Research Guides: Advent 2022: Festival of Lessons and Carols

Dr. Mary Kate Holman, Assistant Professor of Theology, suggests learning about the Festival of Lessons and Carols: "It used to be an Anglican celebration of Advent, but now many Catholic churches have begun to host these rituals of prayer, music, and readings for the Advent season."

Link to the "Lessons" Posted on the US Conference of Catholic Bishops site
The Festival of Lessons and Carols is a service of Scripture and song that dates to the late 19th century. In this service, we listen to nine Scripture lessons which recount the Fall, the promise of a Messiah, the Incarnation, and the Great Commission to preach the Good News. Each lesson is followed by a carol or other song that reflects on the lesson's message and a brief prayer.
King's College Cambridge
The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols has been taking place at King’s College, Cambridge since 1918,
The Festival at Elmhurst University
Each year, Elmhurst University hosts a telling of the story of Christmas in a blend of readings and musical performances.