Advent Lessons and Carols Service
Throughout church history, Advent has been a time of meditating upon the ultimate issues of death, judgment, hell, and heaven. Yet it is also a time of great rejoicing. For Christ will come, not only as Judge, but as Savior, to usher in the Kingdom of God. Unlike the familiar festivity of Christmas Lessons & Carols, this service invites us into a reflective journey through the themes of judgment and salvation, preparing us for Christ’s coming, both in the incarnation and in his triumphant return.
The service will progress from darkness to light, symbolizing our hope in Christ—the Light of the world—banishing sin and darkness. Candles will be lit increasingly throughout the service, reminding us of the hope that illuminates our dark world. The service is structured around seven “O” Antiphons (musical sentences), familiar to many as the verses of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” These ancient chants express our yearning for the coming Messiah and provide rich devotional imagery.
The words for each Antiphon will be on the screens for your reflection, along with artwork from members of our congregation, as you listen to the music played by instruments. Each Antiphon is complemented by readings (lessons) and music (carols), which help us reflect on Christ, who comes to judge and save his people. Each reading will include an Old Testament prophecy and a New Testament passage, pointing to the fulfillment of God’s purpose in Jesus.
We trust this service will guide us in recapturing the longing and hope of Advent, as we yearn for the Light of the world to come.
Even so; come, Lord Jesus!
The attached bulletin provides a list of the readings.
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