9 Lessons & Carols

The service includes the story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah and the birth of Jesus told in nine short readings complemented with Christmas anthems and familiar carols.

The first Lessons and Carols service was conducted on Christmas Eve, 1880 by E. W. Benson, the first Bishop of Truro, later Archbishop of Canterbury, who was concerned by the excessive consumption of alcohol in pubs during the festive season. The service took place in Truro Cathedral and was attended by over 400 people.

In 1918 King’s College, Cambridge adopted this service with slight changes and our service at Christ Church is based on the one used at King’s, with a few alterations. This is an excellent opportunity for families and anyone who loves the Christmas story and traditional music of the season to join us for this very popular service.