Join us in celebrating the coming of the LIGHT!

Christmas Eve Vigil
livestreamed from
the Church of the Transfiguration
Rock Harbor, Orleans, MA

December 24, 2023
9:00 PM

Christmas Eve Vigil

Missa Conditor Alme Siderum, Animuccia

Prelude ~ Antiphon #3, Dupré

Introit ~ Here is the Little Door, Howells
Here is the little door, lift up a latch, oh lift! We need not wander more but enter with our gift; Our gift of finest gold, gold that was never bought nor sold; Myrrh to be strewn about His Bed; Incense in clouds about His Head; All for the Child that stirs not in His sleep, But holy slumber holds with ass and sheep. Bend low about His Bed, for each He has a gift; See how His eyes awake, lift up your hands, O lift! For gold, He gives a keen-edged sword (Defend with it Thy little Lord!) For incense, smoke of battle red Myrrh for the honoured happy dead; Gifts for His children, terrible and sweet, Touched by such tiny hands and Oh such tiny feet.

Hymn ~ On this Day

First Reading ~ Isaiah 9:2–7

Second Reading ~ Titus 2:11–14

Psalm ~ 96

Gospel ~ Luke 2:1–20

Homily

Offertory ~ My Lord Has Come, Todd
Shepherds called by love and angels; no place for them but a stable. Refrain: My Lord has come. Sages, searching for stars, searching for love in heaven; no place for them but a stable. Refrain. My Lord has come. His love will hold me, his love will cherish me, love will cradle me. Lead me to see him, sages and shepherds and angels; no place for me but a stable. Refrain. My Lord has come.

Hymn ~ Love Came Down at Christmas

Sleep Holy Babe, Campkin
Sleep, Holy Babe! upon Thy mother’s breast; Great Lord of earth and sea and sky,
How sweet it is to see Thee lie In such a place of rest.
Sleep, Holy Babe! Thine angels watch around, All bending low with folded wings,
Before Th’ incarnate King of Kings, In rev’rent awe profound.
Sleep, Holy Babe! while I with Mary gaze In joy upon that Face awhile,
Upon the loving infant smile Which there Divinely plays.
Sleep, Holy Babe! Ah! take Thy brief repose, Too quickly will Thy slumbers break,
And Thou to lengthened pains awake, That Death alone shall close.

Closing Prayers

Hymn ~ It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

Postlude ~ O Holy Night, arr. Nelson

May the coming LIGHT of the World fill your Christmas with Joy and bless you with abundant Hope for the New Year.

About the Church of the Transfiguration

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