Historical Note

For many people Christmas only really begins once they have attended their first Carol Service. Singing familiar carols in a frosty, candle-lit church is a feature of the season that only seems to grow in popularity. Yet this is a tradition that is only a century old. The first service of carols and lessons at King's College, Cambridge, took place in 1918, when the then Dean, Eric Milner-White, adapted a pattern first instituted by Bishop E W Benson for Truro Cathedral in 1880. Milner-White's Bidding Prayer, prompting us to 'hear again the message of the angels', and to remember especially in this season 'those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore, and in a greater light' is a matchless piece of liturgical writing, powerfully evoking the mystery and the wonder of Christmas.

Much older is the tradition of the Christmas crib, of which a fine example is displayed each year before the Quire Screen in the Abbey. The first presepe was set up, it is said, in Italy by none other than St Francis of Assisi, a good thirty years before this current Abbey began its construction. In a less literate age, ordinary people could see and contemplate an event that took place in a far distant time and place; an event that had significance for them, and indeed for people of every era and every nation. When we stand before the crib we are in Bethlehem, and Bethlehem is now.

The Abbey's crib figures date from the 1960s and were made in Oberammergau in Germany. While most of the figures are carved in lime wood, the ox and ass were made from roof-timbers replaced during the mid-twentieth century restoration of the Abbey. The Kings, appropriately, do not make an appearance until the Feast of the Epiphany, but they too are tied closely to this building. One clearly represents St Edward the Confessor (whose Shrine lies behind the High Altar screen) offering a ring, and the others perhaps Richard II and Henry IV? If so, where else could such deadly rivals in life be brought together other than around the manger, where, we are assured, earth and heaven, God and humanity, are finally reconciled?

It is said that most English Christmas traditions owe more to Charles Dickens (buried in the Abbey) and Queen Victoria than to earlier ages. Certainly, Christmas trees were an idea imported from Germany by the Prince Consort, and the Royal patronage of this tradition continues in His Majesty's gracious gift of two trees from the Royal Estates, displayed in the Abbey this evening.

While the traditions of Christmas may prove to be relatively recent, they point to a story that is not only ancient, but, it is believed, emerges from beyond time. The mystery of the Word made flesh (John 1: 14), God becoming fully human, is a wonder that the Church invites us to contemplate, and which never ceases to offer fresh insights into the nature and purpose of our existence, and what it might mean to be fully human.

This service will be live-streamed.

Music before the service:

Canonic Variations on 'Vom himmel hoch da komm ich her' BWV 769, Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)

Pastorale Op 19, César Franck (1822–90)

In dulci jubilo BWV 608, Johann Sebastian Bach

Six antiennes pour le temps de Noël Op 48, Marcel Dupré (1886-1971)

Puer natus in Bethlehem BWV 603, Johann Sebastian Bach

Adeste fideles from Douze choral-préludes sur des thèmes grégoriens Op 8, Jeanne Demessieux (1921–68)

Order of Service

All stand as the lights are dimmed. From the Sacrarium a soloist begins the Hymn during which the choir moves to the west end of the church

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.

The choir sings

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.

All sing

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.

For he is our childhood's pattern,
   day by day like us he grew,
he was little, weak, and helpless,
   tears and smiles like us he knew;
and he feeleth for our sadness,
and he shareth in our gladness.

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;
when like stars his children crowned
all in white shall wait around.

Words: Cecil Frances Alexander (1818–95)
Tune: Henry Gauntlett (1805–76) arranged by David Willcocks (1919–2015) Chorister of Westminster Abbey 1929–34

All remain standing for the Bidding, at the conclusion of which all say the Lord's Prayer

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,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

All sit. The choir sings the Carol

O magnum mysterium, et admirabile sacramentum, ut animalia viderunt Dominum natum, iacentem in praesepio. Beata virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt portare Dominum Christum.

O great mystery and wondrous sign, that the animals should see the Lord born, lying in a manger. Blessed is the Virgin, whose womb was counted worthy to bear the Lord Christ.

Words: fourth respond for Matins of Christmas Day
Music: Francis Poulenc (1899–1963)

All remain seated for the first Lesson, Genesis 3: 8–15

Adam and his wife heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. And the Lord God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Thanks be to God.

The choir sings the Carol

A tender shoot has started up from a root of grace,
As ancient seers imparted from Jesse's holy race:
It blooms without a blight, blooms in the cold bleak winter,
Turning our darkness into light.

This shoot Isaiah taught us, from Jesse's root should spring;
The Virgin Mary brought us the branch of which we sing;
Our God of endless might gave her this child to save us,
Thus turning darkness into light.

Words: William Bartholomew (1793–1867)
Music: Otto Goldschmidt (1829–1907)

The second Lesson, Isaiah 9: 2, 6–7

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Thanks be to God.

All stand to sing the Hymn during which the Procession moves to the crib

O come, O come, Emmanuel!
redeem thy captive Israel,
that into exile drear is gone
far from the face of God's dear Son.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, thou Wisdom from on high!
who madest all in earth and sky,
creating man from dust and clay:
to us reveal salvation's way.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, Adonaï,
who in thy glorious majesty
from Sinai's mountain, clothed with awe,
gavest thy folk the ancient law.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, thou Dayspring bright!
pour on our souls thy healing light;
dispel the long night's lingering gloom,
and pierce the shadows of the tomb.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Desire of nations! show
thy kingly reign on earth below;
thou Corner-stone, uniting all,
restore the ruin of our fall.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.

Words: Veni, veni Emmanuel c 12th century, after the Advent Antiphons, translation in Hymns Ancient and Modern 1861
Tune: adapted from a French missal by Thomas Helmore (1811–90) arranged by James O'Donnell (b 1961) Organist and Master of the Choristers 2000–22

All sit for the third Lesson,  Luke 1: 26–38

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Thanks be to God.

All remain seated. The choir sings the Carol

Sleep, little Baby, sleep;
The holy Angels love thee,
And guard thy bed, and keep
A blessed watch above thee.
No spirit can come near
Nor evil beast to harm thee:
Sleep, Sweet, devoid of fear
Where nothing need alarm thee.

The Love which doth not sleep,
The eternal Arms surround thee:
The Shepherd of the sheep
In perfect love hath found thee.
Sleep through the holy night,
Christ-kept from snare and sorrow,
Until thou wake to light
And love and warmth to-morrow.

Words: Christina Rossetti (1830–94)
Music: Judith Weir (b 1954)

The fourth Lesson, Luke 2: 1–7

It came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Thanks be to God.

The choir sings the Carol

What sweeter music can we bring
Than a carol, for to sing
The birth of this our heav'nly King?
Awake the voice! Awake the string!
Dark and dull night, fly hence away,
And give the honour to this day
That sees December turn'd to May.

Why does the chilling winter's morn
Smile, like a field beset with corn?
Or smell like a meadow newly shorn
Thus on the sudden? Come and see
The cause, why things thus fragrant be:
'Tis he is born, whose quickening birth
Gives life and lustre, public mirth,
To heaven and the under earth.

We see him come, and know him ours,
Who, with his sunshine and his show'rs,
Turns all the patient ground to flowers,
The darling of the world is come,
And fit it is, we find a room
To welcome him. The nobler part
Of all the house here, is the heart,
Which we will give him; and bequeath
This holly, and this ivy wreath,
To do him honour, who's our King,
And Lord of all this revelling.

What sweeter music can we bring
Than a carol, for to sing
The birth of this our heavenly King?

Words: Robert Herrick (1591–1674)
Music: John Rutter (b 1945)

All stand to sing the Hymn during which the Procession moves to places in Quire and the Sacrarium

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, good-will to men,
   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 blessèd angels sing.

Yet with the woes of sin and strife
   the world has suffered long;
beneath the angel-strain have rolled
   two thousand years of wrong;
and man, at war with man, hears not
  the love-song which they bring:
O hush the noise, ye men of strife,
   and hear the 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.

Words: Edmund Sears (1810–76)
Tune: English traditional melody, adapted by Arthur Sullivan (1842–1900) arranged by David Willcocks

All sit for the fifth Lesson, Luke 2: 8–16

There were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

Thanks be to God.

All remain seated. The choir sings the Carols

In the bleak mid-winter
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter,
Long ago.

Our God, heav'n cannot hold him
Nor earth sustain;
Heav'n and earth shall flee away
When he comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God almighty
Jesus Christ.

Enough for him, whom cherubim
Worship night and day,
A breastful of milk
And a mangerful of hay;
Enough for him, whom angels
Fall down before,
The ox and ass and camel
Which adore.

What can I give him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give him,
Give my heart.

Words: Christina Rossetti
Music: Harold Darke (1888–1976)

Nox, et tenebrae, et nubila,
Confusa mundi et turbida,
Lux intrat, albescit polus,
Christus venit, discedite!

Cedit, hyems, tua durities,
Frigor abiit, rigor et glacies,
Brumalis et feritas, rabies,
Torpor et improba segnities,
Pallor et ira, dolor et macies.

Nunc amor aureus advenies,
Indomitos tibi subjicies,
Tendo manus...

Night – confused, disordered,
Disturbed darkness of the world –
Light breaks in, the heavens grow bright,
Christ has come! Depart

Now, Winter yieldeth all thy dreariness,
The cold is over, all thy frozenness,
All frost and fog, and wind's untowardness.
All sullenness, uncomely sluggishness,
Paleness and anger, grief and haggardness.

Now Love, all golden, comest thou to me,
Bowing the tameless 'neath thine empery.
I stretch my hands...

Words: Prudentius (348–c 410) and anonymous 14th century from Benedictbeuern, translated by Stephen Self and Helen Waddell
Music: Cedit hyems, Abbie Betinis (b 1980)

The sixth Lesson, Matthew 2: 1–12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Thanks be to God.

The choir sings the Carols

Noël nouvelet, Noel chantons ici,
Dévotes gens, crions à Dieu merci!
Chantons Noël pour le roi nouvelet.
Noël nouvelet, Noël chantons ici.

L'ange disait: 'Pasteurs, partez d'ici
L'âme en repos et le coeur réjoui;
En Bethléem trouverez l'agnelet.'
Noël nouvelet, Noël chantons ici.

En Bethléem, étant tous réunis,
Trouvent l'enfant, Joseph, Marie aussi.
La crèche était au lieu d'un bercelet,
Noël nouvelet, Noël chantons ici.

Bientôt les rois par l'etoile éclaircis
De l'orient dont ils étaient sortis
A Bethléem vinrent un matinet.
Noël nouvelet, Noël chantons ici.

Voici mon Dieu, mon Sauveur Jésus Christ,
Par qui sera le prodige accompli
De nous sauver par son sang vermeillet!
Noël nouvelet, Noël chantons ici.

New Noël, let us sing Noël. Devout people, let us cry thanks to God! Let us sing Noël for the new king. New Noël, let us sing Noël.

The angel said, 'Shepherds, leave this place, the soul at rest, the heart rejoice; at Bethlehem you will find the Lamb.'

In Bethlehem, all gathered together, there is found the infant, Joseph, and also Mary. The manger was instead of a cradle.

Soon the kings by the star will be enlightened, from the east from which they had come, to Bethlehem where came a morning.

Behold my God, my Saviour Jesus Christ, by whom will the prodigy be accomplished to save us by his red blood!

Words: traditional French carol
Music: arranged by Stephen Jackson (b 1951)

Tomorrow shall be my dancing day:
I would my true love did so chance
To see the legend of my play,
To call my true love to my dance:
Sing O my love, O my love, my love, my love;
This have I done for my true love.

Then was I born of a virgin pure,
Of her I took fleshly substance;
Thus was I knit to man's nature,
To call my true love to my dance:
Sing O my love, O my love, my love, my love;
This have I done for my true love.

In a manger laid and wrapp'd I was,
So very poor, this was my chance,
Betwixt an ox and a silly poor ass,
To call my true love to my dance:
Sing O my love, O my love, my love, my love;
This have I done for my true love.

Then afterwards baptised I was;
The Holy Ghost on me did glance,
My Father's voice heard from above
To call my true love to my dance:
Sing O my love, O my love, my love, my love;
This have I done for my true love.

Words: traditional
Music: John Gardner (1917–2011)

All stand to sing the Hymn during which the Gospel Procession moves to the crib and the congregation's candles are lit

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, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!

See how the Shepherds,
summoned to his cradle,
leaving their flocks, draw nigh with lowly fear;
we too will thither
bend our joyful footsteps:
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!

All remain standing for the seventh Lesson, John 1: 1–14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Thanks be to God.

All continue singing the Hymn

Sing, choirs of angels,
sing in exultation,
sing, all ye citizens of heaven above;
Glory to God
in the Highest:
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!

Words: Adeste fideles laeti triumphantes attributed to John Wade (1711–86), verse 3 by Etienne de Borderies (1764–1832), translated Frederick Oakeley (1802–80) and William Thomas Brooke (1848–1917)
Tune: attributed to John Wade, arranged by David Willcocks 

All remain standing for the Collect

Let us pray.

Almighty God, you make us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of your Son Jesus Christ: grant that, as we joyfully receive him as our redeemer, we may with sure confidence behold him when he shall come to be our judge; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

All remain standing. The choir sings the Carol

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 men on earth be so 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;
Angels and men with joy may sing
All for to see the new-born King.

All out of darkness we have light,
Which made the angels sing this night:
'Glory to God and peace to men,
Now and for evermore. Amen'.

Words: traditional
Music: English melody arranged by Philip Ledger (1937–2012)

The Blessing

May the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance of the wise men, the obedience of Joseph and Mary, and the peace of the Christ-child be yours this Christmas; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

All sing the Hymn

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 man 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 man no more may die,
born to raise the sons of earth,
born to give them second birth:
Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the new-born King.

Words: Charles Wesley (1707–88)
Tune: Felix Mendelssohn (1809–47) arranged by David Willcocks

Music after the service

Final, from Première symphonie pour grand orgue Op 14, Louis Vierne (1870–1937)

Choristerships at Westminster Abbey

The Choir of Westminster Abbey

If you have a son who enjoys singing, you can find out more information about our world-renowned Abbey Choir and its unique Choir School. Alternatively, please contact Dr Emma Margrett, Headteacher, Westminster Abbey Choir School, and Mr Andrew Nethsingha, Organist and Master of the Choristers, by emailing [email protected].

St Margaret's Choristers

If you have a daughter aged 10 or 11 who would like to sing with the St Margaret's Choristers, please contact Mr Greg Morris, Director of Music, St Margaret's Church, [email protected]. Find out more about Music at St Margaret's Church.

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Hymns covered by Christian Copyright Licensing (International) Ltd are reproduced under CCL no 1040271 and MRL no 1040288. Common Worship (Church House Publishing, 2000), material from which is included in this service, is copyright © The Archbishops' Council. Scripture Readings are from the Authorised Version.