Advent Festival of Lessons & Carols
The Festival of Lessons and Carols is a service of Scripture, song, and prayer that reflects the promise of the seasons of Advent and Christmas. During the service, a series of nine Scripture readings, or lessons, tell the story of salvation, recounting the fall in the Garden of Eden, the promise of a Messiah, the Incarnation, and the Great Commission to go forth and preach the Good News. Each lesson is followed by a carol or song that reflects the message that was shared and then a brief prayer.
History of the Festival
The Festival of Advent Lessons & Carols originated in Cornwall, England, in the late 19th century. The Bishop of Truro, seeking to draw people out of the pubs and to refocus their attention on the true meaning of the season, came up with the idea of combining Christmas music with Scripture readings. The first “Nine Lessons and Carols” was held on Christmas Eve 1880 in a temporary wooden structure because the cathedral was still under construction. The popularity of the service spread throughout the Church of England as well as Catholic churches in England, Wales, and beyond.
Presentations in the Diocese of Portland
The Festival of Advent Lessons & Carols will be presented by several parishes this December. You will find a list of them below.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland
The festival will be presented on Friday, December 12, at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street in Portland. Bishop Emeritus Robert Deeley will preside.
Corpus Christi Parish, Winslow
Corpus Christi Parish will present the Festival of Lessons & Carols on Friday, December 12, at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument Street in Winslow. The evening will also include exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction. A potluck reception will follow in the church hall. Candy canes and hot chocolate will be provided. Bring desserts and finger foods to share.
Parish of the Holy Eucharist, Falmouth
The Festival of Lessons and Carols will be held on Friday, December 12, at 6 p.m. a Sacred Heart Church, 326 Main Street in Yarmouth. The festival includes brief Scripture lessons that recount salvation history, along with carols sung by the parish choirs and scholas that high each lesson's message.
Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord, Old Town
Join in the Festival of Lessons & Carols, an evening of Scripture, music, and prayer, followed by mince pies and refreshments on Friday, December 12, at 6 p.m. at Holy Family Church, 429 Main Street in Old Town. All are welcome.
Prince of Peace Parish, Lewiston
Prince of Peace Parish will present a beautiful Advent tradition, the Festival of Lessons & Carols, on Sunday, December 7, at 2 p.m. at Holy Family Church, 607 Sabattus Street in Lewiston
St. Matthew Parish, Limerick
The beautiful ecumenical service of Lessons & Carols will be presented at St. Matthew Church, 19 Dora Lane in Limerick, on December 14, at 2 p.m.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, Sanford
The beautiful ecumenical service of Lessons & Carols will be presented at Holy Family Church, 66 North Avenue in Sanford, on Sunday, December 7, at 2 p.m. Through Scripture readings and beloved Christmas carols, participants will journey together through the story of salvation, leading up to the birth of Jesus.
Resources
Readings for the Advent Lessons & Carols (USCCB external site)
