Order Of Service

1. Processional Hymn: A&M 432 – Once in Royal David’s City.

2. Call to Worship.
3. Introductory Carol: In Dulci Jubilo arr W.J. Westbrook.
4. 1st Lesson: “God’s own Creation for its purpose” – Gen 2:1-7.
5. Hymn: A&M 64 – Angels from the realms of Glory.
6. 2nd Lesson: “Man’s distortion of God’s plans leading to the fall” – Gen 3:1-12.
7. Carol: Tidings of Comfort and Joy arr Lloyd Larson.
8. 3rd Lesson: “Restoration of hope and promise of redemption” – Isaiah 9:2-7.
9. Hymn: A&M 67 – In the bleak Mid winter.
10. Carol: The Holly and The Ivy by Harm Edward stauff. (Children Choir)
10. 4th Lesson: “Advent of the forerunner” – Mark 1:1-11.
11. Carol: Joy to the world by G.F. Handel.
12. 5th Lesson: “Annunciation of His birth” – Luke 1:26-33.
13. Carol: Gesu Bambino Duet by mezzo-soprano: Onyinye Rejoice, soprano Dumebi Okocha.
14. Carol: Calypso Carol – Choir only.
15. 6th Lesson: “Christ is born in Bethlehem” – Matthew 1:18-25.
16. Carol: O Holy Night – Choir only.
17. Hymn: A&M 62 - While Shepherds watch their flocks by night.
18. 7th Lesson: “The shepherds in the field behold His glory” – Luke 2:8-20.
19. Song: Worship Christ The New Born King arr Lloyd Larson.
20. 8th Lesson: “We celebrate the glory of His coming” – Heb 1:1-12.
21. Animal Carol – Choir only.
22. Intercessory Prayers.
23. Special Presentation by the Boy’s & Girls’ Brigade.
24. Carol: What Child is This by William Dix.
25. Carol: Ding Dong! Merrily on high.
26. Special Presentation by the Anointed Gospel Band.
27. Hymn: A&M 59 - O come all ye faithful (Sunday Collection).
28. Carol: Brightest and Best tune: Spean (Sunday Collection).
29. 9th Lesson: “The Word become flesh and dwells among us” – John 1:1-14.
30. Sermon.
31. Tithe.
32. Thanksgiving
(i) Kingdom Seed.
(ii) Building & Evangelism Collection.
(iii) Weekly Thanksgiving.
(iv) Special Collection.
33. Eastern Christmas Crusade Support.
34. Help & Care Ministry Support.
35. Support for the Gospel Band Instruments.
36. Notices.
37. Altar Thanksgiving – (i) Anointed Gospel Band Anniversary Thanksgiving.
38. Carol: We wish you a Merry Christmas.
39. Appreciation to the Choir.
40. Closing Prayers and Benediction.
41. Hallelujah Chorus by G.F. Handel.
42. Withdrawal Hymn: A&M 65 – O little Town of Bethlehem.
OFFICIANTS

Lessons Readers:

1st Lesson – Miss Onyinye Uzor ( Choir)

2 nd
Lesson –
3 rd
Lesson – Mr. Iheanyi Ikechi ( Intelligence & Traffic Squad (ITS))
th
4 Lesson – Sister Nwakaego Ndukwe (Guild of Stewards)
5th Lesson – Mrs. Ebele Mpamugo – Acha (Women of Grace)
6th Lesson – Mr. Chizoba Nwanekwu (Anointed Gospel Band)
th
7 Lesson – Mrs. Ifeyinwa Abia (Help & Care Ministry)
th
8 Lesson – Lady Chdiebere Anurioha (Council of Knights/Ladies)
9th Lesson – Rev. Canon Emma Chibueze
Conducting – Rev. Kingsley Ehilegbu
Intercessory Prayers – Ven. Vincent Ezike
Preacher – Vicar

1. PROCESSIONAL HYMN: A&M 432 – Once in Royal David’s City

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. And through all his wondrous Childless

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

4. For he is our Childhood 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

5. 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

6. 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
Where like stars his children crowned
All in white shall wait around. AMEN.

2. CALL TO WORSHIP.

3. INTRODUCTORY CAROL: IN DULCI JUBILO Old German Carol arr. R.L Pearsll (1795 - 1856)

1. In dulci jubilo In sweet jubilation,

Let us our homage shew;
Our heart’s joy reclineth
In praesepio In a manger
And like a bright star shineth
Matris in gremio, in the Mother’s lap
Alpha es et O!, Thou art Alpha & Omega!

2. O Jesu parvule! O tiny Jesus

I yearn for thee alway!
Hear me, I beseech thee
O puer Optime O best of boys
My prayer let it reach thee
O princeps Gloriae. Prince of glory.
Trahe me post te! Draw me unto thee!
 3. O patris Caritas! O father’s caring!
O Nati lenitas! O newborn mildness!
Deeply were we stained
Per nostra crimina by our crimes
For thou hast for us gained
Coelorum gaudia heavenly Joy
O that we were there!

4. Ubi sunt gaudia, where be joys

If that they be not there?
There are Angels singing
Nova cantina new songs
There the bells are ringing
In Regis curia: at the king’s court
O that we were there!

4. 1ST LESSON: “GOD’S OWN CREATION FOR ITS PURPOSE” – GEN 2:1-7
5. HYMN: A&M 64 – ANGELS FROM THE REALMS OF GLORY

1. Angels from the realms of glory,

Wing your flight o’er all the earth
Ye who sang creation’s story,
Now proclaim Messiah’s birth;

Chorus: Come and worship,

Worship Christ, the new-born King.

2. Shepherds, in the field abiding,

Watching o’er your flocks by night,
God with man is now residing,
Yonder shines the infant Light
Chorus

3. Sage, leaves your contemplations;

Brighter visions beam afar,
Seek the great desire of nations;
Ye have seen his natal star:
Chorus
 4. Saints before the alter bending,
Watching longing hope and fear,
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In his temple shall appear:
Chorus

5. Though an infant now we view him,

He shall fill his Father’s throne,
Gather all the nations to him;
Every knee shall then bow down;
Chorus
AMEN.

6. 2ND LESSON: “MAN’S DISTORTION OF GOD’S PLANS LEADING TO THE FALL” – GEN 3:1-12

7. CAROL: TIDINGS OF COMFORT AND JOY arr Lloyd Larson.

O come O come Emmanuel we long for Heavens King
O come Desire of nations come that our spirits may take wing!
And when the promise is fulfilled, we’ll celebrate and sing
Glad tidings of comfort and joy.
Come thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free
From our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art,
Dear desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart.
O come to us Messiah King and end our long dark night.
Come, promised Child of Jesse’s line God’s pure and holy Light
And when the promise is fulfilled, we’ll sing with all our might
Glad tidings of comfort and joy.

8. 3RD LESSON: “RESTORATION OF HOPE AND PROMISE OF REDEMPTION” – ISAIAH 9:2-7

9. HYMN: A&M 67 – IN THE BLEAK MID WINTER
1. In the bleak midwinter
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.

2. Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him

Nor earth sustain;
Heaven 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.

3. 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.

4. Angels and archangels

May have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim
Thronged the air –
But only His mother
In her maiden bliss
Worshipped the Beloved With a kiss.

5. 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.

9 CAROL: THE HOLLY AND THE IVY (CHILDREN CHOIR).

1. The Holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown,
Of all trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.

Chorus: O the rising of the sun,

and the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing in the choir.

2. The holly bears a blossom,

 As white as lily flow’r,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
To be our dear saviour
Chorus

3. The holly bears a berry,

As red as ay blood,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
To be do poor sinners good
Chorus

4. The holly bears a prickle

As sharp as any thorn,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
On Christmas Day in the morn
Chorus

5. The holly bears a bark,

As bitter as the gall,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
For to redeem us all
Chorus

6. The holly and the ivy

When they are both full grown,
Of all trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown
Chorus

10. 4TH LESSON: “ADVENT OF THE FORERUNNER” – MARK 1:1-11

11. CAROL: JOY TO THE WORLD

1. All: Joy to the world; the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her king;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing.

2. F: Joy to the world; the Saviour reigns!

Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains,
Repeat, the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy
 3. M: No more let sins and sorrow grow;
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessing flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as the curse is found

4. He rules the world with truth and grace;

And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love.

12. 5TH LESSON: “ANNUCIATION OF HIS BIRTH” – LUKE 1:26-33

13 CAROL: GESU BAMBINO (INFANT JESUS) Duet by sop: Dumebi Okocha, mezzo-sop: Onyinye Uzor.
1. When blossoms flowered mid the snow upon a winter night
Was born the child the Christmas Rose the King of love and light
The angels sang the shepherd sang; the grateful earth rejoiced
And at His blessed birth the stars their exultation voiced
Chorus: O come let us adore him Christ the Lord.

2. Again the heart with rapture glows to greet the holy night
That gave the world its Christmas Rose the King of love and light
Let every voice exclaim His name, The grateful Chorus swell
From paradise to earth He came that we with might dwell
Chorus

O come Let us Adore Him Christ the Lord.

14. CAROL: CALYPSO CAROL BY SAM OJUKWU

1. See him lying on a bed of straw
A droughty stable with an open door
Mary cradling the babe she bore
The King of Glory is His name.

Chorus: Oh, now carry me to Bethlehem, to see the Lord appear to men
Just as poor as was the stable then, the prince of glory when he came.

2. Star of silver, sweep across the skies

Show where Jesus in the manger lies
Shepherds, swiftly from your stupor rise
 To see the saviour of the world. Chorus
3. Angels, sing again the song you sang
Sing God’s glory to the hearts of men
Sing that Bethl’em’s little baby can
To bring salvation to the soul. Chorus

4. Mine are riches, from your poverty

From thine innocence, eternity
Mine, forgiveness by your death for me
Child of sorrow for my Joy.

15. 6TH LESSON: “CHRIST IS BORN IN BETHLEHEM” – MATHEW 1:18-25

16. CAROL: OH HOLY NIGHT BY ADOLPH ADAM

1. O holy night, the stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear saviour’s birth;
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;

Chorus
Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices!
O night divine! O night when Christ was born.
O night, divine! O night, O night divine.

2. Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming;

With glowing hearts by his cradle we stand:
So, led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from Orient land,
The king of Kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our friend;
He knows our need, To our weakness no stranger!
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Your King before him bend!
Chorus

3. Truly He taught us to love one another;

His law is love and His gospel is peace;
Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother,
And in his all oppressions shall cease,
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful Chorus raise we;
 Let all within us praise his Holy name!
Christ is the Lord, then ever! ever praise we!
His pow’r and glory, evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory, evermore proclaim!

17. HYMN: A&M 62 – WHILE SHEPERDS WATCH THEIR FLOCKS BY NIGHT

1. While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around.

2. ‘Fear not,’ said he (for mighty dread

Had seized their troubled mind);
“Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind.

3. To you in David’s town this day

Is born of David’s line
A saviour, who is Christ the Lord;
And this shall be the sign.

4. The heavenly Babe you there shall find

To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid.

5. Thus spake the seraph; and forthwith

Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising, who thus
Addressed their joyful song;

6. ‘All glory be to God on high,

And to the earth be peace;
Good will henceforth from heaven to men
Begin and never cease,’

18. 7TH LESSON: “THE SHEPHERDS IN THE FIELD BEHOLD HIS GLORY”. LUKE 2:8-20

17. SONG: WORSHIP CHRIST THE NEW BORN KING arr Lloyd Larson.
 Child in a manger, infant of Mary outcast and stranger Lord of all
Child who inherits all our transgressions, all our demerits on him fall
Let us worship and adore Him, Christ is born hear the angels sing!
Join with shepherds who kneel before him, wordship Christ the new born King.
Prophets foretold Him, infant of wonder angels behold him on his throne,
Worthy our saviour of all our praises, happy forever on his own-

This is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing,
Haste to bring him laud, the babe the son of Mary.
Worship Christ the new born King!

20. 8TH LESSON: “WE CELEBRATE THE GLORY OF HIS COMING”. HEB 1:1-12

21. CAROL: ANIMAL CAROL

Amuru Eze uwa n’ime ulo anu
Eye tingele ngele tingele (twice)
Onye no ya oge amuru ya
Eye tingele ngele tingele
(Ewu, Aturu, okuko, Nwamba, Nkita, Ehi) no ya oge amuru ya
Eye tingele ngele tingele
(Ewu, Aturu, okuko, Nwamba, Nkita, Ehi) biko soro anyi tobe ya
Eye tingele ngele tingele (……)
Eye tingele ngele tingele ooo (……)
Titnkoliko tingele ngele tingele.

22. INTERCESSORY PRAYERS.

23. SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY THE BOYS & GIRLS BRIGADES

24. CAROL: WHAT CHILD IS THIS arr William Dix

1. What child is this who laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
while shepherds watch are keeping?
Chorus:
This this is christ the king
whom shepherd guard and angels sing;
Haste to bring him laud,
The babe the son of Mary.

2. Why lies He in such mean estate

 Where ox an ass are feeding?
Good Christian fear for sinners here
The silent word is pleading.
Chorus

3. So bring him incense, gold and myrrh,

Come peasant, king to own him.
The king of Kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Chorus

25. CAROL: DING DONG MERRILY ON HIGH

1. Ding Dong! Merrily on High
In heaven the bells are ringing;
Ding Dong! Verily the Sky
Is riv, n with angel singing

Refrain:
Glo…………ria
Hosanna in Excelsis

2. E’en so here below, below

Let steeple bells be swungen
And i-o, i-o, i-o,
By priest and people sungen.
Refrain.

3. Pray you dutifully prime

Your matin chime, Ye ringers.
May you beautifully rime
Your eve-time song, Ye singers
Refrain

4. Ding, Dong Merrily on High.

In heaven the bells are ringing;
Ding dong! Verily the sky
Is riv’n with angels singing
Refrain

26. SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY THE ANOINTED GOSPEL BAND

27. HYMN: A&M 59 – O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL (SUNDAY COLLECTION)
1. 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;

Chorus: O come, let us adore Him, Christ the lord.

2. God of God
Light of Light
Lo, he abhors not the virgin’s womb
Very God,
Begotten, not created
Chorus

3. Sing, choirs of angels

Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above;
“Glory to God
In the highest:”
Chorus

4. Yea, Lord, we greet thee

Born this happy morning;
Jesu, to thee be glory given;
Word of the father,
Now in flesh appearing;
Chorus

28. CAROL: BRIGHTEST AND BEST OF THE SONS OF THE MORNING tune: spean
1. Brightest and best of the sons of the morning,
Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid;
Star of the east the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

2. Cold on His cradle the dew drops are shining,

Low lies His head with the beast of the stall;
Angels adore Him in slumber reclining,
Maker, and Monarch and saviour of all.
 3. Say, shall we yield Him, in costly devotion,
Odours of Edom, and Offerings divine,
Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest or gold from the mine;

4. Vainly we offer each ample oblation;

Vainly with gifts would His favour secure;
Richer by far is the heart’s adoration;
Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.

5. Brightest and Best of the sons of the morning,

Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid;
Star of the east, the horizon adorning,
Guide where are infant redeemer is laid;

29. 9TH LESSON: “THE WORD BECOME FLESH AND DWELLS AMONG US” – JOHN 1:1-14

30. SERMON

31. TITHE

32. THANKSGIVINGS
i. Kingdom seed.
ii. Building and Evangelism collection.
iii. Weekly Thanksgiving.
iv. Special Collection.

33. EASTERN CHRISTMAS CRUSADE SUPPORT

34. HELP & CARE MINISTRY SUPPORT

35. SUPPORT FOR CHURCH GOSPEL BAND INSTRUMENTS

36. NOTICES

37. ALTAR THANKGIVING

i. Anointed Gospel Band – Anniversary Thanksgiving

38. CAROL: WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS

We wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin.
Now bring us some figgy pudding
 And bring some out here
For we all like figgy pudding
So we won’t go till we’ve got some
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year!

39. APPRECIATION TO THE CHOIR

40. CLOSING PRAYERS AND BENEDICTION

41. HALLELUJAH CHORUS

Hallelujah!
For the Lord Omnipotent reigneth
The King of this world is become, the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ;
And he shall reign forever and ever, King of Kings, Lord of Lords.
Hallelujah!

42. WITHDRAWAL HYMN: A&M 65 – O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM

1. little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.

2. For Christ is born of Mary;

And, gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wond'ring love.
O morning stars, together
Proclaim the holy birth,
And praises sing to God the King,
And peace to men on earth;

3. How silently, how silently,

The wondrous gift is giv'n!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of his heav'n.
No ear may hear his coming;
 But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him, still
The dear Christ enters in.

4. holy child of Bethlehem,

Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in,
Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell:
O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Emmanuel. AMEN