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Celebrating the Season with the Return of Lessons and Carols

December 10th, 2021


The Lewis Family Memorial Chapel of the Good Shepherd is dressed in green wreaths, red ribbons and white twinkling lights. The Upper School choir lines the walls of the building and a solo voice heralds the start of “Once in Royal David’s City.”  To the delight of the Episcopal community, the tradition of Lessons and Carols returned this week after a pandemic break. For years now, this special service has been performed to mark the holiday season at Episcopal.

This annual tradition originated at King’s College in Cambridge, England in 1918. The service has since been adapted and performed at churches around the world. However it is performed, the lessons and prayers remain unchanged as performers take the audience on a musical journey through the Bible. The event is intimate and personal. The teenage singers are professional and poised. As the journey unfolds the audience joins in with songs including “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World.” 

There is a feeling of anticipation for the season and a reverence for the message in the music.  Lessons and Carols is a great way to start December with the pending stress and studying for exams and the hustle and bustle of completing holiday lists.  After all, as Lessons and Carols reminds us, the season has a reason.


 

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