SAINT MICHAEL and All Angels Episcopal Church The Nativity of our Lord December 25, 2025
10 AM TRADITIONAL Saint Michael Chapel
Welcome to
SAINT MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS “The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all people!’” – Luke 2:10 Welcome to Christmas at Saint Michael and All Angels! I am so glad you’ve joined us for worship. Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus—the greatest gift to us all! Together, we are called to become the good news of Jesus. We are called to become the hands and feet of God’s love in the world. We’d love to get to know you better, so please take a moment to fill out the welcome card, either physically or digitally, that can be found in the pew back in front of you. With God’s help, we can make the great promise of living a life of hope and love a reality. When we commit to one another in this church, the work we do at Saint Michael is more than good. The work we do at Saint Michael, the relationships we build, and the vision we carry bring us all closer to God’s kingdom on Earth, now. God’s promise is for you: God came to be with us and God walks with us each day. As we celebrate the beauty of Christmas and prepare to move into a new year, I invite you to take a moment and center yourself on God’s presence. In this new year, I pray renewed strength and energy upon you. I pray that our passion will spread, and that together, we will inspire our world. May God bless you today and every day, and I hope to see you again very soon! With the greatest hope,
The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata Rector We extend our gratitude to the hundreds of people who have given generously of themselves to make this Advent/ Christmas season of Saint Michael and All Angels such a joy. We are grateful for those who have made special contributions for the adornment of church and chapels, in memory and/or in thanksgiving of their beloved.
MISSION & OUTREACH
Christmas Plate
At Saint Michael, we have a cherished tradition of giving 100% of our undesignated Christmas offerings to outreach efforts—locally, nationally, and internationally. This year, the Mission and Outreach Committee has chosen to support ministries that promote Family Stability, Security, and Safety. Your generous gifts will be shared among the following organizations:
Thank you for giving generously during this Christmas season.
SaintMichael.org/ChristmasGiving
SAI
OurCalling
Provides safety, support, and individualized solutions to end homelessness in Dallas.
Episcopal Diocese of West Texas Disaster Relief Fund Offers aid to Texans impacted by the July 4th flooding.
Amistad for Families
Strengthens families to prevent child abandonment in Bolivia.
VICE R E S F O Y A LD NT MICHAE 026 11, 2 IL R P A , Y A D SATUR
All Parishioners, All Ages
Join us for a fun-filled, fast-paced day of giving back at Saint Michael where we will pack 50,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger! All ages are invited to help from 8:30 – 10 a.m., 9:30 – 11 a.m, or 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Enjoy music, meals, and the chance to make a real difference. Sign up online for this lively, impactful event! SAINTMICHAEL.ORG/DOS
The Nativity of Our Lord Holy Eucharist: Rite II The service begins on page 355 of The Book of Common Prayer. Hymns may be found in the blue hymnal in the pew rack.
The Word of God Prelude Entering Procession (standing, sung by all)
Hymn 83
“O come, all ye faithful” Adeste fideles The Opening Acclamation and Collect for Purity (standing) Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen. Celebrant Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Song of Praise (standing, sung by all)
Hymn 96
“Angels we have heard on high” Gloria The Collect of the Day (standing) Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Let us pray. Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born this day of a pure virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. 4
The First Lesson (seated)
Isaiah 52:7-10
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the LORD to Zion. Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. The LORD has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. Lector The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. The Psalm (seated, chanted by the choir)
Psalm 98
Sing to the LORD a new song, * for he has done marvelous things. With his right hand and his holy arm * has he won for himself the victory. The LORD has made known his victory; * his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations. He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel, * and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. Shout with joy to the LORD, all you lands; * lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing. Sing to the LORD with the harp, * with the harp and the voice of song. With trumpets and the sound of the horn * shout with joy before the King, the LORD. Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, * the lands and those who dwell therein.
Chanted by the Choir to a psalm setting by Ivor Atkins.
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Let the rivers clap their hands, * and let the hills ring out with joy before the LORD, when he comes to judge the earth. In righteousness shall he judge the world * and the peoples with equity. The Second Lesson (seated)
Hebrews 1:1-12
Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”? And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his servants flames of fire.” But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” And, “In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like clothing; like a cloak you will roll them up, and like clothing they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will never end.” Lector The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. 6
Sequence Hymn (standing, sung by all)
Hymn 98, v.1
“Unto us a boy is born!” Puer nobis nascitur The Gospel (standing)
John 1:1-14
Celebrant The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. People Glory to you, Lord Christ. 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. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. Celebrant The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ. The Sermon (seated)
The Reverend Robin Hinkle
The Nicene Creed (standing) All We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, 7
Parish Prayers of the People As of December 15, 2025
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James Albergo John Aldridge Roland Anderson Rami Angir Kathryn Anschutz Linda & Greg Austin Don Baty Larry Been
of all that is seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. The Prayers of the People IV (standing) Celebrant Let us pray for the Church and for the world.
Lector People
Grant, Almighty God, that all who confess your Name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
Lector People
Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations, in the ways of justice and peace; that we may honor one another and serve the common good. [We pray for Donald, our President; Greg, our Governor; and Eric, our Mayor.] Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
Lector People
Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation, that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to your honor and glory. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
Lector People
Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours, and grant that we may serve Christ in them, and love one another as he loves us. [We give thanks for___.] Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
Lector People
Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation. [We pray for all those on the Saint Michael prayer list, and for___.] Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
Lector We commend to your mercy all who have died, that your will for them may be fulfilled; and we pray that we may share with all your saints in your eternal king dom. [We pray especially for ____.] Lord, in your mercy. People Hear our prayer.
Barbara Hart Bell Shirley Blackman Bob Buchanan Len Bourland Dianna Bowen Elise Broer Helen Bustamante Cosette “Coco” Cathey Carolyn Cochran Jean Coleman Carlos Cuellar Sonja Elliston Terese Finitzo Sande Wilkinson Ford Jean Fuller Curtis Green Forest Germany Jody Guenther Roberto Hernandez Josh Hight Earle Hill Barbara Hornback Charles Hosch Jack Hubbell Amanda Huerta Wade Hyde Ada Lynn Jones Lynne Kent John Khoury Trina Lake Danny Landeros Frank Lauinger Kenneth Lindh Tom Luce Leigh Ann McCartin Celia Smith McGrath Sarah Margaret Mannes Dimitri Margetis Janie Meyer Tink Moir John Morelock Heather Nemec John Oncken Bob Paddock Paul Rogers
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Celso Rocha Joe Sando Carl Shore Arden Showalter Brad Smith Chandler Wade Smith Dianne Smith Fadey Suleiman Byrd Teague Travion Waites John Wieden Jack Winlow Mary Wolf Hannah Wood
Celebrant Almighty Father, we rejoice in the coming of Christ our Lord. We pray that, as he has taken on our hu manity, through your grace and goodness we may share in your divinity, and so partake in the radiance of your glory; through him who came down for us and is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Peace (standing) Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you. Announcements (please be seated)
The Holy Communion Offertory Anthem (sung by the Saint Michael Choir) This rare and beautiful carol was first published in the 1689 Italian collection Corona di sacre canzoni o laude spirituali, where its melody was paired with the Italian text “Antururù.” In 1920, it appeared in An Italian Carol Book, edited by Charles Wood and G. R. Woodward. In this edition, Wood arranged the carol for four parts, and Woodward supplied a new English text.
Once, as I remember
Charles Wood
Once, as I remember, at the time of Yule, After mid-December, when it bloweth cool, I o’er-heard a Mother was a-singing ‘Sweet Jesu, La-lul-lay-lu, La-lul-lay-lu, La-lul-lay-lu, Lul-lay la-lu.’ Near as man was able, on my knee fell I, In the Beth-lem stable where the babe did lie, And the Virgin-mother was a-singing ‘Sweet Jesu, La-lul-lay-lu, La-lul-lay-lu, La-lul-lay-lu, Lul-lay la-lu.’ Ox and ass around him, courtier-like, did stand: Fair white linen bound him, spun by Mary’s hand, While the Virgin-mother was a-singing ‘Sweet Jesu, La-lul-lay-lu, La-lul-lay-lu, La-lul-lay-lu, Lul-lay la-lu.’ Ev’r among and o’er us Angel quire ‘gan sing Antiphons in chorus to the new-born King. Then the Virgin-mother fell a-singing ‘Sweet Jesu, La-lul-lay-lu, La-lul-lay-lu, La-lul-lay-lu, Lul-lay la-lu.’
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- G.R. Woodward (1848-1934)
Presentation Hymn (standing, sung by all)
Hymn 380, v. 3
“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow” Old 100th The Great Thanksgiving: Eucharistic Prayer B (standing) Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Lift up your hearts. People We lift them to the Lord. Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People It is right to give him thanks and praise. It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name: Sanctus and Benedictus (sung by all)
All baptized persons of any age regardless of their denomination and tradition are welcome to share in the banquet of the Lord’s Supper.
Here a Proper Preface is sung or said on all Sundays, and on other occasions as appointed.
Hymn S 128
“Holy, holy, holy” Please kneel as you are able. We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out oferror into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life. On the night before he died for us, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it, or lay a hand upon it; and at the words concerning the cup, to hold or place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel containing wine to be consecrated. 11
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.” Therefore, according to his command, O Father, All
We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory;
And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine. We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with Saint Michael and all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN. And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say, All Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 12
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. The Breaking of the Bread (sung by all)
Hymn S 154
“Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia” Celebrant The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving. Communion Hymn (sung by all)
Hymn 112
“In the bleak mid-winter” Cranham
All are invited to come forward to the Communion rail at the direction of our ushers. Stand or kneel at the rail as you are able, and receive the wafer in the palm of your outstretched hands. If you desire a glutenfree wafer, clasp your hands in front of you with your palms down. Receive the wine by drinking from the chalice as it is offered to you, or by retaining the wafer, to dip lightly into the chalice for yourself. If you are not receiving, you may cross your arms over your chest and receive a blessing. If you are unable to physically come to the rail, please indicate to an usher that you would like to receive Communion at your seat.
Communion Anthem (sung by the Saint Michael Choir) Nativity Carol
John Rutter Born in a stable so bare, Born so long ago; Born ‘neath light of star He who loved us so. Far away silent lay, Born today, your homage pay, For Christ is born for aye, Born on Christmas Day. Cradled by mother so fair, Tender her lullaby; Over her son so dear Angel hosts fill the sky. Far away silent lay, Born today, your homage pay, For Christ is born for aye, Born on Christmas Day.
John Rutter is perhaps most famous for his Christmas carols and his long association with Clare College in Cambridge, England. Written in 1963, “Nativity Carol” is one of Rutter’s earliest pieces. Each verse introduces a new texture, adding interest to the lovely, flowing melody.
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Wise men from distant far land, Shepherds from starry hills Worship this babe so rare, Hearts with his warmth he fills. Far away silent lay, Born today, your homage pay, For Christ is born for aye, Born on Christmas Day. Love in that stable was born Into our hearts to flow; Innocent dreaming babe, Make me thy love to know. Far away silent lay, Born today, your homage pay, For Christ is born for aye, Born on Christmas Day. - John Rutter The Post-Communion Prayer (kneeling, spoken by all) Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen. The Blessing (kneeling) May Almighty God, who sent his Son to take our nature upon him, bless you in this holy season, scatter the darkness of sin, and brighten your heart with the light of his holiness. Amen. May God, who sent his angels to proclaim the glad news of the Savior’s birth, fill you with joy, and make you heralds of the Gospel. Amen. 14
May God, who in the Word made flesh joined heaven to earth and earth to heaven, give you his peace and favor. Amen. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen. The Dismissal (standing) Deacon Let us go forth in the name of Christ. People Thanks be to God. Departing Procession (standing, sung by all)
Hymn 100
“Joy to the world! the Lord is come” Antioch Postlude
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Annual Giving Campaign At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus — the greatest gift to us all. God calls us to become good news in the world, extending His love to our neighbors, our city, and beyond. When we commit to one another in this community, the work we do — the relationships we build, the hope we carry — brings us closer to God’s kingdom here and now. Your 2026 pledge helps us welcome new people, deepen ministries, and expand the ways we pray, learn, serve, and give. A pledge of any size is a meaningful step of generosity and discipleship. If you haven’t made your pledge, we invite you to do so this Christmas, as an expression of gratitude and faith.
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MAKE YOUR 2026 PLEDGE TODAY Scan the QR code below or visit saintmichael.org/stewardship. 214.365.3503 | giving@saintmichael.org
WOMEN OF SAINT MICHAEL 2026 GALA & FUNDRAISER
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FEBRUARY 6, 2026 at 6:30 PM FAIRMONT HOTEL 1717 N Akard St, Dallas, TX
Sunday, January 18 4 p.m. | Church
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Alpha Course
February 18
Tuesdays, March 31 – May 19
7 AM | Saint Michael Chapel Ash Wednesday Liturgy 12 PM | Church Ash Wednesday with Holy Communion
6:30 p.m. | Youth Center Led by the Rev. Ken Brannon and Justin Brooks
12:30 PM | Preston Center Ashes To-Go 5 PM | Saint Michael Chapel Joy! Ash Wednesday Family Service 7 PM | Church Ash Wednesday with Holy Communion
Year-End Giving
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Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church 8011 Douglas Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75225 | 214.363.5471 saintmichael.org | @smaadallas