Join us for worship on Sunday, December 27, 2020 with Rev. Alison L. Boden, Ph.D., Dean of Religious Life and the Chapel at Princeton University. The service will have magnificent music provided by Penna Rose, Director of Chapel Music,  Eric Plutz, University Organist and Kenneth Grayson, soloist. The recorded service is available at 8am here Chapel Sunday Service . This service will remain archived after the premiere (along with concerts and other amazing programs), and we encourage you to return to them whenever you might find that to be helpful.

The bulletin for this service is below.

Bulletin for Sunday, December 27, 2020 – First Sunday after Christmas

Invitatory: Three settings of “In dulci jubilo”; From Six Carol Settings by Wilbur Held (1914-2015); From 79 Chorales, Op. 28 by Marcel Dupré (1886-1971); BWV 608 by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

Welcome and Announcements : Dean Boden

Call to Worship

Invocation

Reading: Isaiah 61:10-62:3

I will greatly rejoice in God, my whole being shall exult in my God, who has clothed me with the garments of salvation, who has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of God will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of God, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

Solo: I Will Give Thanks Unto Thee, O Lord by Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868) with Kenneth Grayson, soloist

Reading: Luke 2:22-40

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to God (as it is written in the law of God, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to God”), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of God, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen God’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, “Sovereign, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of God, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Sermon: “Consecrating Our Lives” by Dean Boden

Hymn: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (Carol)

It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old, from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold; “Peace on the earth, good will to all, great news of joy we bring.” The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.

And you, beneath life’s crushing load, whose forms are bending low, who toil along the climbing way, with painful steps and slow. Look now, for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing; O rest beside the weary road, and hear the angels sing!

For lo, the days are hastening on, by prophet bards foretold, when with the ever-circling years comes round the age of gold; when peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling, and all the world send back the song which now the angels sing.

Pastoral Prayer: Dean Thames

Lord’s Prayer: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer for Princeton: O Eternal God, the source of life and light for all peoples, we pray you would endow this University with your grace and wisdom: give inspiration and understanding to those who teach and to those who learn; grant vision to its trustees and administrators; to all who work here and to all who bear her name give your guiding Spirit of sacrificial courage and loving service. Amen.

Solo: Away in a Manger by James R. Murray (1841-1905) with Kenneth Grayson, soloist

Benediction

Voluntary: Toccata on “Vom Himmel hoch” by Garth Edmundson (1892-1971)

University Chapel Staff: The Rev. Alison L. Boden, Ph.D., Dean of Religious Life and of the Chapel; The Rev. Dr. Theresa S. Thames, Associate Dean of Religious Life and of the Chapel; Penna Rose, Director of Chapel Music; Eric Plutz, University Organist; Elizabeth Powers, Chapel Administrator; Alexandra Miller-Knaack, Seminarian Intern; Edgar Gomez, Sexton; Lisa McGurr, Sexton

The University Chapel is a welcoming community of faith. We gather to sing God's praises, to hear God's living Word, to seek justice, and to proclaim God's love for all people.

Calendar: Sunday, January 3, 2021, University Chapel Worship Service.The preacher will be Dean Thames.

For additional information please visit chapel.princeton.edu or call 609-258-3047.