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Welcome to Gloucester Cathedral You might like to use this prayer before the service begins. As once you came in the hush of darkness O God, so still our hearts now by the wonder of this night. Make us wise with the wisdom of a child that grace and truth might be born afresh in us. Let not our hearts be busy inns with no room, but doors open wide to welcome a holy guest, who is Jesus Christ, alive with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Robert Stark

Carols and Anthems sung by cathedral lay clerks and choristers.

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ORDER OF SERVICE

Carol

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.

He came down to earth from heaven who is God and Lord of all, and his shelter was a stable, and his cradle was a stall; with the poor and mean and lowly lived on earth our Saviour holy.

And, through all his wondrous childhood, he would honour and obey, love and watch the lowly maiden in whose gentle arms he lay: Christian children all must be mild, obedient, good as he.

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.

Not in that poor lowly stable, with the oxen standing by, we shall see him; but in heaven, set at God's right hand on high; where like stars his children crowned all in white shall wait around.

CP 66 Words: Mrs C. F. Alexander Tune: Irby, H. J. Gauntlett Harmonised: A. H. Mann, Descant: David Willcocks

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WELCOME The Very Revd Stephen Lake, Dean of Gloucester

BIDDING PRAYER led by Canon Celia Thomson

From the South Transept

We have come together as the family of God, in our Father’s presence, to celebrate the great festival of Christmas. In this service we hear and receive the good news of the birth of Christ and we offer to God our thanksgiving in the joyful singing of carols.

As we gather together in the name of Christ, we pray for the world he came to save:

For the Church, that it may be enabled in our generation to surrender anew to God’s holy Wisdom, and bear the good news of love to a needy world;

For the world, which is already Christ’s, that all its peoples may recognise their responsibility for its future, and may be inspired by the message of Christmas to work together for the establishment of justice, freedom, sustainability and peace everywhere For those throughout the world suffering from Corona virus, especially those who lack access to basic health care, for all seeking to bring relief, for all working in the NHS and in care homes, and for all researching and supplying vaccines

For all in special need, the sick, the anxious, the lonely, those who will be separated from their families this Christmas, and all who have been bereaved, that the peace and light of the Christ-child may bring hope and healing to all who sit in darkness

We commend all whom we love, or who have asked for our prayers, to the unfailing mercy of our heavenly Father, and say together as Christ himself taught us:

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name,

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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, The power and the glory For ever and ever. Amen

Canite tuba

Canite tuba in Sion, quia prope est dies Domini. Ecce veniet ad salvandum nos. Erunt prava in directa, et aspera in vias planas: veni, Domine, et noli tardare. Alleluia.

Blow the trumpet in Zion, for the day of the Lord is nigh. Lo, he comes to our salvation.

The crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways plain.

Come, Lord, and do not delay. Alleluia. Words: 1st antiphon at Lauds and Vespers for the 4th Sunday of Advent

Music: Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

THE FIRST READING Luke 1.26-38

read by Dame Sarah Connolly from the Lady Chapel

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his

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kingdom there will be no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.

Carol

On Christmas night all Christians sing to hear the news the angels bring; on Christmas night all Christians sing to hear the news the angels bring: news of great joy, news of great mirth, news of our merciful King’s birth.

Then why should we on earth be sad, since our Redeemer made us glad? Then why should we on earth be sad, since our Redeemer made us glad, when from our sin He set us free, all for to gain our liberty?

When sin departs before His grace, then life and health come in its place; when sin departs before His grace, then life and health come in its place; angels and earth with joy may sing, all for to see the newborn King.

All out of darkness we have light, which made the angels sing this night; all out of darkness we have light, which made the angels sing this night: “Glory to God and peace to men, now and forevermore. Amen.”

Words: Luke Wadding Tune: Sussex Carol, trad. English melody arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams

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Ave Maris Stella

Ave, maris stella, Dei mater alma, atque simper Virgo, felix coeli porta. Solve vincla reis: profer lumen caecis, mala nostra pelle, bona cuncta posce. Vitam praesta puram, iter para tuum, ut, videntes Jesum, semper collaetemur. Sit laus Deo patri, summo Christo decus, Spiritui Sancto: tribus honor unus. Amen.

Hail, O Star that pointest towards the port of heaven, thou to whom as maiden God for Son was given. That, O matchless Maiden, passing meek and lowly, Thy dear Son may make us blameless, chaste and holy. So, as now we journey, aid our weak endeavour, till we gaze on Jesus, and rejoice for ever. Father, Son and Spirit, Three in One confessing, give we equal glory, equal praise and blessing. Amen.

Words: Hymn to the Virgin Mary (8th cent., author anon.) Music: Edvard Grieg

THE SECOND READING Matthew 1:18-25

read by Lottie Moriarty Head Girl Chorister

From the Thomas Chapel

The birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill

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what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

Lux Arumque

Lux, calida gravisque pura velut aurum et canunt angeli molliter modo natum. Light, warm and heavy as pure gold and the angels sing softly to the new-born baby.

Words: English original, Edward Esch, translated into Latin by C. A. Silvestri Music: Eric Whitacre

Carol

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by: yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light; the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth, and praises sing to God the King, and peace to all on earth. For Christ is born of Mary; and, gathered all above, while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.

How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given! so God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven.

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No ear may hear his coming; but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; cast out our sin, and enter in; be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell: O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.

CP 63 Words: Phillips Brooks Tune: Forest Green, English trad. arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams

The Angel Gabriel

The Angel Gabriel from heaven came, With wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame; ‘All hail!’ said he, ‘thou lowly maiden Mary, Most highly favoured lady.’ Gloria!

‘For known a blessed Mother thou shall be, All generations laud and honour thee, Thy Son shall be Immanuel, by seers foretold: Most highly favoured 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 favoured lady. Gloria!

Of her, Immanuel, the Christ, was born In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn, And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say ‘Most highly favoured lady.’ Gloria!

Words: Basque carol, paraphrase by Sabine Baring-Gould Music arranged by Malcom Archer

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THE THIRD READING Luke 2:1-7

read by Councillor Richard Cook, Leader of Gloucester City Council from the Lady Chapel

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 swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Songs of Bethlehem O little town of Bethlehem (English Traditional) and The little road to Bethlehem (Michael Head), arranged and performed by Dame Sarah Connolly.

Quittez, pasteurs

Quittez, pasteurs, vos brébis, Vos houlettes, votre hameau Et le soin du troupeau! Changez vos pleurs, En une joie parfaite! Allez tous adorer Un Dieu qui vient vous consoler.

Shepherds, leave your ewes, your crooks, your hamlet and the care of the flock. Exchange your tears for a perfect joy! Go, all, and adore a God who comes to console you!

Vous le verrez Couché dans une étable Comme un enfant Pauvre, nu, languissant, Reconnaissez Son amour ineffable Pour nous venir chercher, Il est le fidèle Berger!

You will see him lying in a stable, like a baby, poor, naked and weak. Recognize the limitless love by which he comes to search for us. He is the faithful shepherd.

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Rois d’Orient! L’étoile vous éclaire, A ce grand roi, Rendez hommage et foi! L’astre brillant Vous mène à la lumière De ce Soleil naissant, Offrez l’or, la myrrhe et l’encens.

Kings of the East! The star enlightens you. To this great king, give homage and faith. The shining star l eads you to the light of this new-born sun. Offer gold, myrrh and frankincense.

Esprit divin, A qui tout est possible, Percez nos coeurs De vos douces ardeurs! Notre destin Par vous devient paisible, Dieu prétend nous donner Le ciel en venant s’incarner. Traditional French Carol

Divine spirit, for whom all is possible, pierce our hearts with your sweet passions. Through you, our destiny becomes peaceful. God wishes to give us heaven by coming to be born a man.

Music: Tim Sutton

THE FOURTH READING Luke 2:8-14

read by Craig Bradley Associate Chief Nurse

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust From The Cloister

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 swaddling cloths 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 favours!”

Carol

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It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old, from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold: ‘Peace on the earth, goodwill to all, from heaven’s all-gracious King!’ the world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come, with peaceful wings unfurled; and still their heavenly music floats o’er all the weary world: above its sad and lowly plains they bend on hovering wing; and ever o’er its Babel-sounds the blessed angels sing.

For lo, the days are hastening on, by prophet-bards foretold, when, with the ever-circling years, comes round the age of gold; when peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendours fling, and the whole world give back the song which now the angels sing.

CP 56 Words: Edmund H. Sears Tune: Noel, English trad. adap. Arthur Sullivan

THE CHRISTMAS REFLECTION The Very Revd Stephen Lake

From the Crib in the Quire

THE RESPONSORY led by The Venerable Hilary Dawson, Archdeacon of Gloucester

from the Lady Chapel Minister Christ, born in a stable,

give courage to all who are homeless: Jesus, Saviour

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All hear our prayer.

Christ, for whom the angels sang, give the song of the kingdom to all who weep: Jesus, Saviour hear our prayer.

Christ, worshipped by the shepherds, give peace on earth to all who are oppressed: Jesus, Saviour hear our prayer.

Christ, before whom the wise men knelt, give humility and wisdom to all who govern: Jesus, Saviour hear our prayer. Christ, whose radiance filled a lowly manger, give the glory of your resurrection to all who rest in you: Jesus, Saviour hear our prayer.

All Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Father, full of the Spirit, hear our prayer, receive our praises, fill our lives. Amen.

Es ist ein Ros

Es ist ein Ros entsprungen aus einer Wurzel zart; wie uns die Alten sungen, von Jesse kam die Art und hat ein Blümlein bracht mitten im kalten Winter wohl zu, der halben Nacht.

Das Röslein, das ich meine, davon Jesaias sagt, hat uns gebracht alleine Marie, die reine Magd:

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Aus Gottes ew’gem Rat hat sie ein Kind geboren wohl zu der halben Nacht.

Das Blümelein so kleine, das duftet uns so süß, mit seinem hellen Scheine vertreibts die Finsternis: Wahr’ Mensch und wahrer Gott, hilft uns aus allem Leide rettet von Sünd’ und Tod.

A rose there is a-springing from tender roots on earth; As ancient men were singing, from Jesse came its birth And now this little flow’r Appears in coldest winter, at this, the midnight hour.

This Rose, the stem of Jesse, by prophets once foretold: Mary alone has brought us The Child promised of old. By God’s eternal pow’r The Maid has borne the infant at this midnight hour.

The flow’r so small and slender shines thro’ with radiance bright; To us so sweet and tender dispels the darkest night. True man with God’s true pow’r, helps us from all our suff’ring, saves us from death’s dark hour.

Words: German, English text by Donald Cashmore Music arranged by Donald Cashmere and Michael Praetorius

THE FIFTH READING Matthew 2:1-12

read by Charlene Olaleye, Strike a Light Festival Team from The Cloister

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it

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has been written by the prophet: “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.” ’ Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

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 of Light, lo! he abhors not the Virgin's womb; very God, begotten, not created: O come… See how the shepherds,

summoned to his cradle, leaving their flocks,

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draw nigh with lowly fear; we too will thither bend our joyful footsteps: O come...

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, sing, all ye citizens of heaven above; glory to God in the highest: O come…

CP 62 Words: Latin, tr. F. Oakeley and others Tune: Adeste Fideles, attrib. J. F. Wade Arranged: David Willcocks

Angel Tidings

In all towns and villages both far and near, Angel host bears tidings in strain full clear: ‘Joy to every nation, Joy to this generation, Christ is here, Christ is here.’

Listen to the story of his wondrous birth; How he came so long ago to us on earth; Born of a virgin mother Blessed above all other, Born today, born today.

In a manger lying in poverty; Peace he brings at Christmas-tide to you and me; Tell of his birth that saved us, Tell of the love he gave us, Christ our Lord, Christ our Lord.

Sing than and be joyful on this Christmas night; Follow with the wise men the star so bright; Lead you to his own glory, Tell out the wondrous story, Christ is born, Christ is born, Christ is born today.

Moravian traditional carol Words and Music arr. John Rutt

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THE SIXTH READING John 1:1-14

read by Canon Celia Thomson from the South Transept

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.

THE BLESSING

The Rt Revd Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester from the High Altar

May the joy of the angels, the simplicity of the shepherds, the love of Joseph and Mary, and the peace of the Christ-child be God's gifts to you this Christmastide; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen.

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Carol

Hark! the herald angels sing glory to the new-born King, peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled. Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies; with the angelic host proclaim, ‘Christ is born in Bethlehem.’ Hark, the herald angels sing glory to the new-born King.

Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord, late in time behold him come, offspring of a Virgin's womb! Veiled in flesh the Godhead see: Hail, the incarnate Deity, pleased as man with us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel. Hark, the herald angels sing glory to the new-born King.

Hail, the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings. Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die, born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth. Hark, the herald angels sing glory to the new-born King.

CP 53 Words: Charles Wesley Tune: Mendelssohn, Felix Mendelssohn

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WE WISH YOU A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS

For further information please contact Cathedral Office, 12 College Green, Gloucester GL1 2LX Tel: 01452 528095 Fax: 01452 300469 reception@gloucestercathedral.org.uk www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk

Gloucester Cathedral is a charity by act of Parliament Inland Revenue reference no. x9493/1 CCLI Licence No. 1299149

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ORDER OF SERVICEWelcomeThe First ReadingThe Third ReadingThe Fourth ReadingThe Christmas ReflectionThe ResponsoryThe Fifth Reading

The Sixth Reading