A Festival of Lessons and Carols Directed by Boris Ord

Spoken Introduction

Processional Hymn: Once in Royal David's City (H. J. Gauntlett)

The Bidding Prayer (The Provost of King's College)

Invitatory (From 'The Christmas Oratorio') [J. S. Bach]

First Lesson: God Announceth in the Garden of Eden That the Seed of Woman Shall Bruise the Serpent's Head (Genesis III. 8-15)

Carol: Ding Dong, Ding

Carol: Flos De Radice Jesse (Traditional German)

Second Lesson: Christ's Birth and Kingdom Are Foretold by Esaias (Isiah IX. 1-5)

Carol: God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen (Traditional English)

Carol: In Dulci Jubilo (14th Century German)

Third Lesson: The Angel Gabriel Saluteth the Blessed Virgin Mary (St. Luke I. 26-33 and 38)

Carol: Hail! Blessed Virgin Mary (Italian 1689)

Fourth Lesson: St. Matthew Telleth of Christ's Holy Birth (St. Matthew I. 18-23)

Carol: A Virgin Most Pure (Traditional English)

Fifth Lesson: The Shepherds Go Unto the Manger (St. Luke II. 8-16)

Hymn: While Shepherds Watched (Este Psalter 1592)

Carol: The Shepherd's Cradle Song (Traditional German)

Sixth Lesson: The Wise Men Are Led by the Star to Jesus (St. Matthew II. 1-5 and 7-11)

Carol: The Three Kings (P. Cornelius Arr. Ivor Atkins)

Seventh Lesson: St. John Unfoldeth the Great Mystery of the Incarnation (St. John I. 1-14)

Carol: The Infant King (Old Basque)

Prayer and Amen

Hymn: O Come, All Ye Faithful (18th Century Latin, John F. Wade)