A Service of Lessons and Carols

This service of lessons and carols was presented on the second Sunday of Advent, December 5, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Athens, GA. Below is the order of the service including the titles of the music, soloists, scripture references, and worship leaders. Choir singers, directors, and instrumentalists are listed in full at the end of order of worship. 

 

Chiming of the Trinity

 

Prelude: Mary Did You Know?, arr. Sylvia Woods

Rachel Graves, Harp                                        

 

Choral Call to Worship: Of the Father’s Love Begotten, Plain Song, 13th. Century

Livy Baxley, soprano                                  

 

Bidding Prayer and Lord’s Prayer: Frank Granger

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, forever. Amen.

 

Offertory: Angels We Have Heard on High/Good King Wenceslas, Trad. French Carol, Arr. M. Radspinner 

 

A Service of Lessons and Carols

 

First Lesson: Genesis 3:8-15 read by Janet and Mike Cleland

God announces in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve’s punishment for their rebellion and that the seed of woman shall bruise the serpent’s head.  

 

*Hymn: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus, HYFRYDOL

 

Second Lesson: Genesis 22:15-18, read by Sadie Leigh Randa

God promises Abraham that by his descendants all the nations of the earth shall obtain blessing.            

 

Anthem: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, VENI EMMANUEL, Plain Song

Women’s Chorus 

 

Third Lesson: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7, read by Caroline Ellis

The prophet announces the birth of a king to a people in darkness.

 

Anthem: Lost in the Night, Kyle Haugen

Avery Smith, soprano; Adult Choir

 

Fourth Lesson: Isaiah 11:1-4a, read by Caroline Baxley

The king is coming and will usher in a reign of justice for the poor and peace for all of God’s creation.

 

Anthem: I Wonder as I Wander, arr. Kyle S. Haugen

Men’s Chorus

 

Fifth Lesson: Luke 1:26-35, 38, read by Braxton Watson

The angel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will give birth to God’s promised Son whose kingdom shall never end.

 

Anthem: The Angel Gabriel to Heaven Came, arr. Richard Shephard

Sixth Lesson: Luke 2:1-7, read by Robin O’Rear

Against a backdrop of Emperors and taxes, Jesus is born.

 

Anthem: He is Born, arr. John A. Ricketts

 

Seventh Lesson: Luke 2:8-15, read by Sam Lumpkin

The Shepherds go to see the Savior of the world, lying in a manger.

 

Anthem: Away in a Manger, arr. Jeff Reeves

Deborah Millians, soprano; Adult Choir

 

Eighth Lesson: Matthew 2:1-11, read by Maria Baxley

The wise men follow a star to find the child Jesus, the King of the Jews.

 

Carol: We Three Kings, from Kings of Orient

Men’s Chorus

 

Ninth Lesson: John 1:1-5, 14, read by Matt Marston

John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation.

 

Anthem: Keep Your Lamps, arr. Greg Gilpin

Women’s Chorus

 

Carol: Joy to the World, arr. John Carter

 

Prayer and Pastoral Blessing: Matt Marston

 

Director: Gwyn Bacon, Interim Music Director/Organist for First Baptist Church

Guest Director: Roger Hanson

 

Sopranos

Jennifer Baxley

*Livy Baxley

Becky Braid

Ann Giddens

Bettye Jordan

Margaret McDonald

Deborah Millians

Carol Reddish

*Avery Smith

*Denotes Choral Scholar

 

Altos

Becky Adams

Cathy Blake

Margie Faglier

Teresa Granger

Gayle Noblet

Keelin Walsh

 

Tenors

John Barrow 

Wayne Faglier

Frank Granger

Roger Hanson

 

Basses

Charles Adams 

Ed Dempsey 

Lamar Houston

Wayne Jordan

 

Baritones

Chris Conley

Rob Gordon

 

Percussion

Zach Graves

Zachary Rawls

 

Handbells/Handchimes

Maria Baxley

Rachel Graves

Zach Graves

George Swift

Mary Swift

Keelin Walsh

 

Instrumentalists

Rachel Graves, harp

Yerahm Hong, violin

Yehyun Hong, cello

Alan McArthur, piano

Lucy Rubin, flute