The traditional ‘Festival of Nine Lessons with Carols’ may have long associations with King’s College Cambridge but its popularity at St. James’ Stalmine, makes it a firm favourite in the local Christmas calendar.
Nine short Bible readings tell the story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah and the birth of Jesus interspersed with carols and choral music. The final reading from St. John, is the Gospel reading for Christmas Day. In it, he unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation:
“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.
We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only,
who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1: vv 1 – 14
The first Nine Lessons and Carols to be held at King’s College Cambridge, was on Christmas Eve 1918. It was devised by the Dean, Eric Milner-White, as an alternative to the Christmas Eve, Book of Common Prayer, Evening Prayer service, and was based on an earlier service used in Truro Cathedral.
It has been broadcast from King’s College virtually every Christmas Eve since 1928 (being officially discontinued during WW2 for security reasons).
For Paul Buckmaster, (St. James’ Director of Music) this year’s Nine Lessons is his 34th. During this long period, the choir has sung over seventy different carols and arrangements in addition to the usual congregational ones. This year’s ‘new’ carol was “A Tender Shoot” (William Bartholomew / Otto Goldschmidt). This was sung beautifully by the choir before the fifth reading.
Other pieces included the Appalachian Folk Carol, ‘I wonder as I wander’, arranged by Andrew Carter, ‘Adam Lay Y’bounden’ by Philip Ledger, in addition to ‘Bethlehem Down’ (Bruce Blunt / Peter Warlock). The choir were in very fine voice, bolstered by some new members in addition to some returning ones. Together, they sounded lovely.
The Advent journey is almost over…
