Introduced by Joan Gilbert.
Regular contributors to the programme during the past year join together to entertain some members of a Darby and Joan Club.
(A BBC Television Film)
A visit to the famous Cirque Medrano in Paris.
Presented by the French Television Service
(to 16.30)
A film preview of the programmes to be transmitted over the European Television Network during the Christmas period.
Edited and produced by the French Television Service
in King's College Chapel, Cambridge.
Television Continental Exchange
At 8.0 In King's College Chapel Cambridge
Processional Hymn
Once in Royal David's City (H.J. Gauntlett, 1805-76; Words, Mrs. C.F. Alexander)
The Bidding Prayer
Beloved in Christ, be it this Christmas Eve our care and delight to prepare ourselves to hear again the message of the Angels, and in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in a manger:
Invitatory Recitative and Chorale from The Christmas Oratorio (J.S. Bach, 1685-1750)
First Lesson: Genesis III, 8-15
God announced in the Garden of Eden that the seed of woman shall bruise the serpent's head.
Reader: A Chorister
Carols: Ding dong! merrily on high
In heav'n the bells are ringing; (French, 1588; Words, G. R. Woodward)
In dulci jubilo
Let us our homage shew:
Our heart's joy reclineth
In praesepio,
And like a bright star shineth
Matris in gremio,
Alpha es et O. (14th-century German; arr. R.L. de Pearsall, 1795-1856)
Second Lesson: St. Luke I, 26-33 and 38
The Angel Gabriel saluteth the Blessed Virgin Mary
Reader: A Choral Scholar
Carol: Hail! Blessed Virgin Mary!
For so when he did meet thee
Spake mighty Gabriel; and thus we greet thee.
Come weal, come woe, our hymn shall never vary - Hail! Blessed Virgin Mary! (Italian, 1689; arr. C. Wood; Words, trans. G.R. Woodward)
Third Lesson: St. Matthew I, 18-23
St. Matthew telleth of Christ's Holy Birth
Reader: A Scholar
Carol: A Virgin most pure, as the Prophets do tell, Hath brought forth a Baby, as it hath befell; To be our Redeemer from Death, Hell, and Sin, Which Adam's transgression had wrapped us in:
Aye, and therefore be merry;
Rejoice, and be you merry;
Set sorrow aside;
Christ Jesus our Saviour was born at this tide. (Trad. English; Words and Melody, arr. C. Wood)
Fourth Lesson: St. Luke II, 8-16 The Shepherds go unto the Manger
Reader: The Organist
Hymn: While shepherds watched their flocks by night (Este's Psalter, 1592; Words, Nahum Tate, 1652-1715)
Fifth Lesson: St. Matthew II, 1-11 The Wise Men are led by the Star to Jesus
Reader: A Fellow
Carols: Solo
Three Kings from Persian lands afar
To Jordan follow the pointing star:
Choral (sung at the same time)
How brightly shines the morning star
With grace and truth from heav'n afar
Our Jesse tree now bloweth. (P. Cornelius, 1824-74; arr. Ivor Atkins)
Sing lullaby!
Lullaby baby, now reclining, Sing lullaby! (Old Basque; Words, S. Baring-Gould)
Sixth Lesson: St. John I, 1-14
St. John unfoldeth the great mystery of the Incarnation
Reader: The Provost
Collect for Christmas Day
The Blessing
Recessional Hymn O come, all ye faithful (18th century: Prose for Christmas Day, trans. F. Oakley)
A mixed bag of Christmas fare from Wales.
Introduced by Hywel Davies.
Contents include: Toys, Music, Customs, Personalities
Introduced by Brian Johnston.
A topical programme that aims to spotlight the latest news, views, and personalities of sport.
A drama by Dymphna Cusack.
(Second performance: for details see Sunday at 9.0 p.m.)
(sound only)
