Lessons & Carols is fast approaching! This annual, beloved event will be held early in the season on Sunday, December 3, at 7:00 pm this year. As sung two years ago, we will again structure the service around the seven “O” Antiphons, rather than the typical nine lessons. Dating back to the 6th century, these “O” Antiphons expand on the most famous paraphrase, the hymn O come, O come, Emmanuel, focusing on the Hebrew scriptures associated with the coming of Christ.

In our version of this service, we’ll sing Advent hymns, offer some biblical and contemporary reflections, and present anthems and motets selected for each themed antiphon. Musical highlights from the St. Michael’s Singers AND Choristers will include works by Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179), Elizabeth Poston (1905-1987), Amy Beach (1867-1944), Harry T. Burleigh (1866-1949), Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625), and Peter Hallock (1924-2014). Please join us for this candlelit evening service to celebrate the start of Advent.