Advent Lessons & Carols this Sunday
Advent Lessons & Carols
Sunday, December 22, 2024, 10 am
“Once in Royal David’s city, stood a lowly cattle stall, where a mother laid her baby, who is king and Lord of all.”
This Sunday, join us for the timeless service of Advent Lessons & Carols, a cherished tradition that combines scripture and song to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. The service begins with the haunting beauty of treble voices and unfolds as a spiritual journey, guiding us from darkness to light, from the ancient prophecies to the birth of the Savior.
The origins of this service trace back to Truro Cathedral in England in 1880, where it was created to bring popular carols into a meaningful context of scripture and music—while also offering a wholesome diversion from excessive revelry during the festive season. Over time, it gained worldwide recognition, particularly through the Festival of Lessons & Carols at King’s College Chapel, Cambridge, first held in 1918 amidst the trials of World War I.
Our service at St. John’s will feature several familiar congregational hymns and carols both old and new, representing a rich tapestry of traditions. Music from our combined Chancel and Junior Choirs as well as our our Hand Bell Choir enhance the scriptural readings for this special experience.
Advent Lessons & Carols invites us to reflect on the Advent season as a time of expectation and preparation. It is a moment to pause, listen, and ready ourselves for the birth of Christ, the light of the world.
We warmly invite you to join us on Sunday, December 22, at 10:00 am for this meaningful celebration of scripture and song. Bring family and friends to hear the ancient prophecies and joyful music, and let your Advent journey be enriched as we anticipate the coming of our Lord.
