Christmas Eve
Grace Episcopal Church, Martha’s Vineyard
December 24, 2020
THE HOLY EUCHARIST: RITE II: SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
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Welcome
"A Visit from St Nicholas"
Station at a Christmas Creche
Celebrant The word was made flesh and dwelt among us:
People And we beheld his glory.
Celebrant Let us pray.
Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Celebrant The word was made flesh and dwelt among us:
People And we beheld his glory.
Celebrant Let us pray.
Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit. People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen. Collect for Purity Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. The Collect of the Day O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the 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. |
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The Lessons
The First Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7, read by Elizabeth Bates The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness--on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. |
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The Holy Gospel: Luke 2:1-14
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 Savior, 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!"
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Homily The Rt. Reverend Alan M. Gates
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The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. |
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The Prayers of the People, read by Ann Palches
We pray for the world For our Country For our Island community Those we love Those in need Those affected by covid-19 For the dead |
Christmas Memorials
The Memorials for Christmas are given in Thanksgivings
and in Memory of
In Thanksgiving for
My family
Sofia Anthony
Grace Church and its people
Wes Nagy
The Federated Church and its people
Peter R. Boak
Bert & Barbara Malatesta
Kerin & Richard O’Brien
Joan Solomon
Dr. John and Mrs. Lois Gorman
James Carlos Pringle
Lorraine Wells
In Memory of
Amy and Alison
Doretha Boyd
Velma Davis
Erica Eckhardt and Rev. Dr. Franklin Fry
Nancy Easterday
Carl E. Green
Emma Hall
Elvera Henry
Joan Hyer
Lee Fierro
The Rev. Theodore T. and Carol B. Johnson
John and Gertrude Knapp
Danica and Stojan Kovacevic
The Rev. Clarence & Mrs. Edith Lee
Felicia
Cordelia
Mary Ann Lewis
Lucille Martone
Rev. Brian Murdoch
Joseph Norris
Callis & Beatrice Overton
Rev. David Smith
Roger Swain (4/4/41 – 12/20/80)
Sara Jane Woodward
The Memorials for Christmas are given in Thanksgivings
and in Memory of
In Thanksgiving for
My family
Sofia Anthony
Grace Church and its people
Wes Nagy
The Federated Church and its people
Peter R. Boak
Bert & Barbara Malatesta
Kerin & Richard O’Brien
Joan Solomon
Dr. John and Mrs. Lois Gorman
James Carlos Pringle
Lorraine Wells
In Memory of
Amy and Alison
Doretha Boyd
Velma Davis
Erica Eckhardt and Rev. Dr. Franklin Fry
Nancy Easterday
Carl E. Green
Emma Hall
Elvera Henry
Joan Hyer
Lee Fierro
The Rev. Theodore T. and Carol B. Johnson
John and Gertrude Knapp
Danica and Stojan Kovacevic
The Rev. Clarence & Mrs. Edith Lee
Felicia
Cordelia
Mary Ann Lewis
Lucille Martone
Rev. Brian Murdoch
Joseph Norris
Callis & Beatrice Overton
Rev. David Smith
Roger Swain (4/4/41 – 12/20/80)
Sara Jane Woodward
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The Peace
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Sing Verses 1&2
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The Holy Communion
Eucharistic Prayer A Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Lift up your hearts. People We lift them to the Lord. Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People It is right to give him thanks and praise. |
Celebrant It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give
thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
…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:
Celebrant and People
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.
thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
…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:
Celebrant and People
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.
Then the Celebrant continues
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.
He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me."
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "Drink this, all of you: 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 for the remembrance of me."
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Celebrant and People
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
The Celebrant continues
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.
Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.
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.
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.
He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me."
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "Drink this, all of you: 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 for the remembrance of me."
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Celebrant and People
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
The Celebrant continues
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.
Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.
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.
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And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
The Lord’s Prayer Celebrant and People 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. |
The Breaking of the Bread
Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People: Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Celebrant:
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace.
Celebrant:
Behold the Lamb of God. Behold Him who takes away the sins of the world.
Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People: Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Celebrant:
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace.
Celebrant:
Behold the Lamb of God. Behold Him who takes away the sins of the world.
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Celebrant and People
In union, O Lord with the faithful at every altar of Thy Church, where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated, we desire to offer Thee praise and thanksgiving. We present to Thee our souls and bodies with the earnest wish that we may always be united to Thee. And since we can not now receive Thee sacramentally, we beseech Thee to come spiritually into our hearts. We unite ourselves to Thee, and embrace Thee with all the affections of our souls. Let nothing ever separate Thee from us. May we live and die in Thy love. Amen. |
Celebrant continues
Let us spend a few moments reflecting on the fact that God so loved one of us that God sent God's Only-Begotten Son into the world for us.
Let us spend a few moments reflecting on the fact that God so loved one of us that God sent God's Only-Begotten Son into the world for us.
The Post Communion Prayer
Let us pray.
Celebrant and People
Almighty and everliving God,
we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food
of the most precious Body and Blood
of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ;
and for assuring us in these holy mysteries
that we are living members of the Body of your Son,
and heirs of your eternal kingdom.
And now, Father, send us out
to do the work you have given us to do,
to love and serve you
as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.
To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Let us pray.
Celebrant and People
Almighty and everliving God,
we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food
of the most precious Body and Blood
of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ;
and for assuring us in these holy mysteries
that we are living members of the Body of your Son,
and heirs of your eternal kingdom.
And now, Father, send us out
to do the work you have given us to do,
to love and serve you
as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.
To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
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A Christmas Blessing
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Dismissal
Leader Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
People Thanks be to God.
Leader Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
People Thanks be to God.
Postlude
ASSISTING IN OUR WORSHIP
Rector: The Rev. Stephen Harding
Associate Priests: The Rev. Sharon Eckhardt, The Rev. Dr. Storm Swain
Preacher: The Right Reverend Alan M. Gates, Bishop of Massachusetts
Parish Administrator: Maureen O’Malley
Videographer & Curator: Karen Huff
Music Director: Wesley Nagy
Cellist: Jan Hyer, and Violet Southwick
Readers: Elizabeth Bates, Ann Palches
Rector: The Rev. Stephen Harding
Associate Priests: The Rev. Sharon Eckhardt, The Rev. Dr. Storm Swain
Preacher: The Right Reverend Alan M. Gates, Bishop of Massachusetts
Parish Administrator: Maureen O’Malley
Videographer & Curator: Karen Huff
Music Director: Wesley Nagy
Cellist: Jan Hyer, and Violet Southwick
Readers: Elizabeth Bates, Ann Palches