Readings (Click the links to see the readings)

Isaiah 56:1-8 | Psalm 67 | John 5:33-36

In Bethlehem From Christmas Carolles, A.D. 1550;
attributed elsewhere to James Ryman, 1492

In Bethlehem, that noble place,
As by the Prophet said it was,
Of the Virgin Mary, filled with grace.
Salvator mundi natus est. (1)
Be we merry in this feast,
In quo Salvator natus est.

On Christmas night an Angel told
The shepherds watching by their fold,
In Bethlehem, full nigh the wold,
"Salvator mundi natus est."
Be we merry in this feast,
In quo Salvator natus est.

The shepherds were encompassed right,
About them shone a glorious light,
"Dread ye naught," said the Angel bright,
"Salvator mundi natus est."
Be we merry in this feast,
In quo Salvator natus est.

"No cause have ye to be afraid,
For why? this day is Jesus laid
On Mary's lap, that gentle maid:
Salvator mundi natus est.
Be we merry in this feast,
In quo Salvator natus est.

"And thus in faith find him ye shall
Laid poorly in an ox's stall."
The shepherds then lauded God all,
Quia Salvator natus est.
Be we merry in this feast,
In quo Salvator natus est.

Prayer

Blessèd are you, Sovereign God of all,
to you be glory and praise for ever!
From the rising of the sun to its setting
your glory is proclaimed in all the world.
You gave the Christ as a light to the nations,
and through the anointing of his Spirit
you established us as a royal priesthood.
As you call us into his marvellous light,
may our lives bear witness to your truth
and our lips never cease to proclaim your praise,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
Blessèd be God for ever!
— Celebrating common prayer.

"On Christmas night an Angel told
The shepherds watching by their fold"

Sir William Walton (1902-1983), Make we joy now in this fest (First published: Christmas Eve, 1931)
Introduced by actor Simon Russell Beale
Sung by The Sixteen, conducted by Harry Christophers