Necessary Roughness

I had known that I would sing the first verse of Stille Nacht during the late Christmas Eve service for several weeks. I became a little concerned when I was informed I would solo (chant) the Opening Versicles and the Phos Hilaron of the Evening Prayer service, both the Pastor’s part and the Congregation’s Part. It was strange to me, because worship during Christmas is usually a Divine Service with Christmas, in effect putting the Mass in Christmas. The Evening Prayer service has no Lord’s Supper.

When we arrived, I noticed communion hardware on the altar, then looked at the bulletin. Sure enough, my solo was there, used as a processional for the cross. Liturgy for D.S. with H.C. followed.

The first two sections of the Evening Prayer service are quite useful and appropriate as Christmas Eve worship:

Jesus Christ is the Light of the world, [John 8:12]
the light no darkness can overcome. [John 1:5]

Stay with us, Lord, for it is evening,
and the day is over. Luke 24:29

Let your light scatter the darkness 1 Cor. 4:5
and illumine Your Church. [2 Cor. 4:6]

Phos Hilaron

Joyous light of glory:
of the immortal Father; heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ.
We have come to the setting of the sun, and we look to the evening light.
We sing to God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:
You are worthy of being praised with pure voices forever.
O Son of God, of Giver of life:
the universe proclaims Your glory.

For Stille Nacht, I stood beside the NR Wife and did the solo from the pew. About a fourth of the band of 50 or so sang the German with me. It was quite cool.

No audio for you guys; I had been fighting a cold for the last day and a half, and my voice was really coated. I wasn’t warmed up, I didn’t hit some of my pitches, and I had to cheat catching breaths.