Away in a Manger

Away in a Manger provides an opportunity for the assembly to experience the Christmas Eve service in a special way. Joining the choir and the instrumentalists in their favorite seasonal carols, the voices of adults alternate with those of children singing and rejoicing in the message of Emmanuel," "God-with-us." Away in a Manger follows each aspect of the Christmas Eve service, beginning with the Evening Prayer of Christmas, greeting Christ as the "joyous light of glory." The service continues with the evening psalm, and then the assembly listens to the Christmas Story from the Gospel according to Luke proclaimed by the choirs. Children carry most of the narration from the Gospel as adults join in with stanzas of Christmas hymns loved by many generations. The entire story of the Nativity is given, with the angels, shepherds, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus al taking their parts. Responding to the Good News of the Christmas gospel (Luke 2:1-20), the assembly sings the Magnificat, the song of praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as recorded in Luke's Gospel. The Litany, the Prayer for Peace, and the Lord's Prayer lead to the quiet close of Evening Prayer. The service concludes with the familiar carol Joy to the World. Includes the Service of Light Psalm 141 The Christmas Story Magnificat The Litany and Prayer for Peace The Lord's Prayer Benedicamus O Come, al Ye Faithful Away in a Manger The First Noel What Child Is This? Angels We Have Heard on High O Little Town of Bethlehem Joy to the World. Also available for download on Amazon and iTunes. J. Michael Thompson is the director of music ministry at St. Peter's Church, where he is the founder and director of the Schola Cantorum. He has been a pastoral musician and liturgist for twenty years, as well as a composer, author, and a noted promoter of the Liturgy of the Hours and Gregorian chant in contemporary parish situations.".