ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us thy only-begotten Son to take
our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure
virgin; Grant that we being regenerate, and made thy children
by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit;
through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth
with thee and the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end.
Amen.
The Epistle. Galatians iv. 1.
NOW I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth
nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; but is under
tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the
elements of the world: but when the fulness of the time was come,
God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive
the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent
forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son,
then an heir of God through Christ.
The Gospel. St. Matthew i. 18.
THE birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother
Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was
found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband,
being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example,
was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these
things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a
dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto
thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of
the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt
call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their
sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which
was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin
shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall
call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with
us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the
Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: and knew her
not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called
his name JESUS.
Hymn Suggestions
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O come, all ye faithful - Adeste Fideles While shepherds watched their flocks - Winchester Old While shepherds watched their flocks - Hampton Now yield we thanks and praise - Was frog ich nach der
Welt Sion, the marvelous story be telling - Avison Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming - Es ist em Ros A great and mighty wonder - Rosa Mystica It came upon the midnight clear - Carol It came upon the midnight clear - Noel Of the Father's love begotten - Divinum Mysterium O little town of Bethlehem - Forest Green O little town of Bethlehem - St. Louis From heaven above to earth I come - Vom Himmel Hoch Calm on the listening ear of night - St. Agnes Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light - Ermuntre dich Sing, O sing this blessed morn - England's Lane Hark! the herald angels sing - Mendelssohn Angels from the realms of glory - Regent Square Dost thou in a manger lie - Dies est Laetitiae Dost thou in a manger lie - Mauburn The first Nowell - The First Nowell Good Christian friends, rejoice - In Dulci Jubilo All my heart this night rejoices - Ebeling Silent night, holy night - Stille nacht Silent night, holy night - the "original" Unto us a boy is born - Puer Nobis Nascitur He whom joyous shepherds praised - Quem Pastores What child is this, who, laid to rest - Greensleeves Gentle Mary laid her child - Weimar Here betwixt ass and oxen mild - Gevaert A babe lies in the cradle - Corner God rest you merry gentlemen - God Rest You Merry The snow lay on the ground - Venite Adoremus Angels we have heard on high - Gloria Away in a manger - Cradle Song In the bleak mid-winter - Cranham Joseph dearest. Joseph mine - Resonet In Laudibus Joy to the world! - Antioch