All are invited to attend a service of Lessons and Carols for Advent and Christmas featuring readings from scripture telling of the coming and birth of Christ paired with music sung by the combined choirs of St. John and St. Paul. This year’s concert will be held at St. Paul Church at 2:00pm on Sunday, December 8.
What is a Service of Lessons and Carols?
Lessons and Carols is a service of Scripture and song that dates to the late 19th century. Through poignant readings from the Old and New Testaments, interspersed with beautiful music sung by the combined choirs of St. John and St. Paul, the congregation is invited to reflect on the birth of Jesus in the context of its significance in salvation history.
The theme of the celebration centers around the Magnificat, the Blessed Virgin Mary’s response to her cousin Elizabeth’s praise of her faith, as retold in the Gospel of Luke. God is praised for the love, compassion and justice bestowed upon the world, especially the poor and the lowly and, above all else, for having honored the promise of a Messiah made generations before Mary’s own time.
The celebration begins with readings from the Old Testament, which relate to the promises God made to Israel, depicting humanity’s yearning and need for the coming Messiah, God’s Anointed One: out of the darkness shall emerge light, out of sorrow, joy. The New Testament readings reflect the fulfillment of these promises and tell the story of the Nativity of Jesus. Please join us for this this wonderful celebration!