November 2016
Nearly one hundred years ago, on Christmas Eve, 1918, the first Service of Lessons and Carols was celebrated at Kings College, Cambridge. Since that first service was held, many church bodies have celebrated this same type of service with some congregations making it an annual tradition.
The Annual Service of Lessons and Carols at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Batavia, Illinois, begins with a string ensemble playing while the congregation fills the sanctuary. As silence falls, a lone voice begins to sing “Once in Royal David’s City.” The choir then processes in as they sing along with the congregation. The lessons begin with Genesis, and Adam and Eve’s fall into sin. Worshipers are reminded of how all have become heirs of this sin and desperately need a Savior.
The carols and songs sung by the adult choir and children’s choirs tell of this long journey; they sing of the needed Savior. The string ensemble, bell choir and musicians join the voices to lift the hearts of every worshiper. Together, the musicians and congregation walk through the Old Testament, and hear the prophets’ promise of a Savior. The journey follows Mary and Joseph as they wearily make their way to Bethlehem. At long last, the music lifts up the birth of the long-awaited Savior.
The Service of Lessons and Carols at Immanuel in Batavia will be on Saturday, December 3, 2016, with two services, at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Immanuel is located at 950 Hart Road, Batavia, Illinois; phone 630-879-7163; website immanuelbatavia.org. The public is invited.