Voluntary    Meine Seele erhebet den Herrn (My soul doth magnify the Lord), BWV 648    Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Lo, how a rose e’er blooming, 2003    Will Sherwood (b. 1953)

Processional Hymn 66    Come, thou long expected Jesus    Stuttgart

Kyrie Eleison    from Litany of the Saints    adapt. Richard Proulx (1937-2010)

Sequence Hymn 264    The Word whom earth and sea and sky    Song 34

Offertory Music    The angel Gabriel    Basque Carol, arr. Malcolm Archer (b. 1952)

The angel Gabriel from heaven came
His wings as drifted snow his eyes as flame
“All hail” said he “thou lowly maiden Mary,
Most highly favored lady,” Gloria!

“For know a blessed mother thou shalt be,
All generations laud and honor thee,
Thy Son shall be Emanuel, by seers foretold
Most highly favored lady,” Gloria!

Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head
“To me be as it pleaseth God,” she said,
“My soul shall laud and magnify his holy name.”
Most highly favored lady. Gloria!

Of her, Emanuel, the Christ was born
In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn
And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say:
“Most highly favored lady,” Gloria!

Malcolm Archer’s setting of this Charles Wesley text contains a highly lyrical melody and emotional connection. Pay special attention to the dramatic treatment of the middle verse: “Didst Thou not make us one, that being one we must remain? Together, travel on, and bear each others’ pain.” The text and tune lift up a universal message of following Christ, serving others, and God being with us in times of trouble.

Sanctus    from Missa Emmanuel    Richard Proulx

Fraction Anthem    Agnus Dei    from Missa Emmanuel    Richard Proulx

Communion Hymn 60    Creator of the stars of night    Conditor alme siderum

Hymn in Procession 78    O little town of Bethlehem    Forest Green

Voluntary    Carillon    Scott Lamlein (b. 1972)