Why are there 9 Lessons and Carols?
Our Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols was first held on Christmas Eve 1918. It was planned by Eric Milner-White, who at the age of thirty-four had just been appointed Dean of King’s after experience as an army chaplain which had convinced him that the Church of England needed more imaginative worship.
How many lessons are there in lessons and carols?
Nine Lessons
The Nine Lessons, which are the same every year, are read by representatives of the college and of the City of Cambridge from the 1611 Authorized King James Version of the Bible. The singing is divided into “carols” which are sung by the choir and “hymns” sung by the choir and congregation.
Why is a song called a carol?
The word carol is derived from the Old French word carole, a circle dance accompanied by singers (in turn derived from the Latin choraula).
How does Christ Community Reformed Church celebrate Christmas?
Christ Community Reformed Church of Clifton Park, New York, has been making the service of lessons and carols a yearly tradition. Like most other congregations who celebrate Christmas through this service, Christ Community has added its own “touches” to the liturgy.
How many lessons and Carols do we have for Christmas?
Nine Lessons and Carols for Christmastide. Every year more North American congregations are discovering the beauty of a traditional English service called, very simply, “Nine Lessons and Carols.”.
What is the festival of Nine Lessons and Carols?
This service is modeled after the renowned “Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” heard every Christmas Eve over BBC radio. It was first drawn up by Archbishop Benson when he was Bishop of Truro for use in that Cathedral.
How do you plan a service of the Nine Lessons and Carols?
In planning a service of the nine lessons and carols, no congregation should feel bound to follow all the suggestions listed above. Of greater importance is maintaining the simplicity and dignity needed to convey the story of salvation told in these moving passages of Scripture. One final word about bulletins.