What is Christmas?
The Story, the Message, the Meaning and the Sentiments of Christmas
in Words and Music
Order of Service
“In the Beginning…” – the Scene is Set
Congregational Carol: “Once in Royal David’s City”
(Hymn no. 46, v 1 - solo (Timothy Morgan); v 2 – Choir; v 3 – Congregation)
Readings: St. John 1 vv 1-14 (Gina Bolton/Breakfast News)
together with… “Here is a Man” (Helen Astle/Breakfast Producer)
“Once in Royal David’s City” (vv 5 and 6 – Congregation)
The Prophecy and the Preparations
Reading: The Birth of Jesus foretold by the Prophet Isaiah
(Lisa Reeves/Action Desk and Parminder Dosanjh/Roots)
and “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” (Paul Holden – Solo Flute)
Choir: “Wake, O Wake! With Tidings Thrilling”
Reading: “Advent 1955” by John Betjeman (John Florance/Presenter)
Congregational Carol: “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” (Hymn no. 41, vv 1,3,5)
Reading: Extract from “Cider with Rosie” by Laurie Lee (Ben Jackson/Presenter)
and the Choir – “As Joseph was Walking”
Reading: “The Annunciation” St. Luke 1 vv 26-33 (Dulcie Dixon/Presenter)
Gospel Song
Reading: “How Silent Night Came to be” (Dave Andrews/Presenter) and Choir
And it Came to Pass – the Message of Christmas
The New Parks Handbell Ringers accompany the birth of Jesus – “Mary’s Boy Child”, “Away in a
Manger” and “Ding Dong Merrily on High”
Reading: “The Birth of Jesus” St. Luke 2 vv 1-7 (Jo Bostock/News)
Choir: “O Holy Night” (Heather Wardle – Soprano)
Reading: “How Much is a Miracle?” (Monica Winfield/Presenter)
The BBC Radio Leicester 40th Birthday Appeal (Kate Squire/Managing Editor)
Congregational Carol: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” (Hymn no. 40, v 3 – Choir)
Reading: “Can Santa Claus be Black?” by B.J. Wrights
(Chris Baxter/Presenter and Bridget Blair/News)
Choir: “In Dulci Jubilo” (arr. Robert Lucas de Pearsall)
Reading: “The Shepherds” St. Luke 2 vv 8-14 (Pinash Dankwah/Presenter)
Congregational Carol: “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night” (Hymn no. 37)
Thought for the Day and Prayer: Canon Glynn Richerby
Christmas Smile
The Band: Festive Brass accompanying….
Reading: “Goodwill to Men – Give us your Money!”
(Tony Wadsworth and Julie Mayer/Presenters)
Special Guests at Christmas
Reading: “The Coming of the Wise Men” St. Matthew 2 vv 1-11
(David Harvey/Assistant Editor)
Congregational Carol: “As With Gladness Men of Old “ (Hymn no. 51, vv 1,2,3,5)
Reading: “The Three Kings” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
(Jon Barber, Chris Egerton and John Sinclair/Sport and Allen Cook/News)
A Message for All Time
Congregational Carol: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” (Hymn no. 35)
Reading: “We won’t be Having Christmas this Year” by Verna S Teeuwissen (Lucy Collins/Senior
Producer News)
Blessing: Canon Glynn Richerby
Fanfare for Brass, Organ and Choir: “Joy to the World”
Congregational Carol: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (Hymn no. 34)
Organ Voluntary: “In Dulci Jubilo” attrib. J.S.Bach (Mark Batten)
Soloists: Paul Holden (Flute), Timothy Morgan (Treble), Heather Wardle (Soprano)
Choir: The Choir of St. James the Greater
Conductor and Director of Music: Oliver Parker
Organist: Mark Batten
Brass: The Enderby Youth Band
Bells: The New Parks Handbell Ringers
Sound Engineers: Malcolm Pugh and Robert Smith
Refreshments: Clare Winfield
Service Compiled and Produced by Dave Andrews assisted by Paul Holden