The
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
celebrating the birth of Jesus is historically used on Christmas Eve.
The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and
the birth of Jesus is told in nine short Bible readings including Old
Testament prophecies and New Testament fulfillment in the Gospels.
These lessons are interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols,
hymns and choir music.
This
format is based on an order of worship first used on Christmas Eve
1880 in Cornwall, England by Bishop Edward White Benson. He later
became Archbishop of Canterbury. This is the time when Currier &
Ives were producing their well-known prints.
The
original liturgy has been adapted and used by churches all over the
world. Lessons and Carols most often occur in Anglican, Roman
Catholic, Lutheran, and Presbyterian Churches. However, numerous
Christian churches have adopted this service, or a variation as part
of their Christmas celebrations.
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