Programs · Episode

Charlotte Lessons and Carols from St. John’s

Program: Charlotte Lessons & Carols from St. John’s
Aired: Tuesday, December 6, 2022 @ 7:00 pm

WDAV’s live holiday broadcast returns after a three-year hiatus with another program of beloved carols and holiday music illuminated by scripture readings. David Tang is back as well to direct the program with his chorus VOX joined by the Caritas A Capella Ensemble, Carolina Pro Musica, harpist Christine Van Arsdale, plus organist Monty Bennett playing the magnificent Letourneau instrument in the St. John’s sanctuary. (An original WDAV production)

Performers

VOX, the principal ally in the Firebird Arts Alliance:
David Tang, Director

Caritas A Cappella Ensemble
Cathy Youngblood, Artistic Director

Carolina Pro Musica
Karen Hite Jacob, organ, harp
Rebecca Miller Saunders, soprano
Edward Ferrell, recorder, voice
Holly Wright Maurer, viol, recorder

Featured Instrumentalists
Monty Bennett, organ, piano
Christine Van Arsdale, harp
Robert Teixeira, guitar
Chuck DiZinno, ukulele

Brass & Percussion
James Ackley, Jon Kaplan, trumpets
Byron Johns, horn
Jeremy Marks, trombone
Colin Benton, tuba
Rick Dior,percussion, cajon
Brice Burton, percussion

Scripture Readers:
Rev. Dennis W. Foust, Phd.
Senior Minister of St. John’s Baptist Church

Christen Crumpler, Host, WDAV

Keenan Harmon, Host, WDAV

Program

Welcome from St. John’s
(Dr. Dennis Foust)

Welcome & Introduction
(Rachel Stewart)

🎵O Come All Ye Faithful (Oakeley, W.T. Brooke and others; Composer unknown / Arr. David Willcocks)
Combined Choirs; Brass & Percussion; All

O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold him Born the King of Angels: O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord! God of God, Light of Light,
Lo! He abhors not the Virgin’s womb; Very God, Begotten, not created:
O come, let us adore Him… Christ the Lord!

Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above; Glory to God In the highest:

O come, let us adore Him… Christ the Lord!
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning, Jesus, to Thee be glory giv’n;
Word of the Father, Now in flesh appearing:
O come, let us adore Him… Christ the Lord!

Lesson 1: The Creation of Light and Humanity in God’s Own Image

Genesis 1:1-5, 26-27
(read by Dr. Dennis Foust)

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters.

Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.

God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.”

So God created humankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

🎵Savior of the Nations, Come (Ambrose, Luther, Trans. Reynolds; Luther / Arr. Altenburg)
Rebecca Saunders, soprano solo; Carolina Pro Musica; VOX

Lesson 2: Light Overcomes Darkness and Sin

1 John 1:5-6, 8-10
(read by Christen Crumpler)

God is light and in God there is no darkness at all.

If we say that we have fellowship with God while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true;

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

If we say that we have not sinned, we make God a liar, and God’s word is not in us.

🎵Light from Light (James Kevin Gray)
Clare Morris and MaryAnn Foltz, soprano soloists; VOX; Organ

From the composer:
Light from Light was written and scored to express our need as humans to stay connected to divinity or even in the midst of the busyness and mundanity of life. You will notice the organ plays many eighth notes that move along like a monotonous machine. However, there is always a melody that drifts high above calling our attention to the light, the divine. I realized in my own life that the busyness will never cease, but I have had to learn how to hear the divine even in the midst of it.

The text is not a poem, but rather a collection of phrases: “Light from light/ pure light from light/all light from light/light from One sacred light/ there is no darkness in the sacred, holy light” These phrases remind me that all light comes from one divine source, and that there is no darkness in this light. These phrases are meant to wash over the listener like ribbons of light piercing the darkness.

Lesson 3: The Prophecy of the End of War

Isaiah 2:1-5
(read by Keenan Harmon)

The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it.

Many peoples shall come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths." For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

🎵True Light (Keith Hampton)
Kelly Potts and Crystal Stroupe, vocal soloists; Combined Choirs; Piano

Lesson 4: The Birth of Jesus Foretold to Mary

Luke 1:26-31
(read by Dr. Dennis Foust)

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.

And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”

But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus."

🎵O Holy Night (Cappeau, Trans. Dwight; Adam / Arr. Dedrick)
Brass quintet

🎵I Saw Three Ships (Trad. English / Arr. Elliott)
Monty Bennett, organ

Lesson 5: The Birth of Jesus

Luke 2:1-7
(read by Christen Crumpler)

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.

This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.

All went to their own towns to be registered.

Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David.

He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.

While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.

And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

🎵Still, Still Night  (Trad. Puerto Rican / Conrad Susa)
Stephen Stringer, Jason Sykes, and Matt Winslow, baritone solos; VOX; Harp, Piano, Guitar

🎵III. Alegría from Carols and Lullabies  (Mohr, Gruber; Arr. Berkey) Sarah Allred, soprano soloist; Caritas; Harp

VERSE 1: Hacia Belén se encaminan María con su amante esposo, llevando en su compañía un todo un Dios poderoso.
Towards Bethlehem they walk, Mary with her lovely husband, traveling in the company of an almighty God.

REFRAIN: ¡Alegría y placer! Que la virgen va de paso con su esposo hacia Belén. Joy and pleasure! For the virgin passes by, with her husband, towards Bethlehem.

VERSE 2: Walking slowly unto Beth’lem, Holy Mary, with her husband; Trav’ling with them tho’ in secret is the Savior of all nations. [REFRAIN]

VERSE 3: Los pajarillos del bosque, al ver pasar los esposos, les cantaban melodías con sus trinos harmoniosos.
The birds of the forest, seeing Mary and Joseph, sang songs with their harmonious trills.
[REFRAIN]

Lesson 6: The Shepherds and the Angels

Luke 2:8-12
(read by Keenan Harmon)

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”

🎵IV. A la Nanita Nana from Carols and Lullabies (Trad. Spanish / Arr. Conrad Susa)
VOX; Harp, Piano, Guitar

*A la nanita nana, nanita ea… [*- a cooing sound from mother to baby, with no translatable meaning] Mi Jesús tiene sueño bendito sea nanita sea.
My Jesus is sleepy, blessed be He.

Fuentecilla que corres clara y sonora, Ruiseñor q’en la selva, cantando lloras, Callad mientras la cuna se balancea.
Fountain that runs clear and sonorous, Nightingale in the forest, singing sadly- Hush, while the cradle rocks.

🎵Christmas Bells (Gloria in excelsis Deo) (Longfellow; Ferko)
Caritas; Harp

Lesson 7: The Shepherds and the Angels

Luke 2:15-20
(read by Christen Crumpler)

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.”

So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.

When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.

But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

🎵Angels We Have Heard on High (Trad. / Arr. Wachner)
Combined choirs; Brass, Organ, Percussion
(The audience is asked to stand when invited and sing)

Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o'er the plain And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains. Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be, Which inspire your heavenly song? Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King. Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

[Instrumental Interlude]

See Him in a manger laid, Whom the choirs of angels praise; Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, While our hearts in love we raise. Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Lesson 8: The Visit of the Magi

Matthew 2:1-10
(read by Keenan Harmon)

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”

When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.

They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared.

Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”

When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was.

When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.

🎵Coventry Carol (Trad. English)
Carolina Pro Musica

🎵Festejo de Navidad (Ramirez / Arr. Herbert Bittirch (Peruvian))
Caritas; Ukelele, Cajon

Señor Don Jose / Señora Maria / Ha nacido en Lima / El niño Manuel
Mr. Joseph / Mrs. Mary / The child Manuel / Has been born in Lima.

Los negros del Rimac / Traen para El / Tondero y festejo / Buñuelos con miel
The Black folks from Rimac / Bring him / Tondero and celebration, / Buñuelos with honey.

La comadre Juana / Será su madrina Y pa’ (para) hacerle caldo / Mató a su gallina
Juana, the family friend, / Will be his godmother, / And to make him soup / she killed her hen.

Será su padrino / El compai (compadre) Quinones / Pa’ (para) su ahijau (ahijado) divino / Ricos picarones.
His godfather will be / Their friend, Mr. Quinones. / For his divine godson / Tasty picarones.

El negro Gaspar / desde Casagrande / Trae p’al (para el) niñito / Caña pa’ chupar
The Black man Gaspar / from Casa Grande / Brings the Little child / Sugar to suck on.

Un fino alfajor / Su tîo Melchor / Que pa’ su zambito / Quere lo mejor
A fine alfajor / From his uncle Melchior / Who wants for his little “baboon” / Only the best.

El buen Baltazar / Agüita de azar / Pa’ que Manuelito / No vuelva a llorar
Good Balthazar / Brings orange blossom wáter / So that Manuelito / Will not cry.

Jesusito ‘e (de) mi alma / No llores así: / Que todos los negros / Se mueren por ti.
Little Jesus of my soul / Don’t cry like that: / All of us Black folks / Die for you.

Lesson 9: The Eternal Light of the Word Became Flesh

John 1:1-5
(read by Dr. Dennis Foust)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.

All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

🎵Joy to the World (Trad. / Arr. Wachner)
Combined choirs; Brass, Organ, Percussion
(The audience is asked to stand when invited and sing)

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive its King;
Let ev’ry heart prepare him room,
And heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n and nature sing, And heav’n and heav’n and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let all their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains Repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sin and sorrow grow
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow
Far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found, Far as, far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of his righteousness
And wonders of his love, and wonders of his love, And wonders, wonders of – – his – – love.