, balmily.]

Sleep, sweet baby, my cares beguiling:

Mother sits beside thee, smiling;
Sleep, my darling, tenderly.

Words: Latin, origin unknown. English, S. T. Coleridge (1772-1834).

Music: John Rutter (b. 1945).
Ninth Lesson John 1:1-14 Reader: Steve Cobb
John unfolds the mystery of the Incarnation. Pastor

The congregation stands for the reading of the Gospel and for the singing of the carol.

Carol

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!

God of God, Light from Light eternal,

Lo! He shuns not the Virgin’s womb.
Son of the Father, begotten not created!
O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation!

Sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above!
Glory to God, glory in the highest!
O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning,

Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!
O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!

Words and Music: John F. Wade (c. 1711-1786); Tr. By Frederick Oakeley (1802-1880).

The congregation sits.

Christmas Joy Offering Reverend Chris Thomas

The Joy Gift Offering is a special denominational offering, above and beyond the church budget, for the
assistance of retired church workers and for racial ethnic colleges.

Organ Voluntary
Christopher Martin, organist.

Carillon on a Ukranian Carol setting by Gerald Near

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Benediction

Choral Response

Sung by the Chancel Choir.

Stay with us, Lord, Jesus, stay with us.

Stay with us, it soon is evening.
Stay with us, Lord, Jesus, stay with us,
It soon is evening, and night is falling.

Jesus Christ, the world’s true light!

Shine so the darkness cannot overcome it!
Stay with us, Lord, Jesus, it soon is evening.
Stay with us, Lord, Jesus, for night is falling.
Let your light pierce the darkness and fill your church with its glory.

Words: Luke 24:29, Phos hilaron, translated Gracia Grindal.

Music: Egil Hovland (b.1924).

The congregation stands for the closing carol printed on the next page.
Carol

Words: Isaac Watts (1674-1748); alt.

Music: George Frederick Handel (1685-1759), arr. Lowell Mason (1792-1872).

Please remain standing until all choirs have exited the sanctuary.

Organ Voluntary Chorale Fantasia: In dulci jubilo Johann Sebastian Bach

a a a
 Memorial Poinsettias

We wish to thank the members and friends of the congregation

who have provided Christmas poinsettias for the Sanctuary.

Donated by In Memory of Donated by In Memory of

Marjorie and Ed Adams Our Parents
Loretta L. and Peter W. Albertis Elizabeth Bragg Lucas
Loretta L. and Peter W. Albertis Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Albertis
Pat Aldridge Edward R. Aldridge
Betty Appich Charles W. Appich, Jr.
His Family Donald L. Appich
Charles W. Appich, Jr.’s children “Dad” and “Gramps”
and grandchildren
Jean Appich and Family Carl and Mary Lelano Appich
Jean Appich, grandchildren and Charles Ridenour, Gwen Ridenour
great grandchildren Freeman, and Claude Freeman
The Bairds Margaret C. Marshall
Pat and Jordan Ball Lena and Clarence Ball
Susan Barbour and Peggy Horisk Our Parents, Bob and Mary Sue Rice
Brenda Barrett Bessie Anderson
Brenda Barrett Virginia Millington
Mrs. Grace Battle Loved Ones
The E. Scott Boze Family Donald L. Appich, “Pop”
The E. Scott Boze Family Mrs. Blair Boze, “B”
The E. Scott Boze Family Charles W. Appich, “Uncle Charlie”
Eila and Bob Brooks Our Parents
Margaret and Dick Cardwell Loved Ones
Robert Copeland Ralph E. Copeland and
Josephine Copeland
Cherry and Jack Corley Fred and Opal Corley,
Orel Lee and Lala Dellinger, and
all of Our Loved Ones
Her Family Rosemary Pew Correll
Nell Dickenson H. Taylor Dickenson
Lee Farrar My Husband, O. G. Farrar, Jr.
Dr. and Mrs. Michael Farrell Bridget Farrell
Merelyn and Charles Hammett Gift
Katherine Kraft Harris and Mr. and Mrs. William Henry Harris
John H. Harris and Dr. William H. Harris, Jr.
Lucy Harvie Virginia R. Harrison
Jan Kessel My Family,
Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Kessel and
brother, Dan
Dottie-Ray Koch Marie W. Cottrell
Dottie-Ray Koch Dr. and Mrs. A. Ray Dawson
Dottie-Ray Koch William F. Koch
Dottie-Ray Koch Jean Dawson Rainey
Elizabeth and Barry Kozak Our Grandparents
Caroline H. Leith Ann and John Leith
Mr. and Mrs. James L. Londrey Our Parents
John Robert Lootens, nephew Frank Meade Snow
John Robert Lootens, son Robert Kloos Lootens
The McCulloughs Louise Orr
Will Kemp Madden Steve Kemp
Will Kemp Madden John Madden
Charlene Mahurin My Parents
Christopher D. Martin
Christopher D. Martin
Judy and David Martin
Judy and David Martin
Judy and David Martin
Judy and David Martin
Kip Moore
Logan R. Moorhead
Judy and Curry Motley
Joy and John Nevin
Ann Pais
Mrs. W. M. E. Rachal
Mrs. W. M. E. Rachal
Jane and John Roberts
Jane and John Roberts
The Roberts and Pope Families
The Rosebro Family
Laura Leigh and Jake Savage
Suzanne and Pete Sizemore
Nancy States and Deloris Crews
Nancy States and Deloris Crews
Evelyn and Dan Turner
The Valentine Family
Margaret, Judy, John, Diane,
John, and Tori
Dawson Watkins
Mary and Whit Whitley
Charles P. Wilson
Charles P. Wilson
Charles P. Wilson
Kathy, Katey, and Christopher
Winston
Maria A. Wornom and
Maria W. Rippe
Sidney E. Yates and Family
Donated by
Jean Appich
Elizabeth Russell Kozak
Martha Rubin
Martha Rubin
Janet and Bill Stuart
Judith C. Waldron
Sidney E. Yates
Anna Jackson Martin
Paul Daniel Martin
Mutt, Marie, Ronnie, and
Barry Jones
Roy, Armelia, and Jim Martin
David’s Parents,
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Martin
John A. Johnson, Brother-in-law
Bob McCrickard
Helen Logan Moorhead
Judy and Lovell Witcher
Our Beloved Parents
C. B. Pearson, Jr.
Mrs. John L. McCue and
Miss Atlee McCue
W. M. E. Rachal
Major and Mrs. Frank L. Martin
Mr. and Mrs. John B. Roberts
Nancy Roberts Pope
Loved Ones
Grandparents Savage,
Nollingham, Clay, Wright
Taylor Dickenson
Charlie Crews
Nelson and Betty Tucker
Friends and Families
J. M. Valentine, IV
Dr. D. E. Watkins
Our Parents
John R. Thompson
The Crockett Clan - Holcombe,
Sally, Emily, Waller, Elizabeth,
and Mac
Betty Grove Wilson
Bill Koch
Marchant D. Wornam
Evelyn Robertson Yates
In Honor of
Colin William Gibson, son of
Lee and Blair Appich Gibson
Dr. and Mrs. William B. Russell
All Grace Covenant Volunteers
My Family and Friends
Our Grandson,
Capt. Stuart C. Chapman, USA
Patty Richwine
Richard and Pam Haney
 Memorial Greens
We wish to thank the members and friends of the congregation
who have provided Christmas greens for the Sanctuary.

Donated by In Memory of Donated by In Memory of

Ed and Marjorie Adams Their son, James Christian Adams Mary Mitchell Robert E. Mitchell, Jr.
The Aldridge Family and James R. Aldridge Mrs. W. M. E. Rachal Mr. and Mrs. Douglas D. Fraser
Spivey Family The Rubin Family All of those who have gone before
Betty Appich Mary and Carl Appich Janet and Bill Stuart Our Parents, Col. George W. Wilson
Jean Appich and Family Charlie Appich and Donald Appich and Mildred W. Wilson;
The Bairds William E. Laybourn William T. Stuart and
Pat and Jordan Ball Jim Goshorn Jeanette J. Stuart
Margaret and Dick Cardwell Loved Ones Charles P. Wilson Miss Virginia Grove (Ginni)
Lee Farrar My Husband, O. G. Farrar, Jr. Kathy, Katey, and Christopher Dr. and Mrs. A. Ray Dawson
Dr. and Mrs. Michael Farrell Frances Gardner Winston
Dr. and Mrs. Michael Farrell Dr. Randolph Hollorah
A Friend Mary Beth Blayney
Jan Kessel Beloved Cousin, Nell Jean Holmes Donated by In Honor of
Caroline H. Leith Dr. and Mrs. John Newton Thomas
Mr. and Mrs. James L. Londrey Edwin Temple Gregg Nell Dickenson Church Staff and Volunteers
Frederick Jordan Gregg Dottie-Ray Koch Barbara Dawson Young
The McCulloughs Harold Reagan Judy and David Martin Judy’s Parents,
Dana McKnight Mr. and Mrs. Paul K. McKnight Mr. and Mrs. Bob Jones
Will Kemp Madden Dr. and Mrs. John Newton Thomas Judy and David Martin Grandson, Sean Ivan Gillman
Mr. and Mrs. John G. Overstreet Hunter Tazewell Lucas
Overstreet’s Birthday,
December 25, 1980
Pete Sizemore Suzanne Sizemore
Suzanne and Pete Sizemore Nell Dickenson
Judith C. Waldron Hazel Curtis
Dawson Watkins Evelyn S. Withers, mother

Announcements

Welcome to Grace Covenant! We are glad you are here. If you are not a member, we invite you to join. Please
contact the church office at 359-2463 for more information.

You Are Invited to a Reception in the Fellowship Hall following the service. We thank the Presbyterian Women
for sponsoring this event.

A Radio Broadcast of tonight’s Candlelight Carol Service will air Christmas Eve, December 24, at 1:00 p.m., on
WLES 590 AM.

Please Join Us for our Christmas Eve worship service in the sanctuary on Thursday, December 24, 2009, at 5:00
p.m.

Poinsettias: For those who paid for poinsettias, we kindly ask that you leave the poinsettias on the communion
table so we may use them for the Christmas Eve worship service. After the Christmas Eve service you may take
your poinsettias home. If you would like to take a poinsettia home with you tonight, you are welcome to take one
of the others in the narthex or chapel.

Today a Savior Is Born, words: Lynn Bailey, © 2009, Chorister’s Guild of America. The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came, music © 1990, Westminster/John Knox
Press. O Little Town of Bethlehem, music © 1990, Westminster/John Knox Press. Winds Through the Olive Trees, words: Katherine Parker and Sandra Peter © 2009
Birnamwood Publications. Chill of the Nightfall, words: Timothy Dudley-Smith, © 1980, Hope Publishing Co. Stay with Us, translation © Gracia Grindal. Joy to the
World, music © 1990, Westminster/John Knox Press. All rights reserved. Printed with permission. Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-715262.