The Service Of Nine Lessons And Carols

The Service of Lessons and Carols was first developed in the late nineteenth century by Archbishop Benson for use in King's College Chapel, Cambridge. The service, which has as its focal point the coming of Christ, is characterized by a very simple pattern. It is ordered around Scripture readings that pertain to Christ's coming, followed by songs (both choral and congregational) and prayers. Since its first use and subsequent spread throughout the world, the service has been adapted in many ways, ranging from a very simple service of readings and congregational songs to an elaborate production. Though usually a Christmas Eve service, this service may be used on any Advent Sunday. Some churches hold the service a second time on Epiphany evening (using Epiphany hymns) as a way of bringing Christmastime to a dramatic closing. Worship committees should exercise a great deal of flexibility and imagination in planning this service.

Organ Prelude or Preservice Instrumental Music Processional Hymn: "Once in Royal David's City" The Bidding Prayer Leader: Beloved in Christ, we come by this service to prepare ourselves to hear again the message of the angels, and to go in heart and mind to Bethlehem, and to see the loving-kindness of our God, and the Babe lying in a manger. Let us therefore open the Holy Scriptures and read the earliest tale of that disobedience to God's holy will, which is common to us all; and then the story of the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord, to save us from our sins and make us pure and happy; and let us thanks him with our carols of praise. But first let us pray for the needs of this whole world, and especially for peace and goodwill among all people, that they may learn to love one another, as children of one God and Father of all. And because this would most rejoice his heart, let us remember before him the poor and helpless, the cold, the hungry, and the oppressed; the sick and they that mourn; the lonely and the unloved; the aged and the little children; and all who know not the Lord Jesus, or who love him not, or who by sins have grieved his heart. Lastly let us remember before God all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore and in a greater light, that multitude no one can number, with whom, in this Lord Jesus, we evermore are one. These prayers and praises let us humbly offer up to the throne of heaven, in the words that Christ himself has taught us. The Lord's Prayer Blessing The almighty God bless us with divine grace, Christ give us the joys of everlasting life, and unto the fellowship of the citizens above may the King of angels bring us all. Amen. Hymn:"Of the Father's Love Begotten" First Lesson: Genesis 3:8–15—God announces in the Garden of Eden that the seed of woman shall bruise the serpent's head. Carol: "Adam Lay Ybounden"; text: fifteenth century, anon.; music by Boris Ord or Benjamin Britten Second Lesson: Genesis 22:15–18—God promises to faithful Abraham that his seed shall the nations of the earth call blessed. Hymn:"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" Third Lesson: Isaiah 9:2, 6–7—Christ's birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah. Carol: "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming"; music by Michael Praetorius Fourth Lesson: Isaiah 11:1–9—The peace that Christ will bring us is foreshown; or Micah 5:2–4—The prophet Micah foretells the glory of little Bethlehem. Carol: "O Little Town of Bethlehem" Fifth Lesson: Luke 1:26–35, 38—The angel Gabriel salutes the blessed Virgin Mary. Carol: "There Is No Rose"; text: XV English; music by Benjamin Britten Sixth Lesson: Matthew 1:18–25—Saint Matthew tells of the birth of Jesus. Carol: "The First Noel" Seventh Lesson: Luke 2:8–20—The shepherds go to the manger. Carol: "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly" (traditional Polish carol) and/or Carol: "Lullay, My Liking"; text: fifteenth-century English; music by Gustav Holst Eighth Lesson: Matthew 2:1–11—The wise men are led by the star to Jesus. Carol: "In the Bleak Midwinter" and/or Carol: "On This Day Earth Shall Ring" (Personent Hodie) Ninth Lesson: John 1:1–14—Saint John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation. Carol: "Silent Night, Holy Night" The Collect (or suitable free prayer, or other prayers for the season) Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And with your spirit. Leader: Let us pray: Lord Jesus, Child of Bethlehem, who in love made humankind, create in us love so pure and perfect that whosoever our heart loves may be after thy will, in thy name, and for thy sake. Amen. The Christmas Blessing (if appropriate) Hymn:"O Come, All Ye Faithful" Dismissal (if a silent recessional is not preferred) Leader: May the One, who by his Incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, fill you with the sweetness of inward peace and goodwill; and the blessing of God, the love of Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit remain with you always. Go forth in peace and joy. People: Thanks be to God! Alleluia! Closing Voluntary (optional)