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
