Advent Festival of Lessons & Carols

The Festival of Lessons and Carols is a service of Scripture, song, and prayer that reflects the promise of the seasons of Advent and Christmas. During the service, a series of nine Scripture readings, or lessons, tell the story of salvation, recounting the fall in the Garden of Eden, the promise of a Messiah, the Incarnation, and the Great Commission to go forth and preach the Good News. Each lesson is followed by a carol or song that reflects the message that was shared and then a brief prayer. 

History of the Festival

The Festival of Advent Lessons & Carols originated in Cornwall, England, in the late 19th century. The Bishop of Truro, seeking to draw people out of the pubs and to refocus their attention on the true meaning of the season, came up with the idea of combining Christmas music with Scripture readings. The first “Nine Lessons and Carols” was held on Christmas Eve 1880 in a temporary wooden structure because the cathedral was still under construction. The popularity of the service spread throughout the Church of England as well as Catholic churches in England, Wales, and beyond.

Presentations in the Diocese of Portland

The Festival of Advent Lessons & Carols will be presented by several parishes this December. You will find a list of them below.

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland

Embracing a tradition that dates to 19th century England, the Portland Peninsula & Island Parishes will present Advent Lessons & Carols on Friday, December 13, at 7 pm. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street in Portland. The festival shares the story of salvation through Scripture readings, hymns and carols, and prayer.

Parish of the Holy Eucharist, Falmouth

The Festival of Lessons and Carols will be held on Friday, December 13, at 6 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 326 Main Street in Yarmouth. The festival includes Scripture readings that recount salvation history and carols sung by the parish's choirs and scholas.

Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord, Old Town

Join in the Festival of Lessons & Carols, an evening of Scripture, music, and prayer, followed by mince pies and refreshments on Friday, December 13, at 6 p.m. at Holy Family Church, 429 Main Street in Old Town. All are welcome! 

Prince of Peace Parish, Lewiston

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. Lessons and Carols will be held at the Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, 122 Ash Street in Lewiston on December 14 at 7 p.m.

St. John Paul II Parish, Scarborough

The Festival of Lessons and Carols will be held at the Church of the Holy Cross, 124 Cottage Road in South Portland, on Monday, December 2, at 6:30 p.m. The festival is an Advent service of ritual, Scripture, and song. The readings and music take us from the dawn of creation to the birth of Christ. This is a wonderful way to prepare for Christmas, and all are welcome to attend.

St. Matthew Parish, Limerick

Please join the wonderful choirs of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in Sanford and St. Matthew Parish in Limerick for an afternoon of Christmas carols and the story of the birth of Jesus!  Other area Christian churches, as well as Christians in those communities, are invited to the ecumenical, interactive celebration. Lessons & Carols will be hosted at St. Matthew Church, 19 Dora Lane in Limerick, on December 15 at 1 p.m. and at Holy Family Church, 66 North Avenue in Sanford, on December 22 at 2 p.m. A small reception will follow each event.

St. Rose of Lima Parish, Jay

The Festival of Lessons and Carols will be held Friday, December 20, at 6 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church, 1 Church Street in Jay. It will feature musical Office of Readings for Advent with chants and polyphony of the season. It will be led by Philip Fournier, organist & director, with the St. Rose Schola. 

St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, Sanford

Please join the wonderful choirs of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in Sanford and St. Matthew Parish in Limerick for an afternoon of Christmas carols and the story of the birth of Jesus!  Other area Christian churches, as well as Christians in those communities, are invited to the ecumenical, interactive celebration. Lessons & Carols will be hosted at St. Matthew Church, 19 Dora Lane in Limerick, on December 15 at 1 p.m. and at Holy Family Church, 66 North Avenue in Sanford, on December 22 at 2 p.m. A small reception will follow each event.

Resources

Readings for the Advent Lessons & Carols (USCCB external site)