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- Lessons & Carols (Part 3)

Service of Lessons and Carols
(Simplified Version)

Organ Processional

Something solemn, festive... perhaps a setting of a traditional carol or a trumpet voluntary.

Greeting

[from the Preface for Advent II]
Beloved in the Lord, all the oracles of the prophets foretold him, the Virgin Mother longed for him with love beyond all telling, John the Baptist sang of his coming and proclaimed his presence when he came. It is by his gift that already we rejoice at the mystery of his Nativity, so that he may find us watchful in prayer and exultant in his praise.

Opening Prayer

[Collect from Second Sunday after Christmas]
Let us pray. Almighty ever-living God, splendor of faithful souls, graciously be pleased to fill the world with your glory, and show yourself to all peoples by the radiance of your light. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Lesson

Genesis 3:9-15,20 from the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
["I will place enmity between your seed and the woman's"]

First Carol

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel -- Sing all 7 verses (they come from the Great O Antiphons). Be creative in assigning them to choir(s), soloist(s), men of the congregation, women of the congregation, etc.
-- or --

Creator of the Stars of Night

Second Lesson

Isaiah 11:1-3a,10 from the Second Sunday of Advent A
[Isaiah foretells the Messiah's lineage.]

Second Carol

Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming -- There are excellent arrangements of this for choir, particularly a lovely 4-part canon by Melchior Vulpius

Third Lesson

Luke 1:26-38 from the Fourth Sunday of Advent B
[The Annunciation]

Third Carol

The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came
-- or --

The God Whom Earth and Sea and Sky

Fourth Lesson

Matthew 1:18-24 from the Christmas Vigil Mass
[The birth of Jesus]

Fourth Carol

The First Noel
-- or --

It Came upon the Midnight Clear

Fifth Lesson

John 1:1-5,9-14 from Christmas Mass during the Day
[The Word made flesh]

Fifth Carol

Of the Father's Love Begotten
-- or --

Joy to the World

Closing Prayer

[Collect from Christmas, Mass at Dawn]
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that as we are bathed in the new radiance of your incarnate Word, the light of faith, which illumines our minds, may also shine through in our deeds. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Blessing

[Book of Common Prayer]
God the Father has caused this holy night to shine with the illumination of the true Light. May he grant that we who have known the mystery of that Light upon earth, also perfectly enjoy that same Light in heaven. May Almighty God bless us, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Organ Recessional

Another festive, seasonal piece as the choir and participants leave.
 

 
So, there are two formats for Lessons and Carols. Obviously, there could be many more; one of the beauties of this service is its flexibility and the ease with which one can adapt it to any situation. Remember, though, that the mere outline of readings and singing of carols is only a part of the entire "production" that goes into this historic, traditional devotion. The meticulous staging, the proper movement, the ceremony, the color and pageantry all lead the worshiper into a deeper and more vivid understanding of the Incarnation mystery. This "theological formation" is the goal of Lessons and Carols. May your parish grow by their use!