Lessons and Carols

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols was first introduced on Christmas Eve in 1918 at King’s College Chapel, Cambridge. Traditionally, the candlelit service begins with the lone voice of a shepherd singing of the humble faith of Mary and concludes with a joyful carol after the reading announcing the birth of Jesus. For decades at St. Stephen’s, the service has included the retelling of this arc of salvation history, as well as anthems and carols led by members of the St. Stephen’s choirs. The service is an opportunity to pause in the midst of a hectic holiday season and pray for God’s peace and blessing upon our community and the world.