The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, as we now have it, was first held on Christmas Eve 1918 in the Chapel of King’s College in the University of Cambridge, England. The service was first broadcast in 1928 and, with the exception of 1930, it has been broadcast annually, even during the Second World War, when the ancient glass (and also most of the heat!) had been removed from the Chapel because of the threat of bombing. Wherever the service is heard and however it is adapted, the pattern and strength of the service derive from the Lessons. Through the Scriptural Lessons we trace our salvation history and the merciful love of God, from the Fall to the birth of the Messiah. (cf King’s College’s History of Nine Lessons and Carols)
St John Choir Schola sang a Nine Lessons and Carols service our very first Advent, and we are proud to have continued that tradition every year. As in years past, we acknowledge and celebrate the universal nature of our Christian faith by singing beloved Carols, both old and new, from countries near and far. We join our voices with all of the faithful throughout the ages, in awe and wonder, praise and thanksgiving, at the gift of the Christ child.