Lessons and Carols
An index of service outlines from past Lessons and Carols services, performed by Calvin University ensembles.
The Service of Nine Lessons and Carols was first sung at the Cathedral of Truro, England, and was later adapted for use in King’s College Chapel, Cambridge, where the service has been sung each Christmas since 1918.
This service of Christian worship recounts the birth of Jesus, the fall of humanity, and the promise of the Messiah in short Bible readings from Genesis through the prophets and the Gospels, interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns and choral music.
The service has been sung by the Calvin Campus Choir since 1974 at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church in downtown Grand Rapids. Since 2003, the Calvin Women's Chorale has joined the Campus Choir for this service.
These worship service programs are available:
Until Justice and Peace Embrace (2023)
For God So Loved the Cosmos (2022)
A Light to the Nations (2021)
Healer of Our Every Ill (2020)
Christus Paradox (2019)
Reconciling All Things (2018)
Born to Die, Born to Rise (2017)
Angels, from the Realms of Glory (2016)
Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus: Advent Longing for Jesus' Second Coming (2015)
A Pentecostal Christmas (2014)
Isaiah's Vision of a Peaceable Kingdom (2013)
Jesus, a Light for the Nations (2012)
Evangelists and Canticles (2011)
Magnify the Lord (2010)
Peace Surpassing Understanding (2009)
Christus Paradox (2008)
Born to Die, Born to Rise (2007)
When Justice and Peace Embrace: Singing the Psalms at Christmas (2006)
On Earth as in Heaven (2005)
God Moves in a Mysterious Way... (2004)
Join All the Glorious Names (2003)
A Pentecostal Christmas (2002)
Born to Die, Born to Rise (2001)
Let Heaven and Nature Sing! (2000)
Jubilee (1999)
Christus Paradox (1998)
Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming (1997)
A Festival of Lessons and Carols (1993-1996)