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Christmas Lessons and Carols 2023
Sunday December 17, 2023 at 5:00pm
Third Sunday in Advent
“And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:16
The candlelight Carol Service is a tradition going back more than 40 years at St. Paul’s. Once again we are pleased to offer the service of Nine Lessons and Carols — a time-honored way to tell the Christmas story through music, scripture, and prayer. Across the world, Anglicans listen to the familiar readings, choral anthems, and join in carols sung by the congregation.
Of particular interest in this year’s program is the carol Gabriel’s Message by Zachary Wadsworth. This work was co-commissioned by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, and The Crossing. It was premiered at St. Paul’s on December 16, 2011 by The Crossing and the choir of St. Paul’s, with Donald Nally, conductor. The recording is featured in the 2013 Crossing album Christmas Daybreak, under the innova label.
A reception in the Parish Hall will follow, all are welcome.
Officiant – The Rev. Eric Hungerford
Sung by the Adult Choir and Choristers
Director – Dr. Andrew Kotylo
Organ Scholar – Andy Brown
Organ Prelude (begins at 4:45pm)
Introduction and Variations on a Polish Carol – Alexandre Guilmant
Adeste fidelis – Jeanne Demessieux
In dulci jubilo – Marcel Dupré and J.S. Bach
Silent Night – David Conte
Carols
Ding-Dong Merrily on High – arr. Mack Wilberg
Adam lay ybounden – Boris Ord
O Emmanuel – Ēriks Ešenvalds
Gaudete, Christus est natus – anonymous, 16th century
Gabriel’s Message – Zachary Wadsworth
Bethlehem Down – Peter Warlock (Choristers only)
Shepherd’s Pipe Carol – John Rutter
My Lord Has Come – Will Todd
O Leave Your Sheep – Kenneth Leighton
Organ Postlude
Toccata-Gigue on Sussex Carol – George Baker
