First Sunday of Advent each year at 5:00 PM
(Exact date and time announced early fall each year)
Lessons and Carols is a uniquely Anglican service. It dates to the 15th and 16th
centuries in the Church of England. This beautiful service includes readings from
Holy Scripture, prayers, and wonderful music and hymns of the Advent season. The
church's altar and pulpit will be adorned in beautiful Advent blue. Candlelight
from the Advent Wreath and candles throughout the sanctuary will deliver light to
the winter darkness as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus as the Light of
the World.
The Lessons from Holy Scripture will recount for us God's work through the prophets
in preparing us for the coming of the Messiah and they conclude with the moving
account from the Gospel According to Luke of the Annunciation to Mary of Jesus'
birth. Between the lessons we will enjoy the beautiful music and hymns of the Advent
season.
Order of Service
The church is dark, or partially so, when the service begins.
Opening Prayers:
- The Officiant greets the people
- The Officiant reads an appointed passage from Scripture
- The Officiant says the Prayer for Light
- The Officiant says the Collect for the First Sunday of Advent
The following candles are lighted as the Choir sings
- Altar candles
- Advent Wreath candles
- Congregational candles
The Bidding Prayer
- The Congregation joins for the Lord’s Prayer
- The Officiant concludes the Bidding Prayer
The congregation extinguish their candles as the church lights come on.
- Lesson One and Hymn
- Lesson Two and Hymn
- Lesson Three and Hymn
- Lesson Four and Hymn
- Lesson Five and Hymn
- Lesson Six and Hymn
- Lesson Seven and Hymn
- Lesson Eight and Hymn
- Lesson Nine and Hymn
Concluding Collect and Advent Blessing.