The holiday tradition of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is a service of Christian worship that began in England. All Saints Anglican Church in Saluda (across from the Middlesex Courthouses) is preparing to share Christmas music and readings in this tradition that started in the late 1800s.
The Lessons tell the story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus; and is told in nine short Bible readings from Genesis, the prophetic books and the Gospels interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns and anthems.
Interestingly, Wikipedia tells us that Rev. Benson in England in 1880 was so concerned about excessive drinking of alcohol in Cornish pubs during the festive season that he thought of offering Christmas music at 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve as a distraction. It was a big success.
In 1919 the tradition of starting the service with the hymn “Once in Royal David’s City” began. The opening hymn, sung by the congregation, is followed by a “Bidding Prayer.” The First Lesson from Genesis is usually followed by a carol from the 15th century, about Adam and Eve taking the apple in the Garden of Eden. The Third Lesson from Isaiah prophesies the coming of the Savior. In St. Luke the angel Gabriel visits the Virgin Mary and also tells of the birth of Jesus Christ. Familiar Christmas carols sung by the congregation are a big part of this special service.
A covered-dish lunch follows the service, and all are invited to the parish hall to share in this time of food and fellowship. “Please come celebrate with us on this first Sunday in Advent, announcing the coming of Christ the King in readings and song,” said a church spokesperson.
The All Saints Anglican service of Lessons and Carols will be presented on Sunday, December 1, at 11 a.m. All are invited to attend.
