Wednesday, December 24

+  The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Eve  +

Family Eucharist with Blessing of Christingles, at 1:00 p.m.

This year, the 1:00 p.m. Eucharist will once again include a Blessing of Christingles. What is Christingle? A Moravian tradition that developed in mid-18th century Germany, Christingle (a word of German origin meaning Christ Child) was originally a special service, held just before Christmas, at which children were given a lighted candle with a red ribbon tied around it. This represented Christ, the Light of the World. The liturgy’s final prayer read: Lord Jesus, kindle a flame in these children’s hearts, that theirs like thine become. The custom took hold in various parts of Europe and, as it did, evolved over the years. The current iteration of the Christingle, which became increasingly popular in the United Kingdom during the 20th century, is comprised of an orange that is decorated with red tape, sweets, and a candle. We think the children and youth of Christ Church (and maybe some adults too!) will find this addition to our Christmas Eve worship both interesting and meaningful.

Festal Holy Eucharist, at 4:00 p.m.

The 4:00 p.m. Eucharist will include choral works by Adolphe Adam, John Rutter, and David Willcocks, as well as congregational carols accompanied by organ and brass. Historically, this has been the most well-attended Christmas Eve liturgy at Christ Church. Arrive early to ensure seating.

Choral Prelude with Congregational Carols, at 10:00 p.m.

Join us for an extended prelude to the 10:30 p.m. Eucharist. Music will include seasonal organ repertoire, choral works by Bob Chilcott, Reginald Jacques, and Robert Pearsall, and beloved congregational carols accompanied by organ and brass.

Festal Choral Eucharist, at 10:30 p.m.

The 10:30 p.m. Eucharist, the most formal liturgy of Christmas Eve, will include choral works by Adolphe Adam, John Rutter, Tomás Luis de Victoria, and David Willcocks, as well as congregational carols accompanied by organ and brass. The ordinary of the Eucharist will be the Missa ad præsepe, or Mass at the Crib, by British organist, choir trainer, and composer George Malcolm.

Thursday, December 25

+  The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Day  +

Festal Choral Eucharist, at 10:00 a.m.

The only liturgy of Christmas Day, the 10:00 a.m. Eucharist will include choral works by Johann Sebastian Bach, John Goss, and Tomás Luis de Victoria, as well as congregational carols accompanied by organ and brass. The ordinary of the Eucharist will be Malcolm’s Missa ad præsepe.