Lessons and Carols
The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols dates to 1918 at King’s College, Cambridge, when the 34-year-old dean of the college, Eric Milner-White, sought to bring an imaginative service to the Church of England worship. It was immediately following World War I, and there was a deep longing for worship that would remind people of the hope found in Christ’s birth. Yet, the celebration at King’s College was modeled after a service originating in Cornwall four decades before in 1880. Edward White Benson had been named Bishop of Truro and desired to create a service to draw people from the busy public houses on Christmas Eve. Therefore, at ten o'clock on Christmas Eve, he held a service featuring nine “lessons” drawn from Scripture interspersed with Christmas carols. These nine readings trace the biblical narrative from Eden to Christ’s birth, from brokenness to hopeful joy. For Milner-White, this service was the inspiration he sought for a new service of hope. The festival is an invitation for the congregation to journey in their imaginations to Bethlehem. In scripture and song, we are immersed in the redemption story and find ourselves once again waiting with expectation for the coming of Christ. The Honors Residential College introduced the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols to Baylor University during Advent 2008.
Sunday, December 7 | 7:00 p.m. | Paul Powell Chapel, Truett Seminary
Please join us in celebrating the traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. This service of scripture and song is perhaps the most meaningful spiritual tradition established in colleges around the world, and perhaps the most significant annual event in the life of the HRC community. Parking will be available in the Dutton Parking Garage.