Advent Lessons and Carols traces its roots to the early 20th century and grows out of the Anglican tradition’s love of Scripture and music. The best-known model is the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols developed at King’s College, Cambridge, in 1918. That service was originally created as a way to bring hope and beauty to a nation devastated by World War I. The structure includes reading key biblical passages followed by carols, hymns, or anthems and became a hallmark of Anglican spirituality.
By the mid-20th century, many churches began adapting the format for Advent, shifting the focus away from the Christmas birth narratives and toward the themes of the season: longing, prophecy, repentance, and hope. Advent Lessons and Carols typically emphasizes readings from Isaiah, the prophetic expectation of the Messiah, and the call to prepare the way of the Lord. The carols chosen tend to be quieter, anticipatory hymns rather than Christmas carols.
In the Episcopal Church, Advent Lessons and Carols became widely celebrated as the liturgical movement of the 1960s and 70s renewed interest in Scripture, congregational participation, and seasonal worship. Today it is beloved for its contemplative mood, its rich use of prophecy, and its ability to help congregations enter Advent not as an early Christmas, but as a time of watchful waiting and spiritual preparation.
Please note there will be no celebration of Holy Eucharist at this service. Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at the 7:45 and 9:00 am services on December 21.
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