Lessons & Carols - December 17, 4pm

The tradition of Lessons and Carols has deep historical roots, originating in the late 19th century in England. The concept was formalized in 1880 by Edward White Benson, who later became the Archbishop of Canterbury. However, the service gained widespread popularity through the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King's College, Cambridge. The first official service took place in 1918, organized by Eric Milner-White, the Dean of King's College Chapel. Lessons and Carols intertwine scripture readings with choral music and congregational hymns, guiding participants through the narrative of the Christmas story, from the Fall of Man to the birth of Jesus. The format has since been adopted and adapted by churches worldwide, becoming a cherished Christmas tradition that beautifully combines the spoken word with music to convey the message of hope, joy, and redemption.  We will offer a service of Lessons and Carols here at St. Matthew’s on Sunday, December 17, at 4pm. 

This year, rather than each reading scripture from the Bible, as is the custom for Lessons and Carols, we are using dramatic readings from a book entitled Light to the Darkness: Lessons and Carols, Public and Private by Katerina Whitley.  Whitley is an Episcopalian and professor at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.  These lessons, based on the traditional readings for Lessons and Carols, are set in dramatic form.  Even in dramatic form, Whitley notes in her introduction they are written in a way that maintains the integrity and theological significance of each reading.    

It is our hope that these dramatic readings will allow the listener to hear the stories of old in a new and fresh way.

Pax,
Dr. Jason