Advent “Lessons And Carols” Event Coming Up At Saint James in La Grange

Saint James’ Episcopal Church choir and singers from the community are preparing music for a service of Advent Lessons and Carols. Directed by Don Kirby and accompanied by Mary Ann Hatfield they are rehearsing a blend of traditional hymns, choral anthems, and new music to enhance and propel scriptures that relate the story of Redemption. Nine short lessons (readings) from Genesis, the prophetic books and the gospels lead hearers on a journey from the fall of humanity, through prophecies of a Savior, and later, with Christmas Lessons and Carols, to the birth of Jesus, the Messiah, in Bethlehem.

The history of Lessons and Carols traces back to 1880 in Truro, Cornwall, England. Bishop Edward W. Benson, the head of the Diocese of Truro at the time, designed the service to lure revelers into church. The service has become a longtance.

standing tradition and is known for presenting music from many ethnicities, many time/style periods, and often introduces a newly composed work.

Some of the highlights of this years’ service will be: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, a plainsong from the Medieval era; Deo Gracias (Thanks be to God), a piece composed in 1942 by Benjamin Britten which uses a text dating from about 1400; Paul Manz’s beautiful anthem voices the cry of Advent, E’en so, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come. An early Dutch folksong, the Annunciation Carol is another of the charming selections this year. The newly composed Deep Within by David Haas, arranged by Mark Hayes, speaks comfort and hope to the heart, looking to the time when God’s reign of love will be within everyone.

Waiting may not be a favorite activity, but science and psychology both agree that positive anticipation, an expectation of something good, can be beneficial for the brain, emotions and even physical health. Advent is a great rehearsal of the joys to come at Christmas. This service to prepare the heart for Christmas will be presented December 4 at 3 p.m. at Saint James’ Episcopal Church, 156 N. Monroe, La Grange.

“We are delighted that Saint James’ Music Ministry is so active in our church and beyond, to the wider community. Our hope is that this community service helps bring us together in joyful anticipation of the Christmas season,” said Father R. Christopher Heying, Saint James’ rector.

For more information contact the office of Saint James’ at (979) 968-3910.