Service of Advent Lessons and Carols

Possibly the best-known Christmas service in the Western world is the festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. This service celebrates the birth of Jesus by telling the story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah and the birth of Jesus in a series of short readings from the Bible. The readings are interspersed with carols, choral music and congregational singing of hymns.

The format for this service originated in England in 1880 as a way of keeping men out of the pubs on Christmas Eve! Several decades later, the Dean of King’s College, Cambridge adapted this format and thus began a tradition that is now over ninety years old. This service has now been adapted by many churches all over the world as part of their Christmas worship.

At the Community of Jesus, this service has begun our Advent preparations for Christmas for over thirty years; first in the Chapel of the Holy Paraclete, and for the past 10 years, in the in Church of the Transfiguration. In its present format, it is known as “An Advent Service of Lessons and Carols”, and prepares the worshipper for the coming of Christ.

The theme of this year’s Advent Lessons and Carols is entitled:  “The Coming of Christ: Past, Present, and Future”.  In addition to scripture readings, it will also include brief readings from Charles Dickens, including his timeless tale of hope and transformation, “A Christmas Carol.”

Saturday, November 26, 2011 – 5:15 PM

Sunday, November 27, 2011 – 3:00 PM (2:00 PM Organ Prelude)

All are Welcome!  Doors open one hour before each service, no tickets required.

For more information,  or to reserve handicap seating, call 508-240-2400.

To view more of the service program, or learn more about the choir, visit www.gdcchoir.org