Advent Lessons & Carols

Sunday, December 14th at 5 PM

Advent Lessons and Carols is a relatively modern liturgical development with roots in the early 20th century, modeled on the more widely known Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King’s College, Cambridge (first held in 1918). As churches sought a parallel tradition for the Advent season, many adapted the pattern of alternating Scripture readings (“lessons”) with hymns and carols appropriate to the themes of expectation and prophetic hope. By the mid-20th century, Advent Lessons and Carols had become common in Anglican and Episcopal communities, distinguishing itself from the Christmas version by emphasizing anticipation rather than celebration. Its readings typically trace the biblical story of salvation from the prophets through John the Baptist to the Annunciation, highlighting the longing for the Messiah.

The focus of the service is spiritual preparation—awakening us to watchfulness, reflection, and hope as we approach the Nativity. Rather than telling the Christmas story itself, Advent Lessons and Carols centers on the promises that precede it: God’s covenant, humanity’s yearning, and the call to ready our hearts. Through music and Scripture, the service invites us into a quiet, contemplative place, acknowledging both the world’s darkness and God’s unfolding light. In this sense, this service becomes not only a liturgical tradition but also a devotional journey, reminding us that Advent is a season of waiting, expectation, and deepening hope.

Here in Concord at All Saints, Advent Lessons and Carols will be held as its own service on the third Sunday of Advent at 5 PM.

This service will be offered by the Choir of All Saints’ and the Bells of All Saints’, and will be streamed on Facebook, and Youtube.

You are invited to prepare your heart for the coming of Jesus, with his mother, Mary.