Sunday, December 23

Festival of Lessons and Carols

The 10:30 a.m. service includes scripture readings, carols and anthems sung by the congregation and the choirs. Programming is provided for those in Kindergarten and younger. These children should be dropped off in their classrooms before the start of the service as there is no children's talk this day. Children 1st grade and up should sit with their parents (unless they are in a choir).

A Brief History of Lessons and Carols

In 1918, the dean of King's College (Cambridge), Eric Milner-White, wanted to try something innovative and beyond the standard liturgy of the Church of England. So, he wove together scripture and song, called on readers of various ages from school and town, and made up this truly magical progression that carries us from prophecy to fulfillment, from Old Testament foretelling to a birthday celebration. Input from our Rector described the traditional English Carol Service or 'Festival of Lessons and Carols' as held any day, any time, any place from November up through Christmas Eve. Our tradition at Ascension is for it to be held the 4th Sunday of Advent.