Short History of Lessons and Carols

Throughout my childhood and continuing into adulthood, Lessons and Carols has been an important part of my Advent life. Did you grow up in a theological tradition that included this? Whether you did or didn't, have you ever wondered about the history of the practice?

Links based on pin above:

• King's College, to air on December 24 (10am CST)
• Augustana College, recorded December 10
• KFUO for St. Paul's Des Peres, recorded in 2018

How Long has Advent Been Celebrated?

The 40-day season of pre-Christmas preparation has been documented as observed since the 5th or 6th century. The fasting component, analogous to what may be done during Lent, was documented before the season was, and started around the Feast of St. Andrew.

I had not heard of fasting during Advent, in my reading about and interaction with people from various Christian traditions. So, I decided to dig a little deeper on this small tangent. Forms of Advent fasting seem to be practiced mainly in Roman Catholicism. I like this quote from author Laura O'Callaghan:

"Fasting detaches our spirit from this world, teaches us self-control, and helps us to long for God as the fulfillment of all our desires. That is perfect for Advent."

Eastern Orthodox Christians also fast, being in a similar tradition. In both cases, fasting is used as a means to an end of stronger awareness of God's work and presence.

What is Lessons & Carols?

This service or feast is celebrated on Christmas Eve at King's College in Cambridge, England. It may be celebrated on another day in other churches--for example, the second Sunday of Advent in the church I used to attend. The combined musical talent of the congregation seems to dictate whether or not there will be a service. Some sample orders of service can be found here: Anglican Compass, WELS, UMC.

• Lesson 1: Genesis 3:8-15, 17-19 (Adam's seed promise)
• Carol 1 (King's College): Once in Royal David's City
• Lesson 2: Genesis 22:15-18 (Abraham's-seed promise)
• Lesson 3: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 (Savior prophecy)
• Lesson 4: Isaiah 11:1-3a, 4a, 6-9 (Christ's peace)
• Lesson 5: Luke 1:26-35, 38 (Gabriel speaks to Mary)
• Lesson 6: Luke 2:1, 3-7 (Jesus' birth)
• Lesson 7: Luke 2:8-16 (shepherds at manger)
• Lesson 8: Matthew 2:1-12 (wise men and guiding star)
• Lesson 9: John 1:1-14 (Incarnation-mystery)
• Carol (King's College): Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Why Have Lessons & Carols (in Advent)?

Music has a way of touching people in ways that words or other media can't or don't. Given that Advent (whether or not one fasts during it) is meant to be a season of preparation, Lessons & Carols as deliberate musical selection has several benefits. I can think of at least three:

• Listening to the lyrics and singing along with them reinforces familiar messages as part of the Christmas narrative. This reinforcement reminds the conscious and unconscious mind of what is coming.
• The set order of service, with most Lessons & Carols services using traditional carols and hymns along with set readings, is a good vehicle to expose more people to the best traditional (i.e., at least 100-200 years old) music.
• Repetition of set readings paired with familiar music can aid with Scriptural literacy, of the important texts telling the story of the "why" and "when" of Christmas in the scheme of God's story and work.

When and Where did Lessons and Carols Start?

The roots of this feast are in the 1880s, but the actual celebration thereof did not start until around 1918 in Cornwall, England. The linked article has some other interesting facts about the feast, including:

• In Victorian-era (1837-1901) England, the whole country was undergoing a revival of carol singing at the time.
• The order of service goes back to the 1880s. Bishop Benson of Truro wanted to minister to his parishioners while the local cathedral was coming to be. He chose 9 lessons from Old and New Testaments that together pointed toward the Incarnation. He (or bishop successors) read the ninth reading each year.
• In post-WWI England, Chaplain Milner-White modified the music aspect of the order of service in order to draw people into the Christmas spirit, and began presenting the annual performances from King's College.
• Each year since 1931, except for 2020, has had a live broadcast from King's College; the 2020 broadcast was pre-recorded.
• The first verse of "Once in Royal David's City," the first carol, is traditionally sung by a chorister who doesn't know he'll be picked, but whom the cantor knows is in good voice that day.

What has your experience been with this feast? Go and enjoy a listen!