Christmas Concert 2011

On Christmas Eve 1880, Rev. Edward White (later the Archbishop of Canterbury) devised an order of service that would eventually become a well-known and much loved liturgical tradition:  Nine Lessons & Carols.  The nine lessons consist of passages from Sacred Scripture taking us from the fall of humanity (Genesis) all the way through to the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Matthew, Luke & John).  The readings are interspersed with carols that are specifically chosen to illuminate the teachings.It is with enormous pleasure that SLYC continues this beautiful and uplifting tradition with readings from the King James Bible and Carols from some of our most beloved composers.

Concert Programme

The Processional Hymn:        Once In Royal David's City
Carols after Bidding Prayer:   What Sweeter Music (Rutter) O Little Town of Bethlehem (congregational)
1st Lesson:                        Genesis 3:8-15, 17-19
Carol:                         Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day (Gardner)
2nd Lesson:                        Genesis 22:15-18
Carol:                         In Dulci Jubilo (Trad.)
3rd Lesson:                        Isaiah 9:2, 6,7
Carol:                         Sussex Carol (arr. Chilcott)
4th Lesson:                        Isaiah 11: 1-4, 6-9
Carol:                         The Lamb (Tavener)
5th Lesson:                        Luke 1:26-35, 38
Carol:                         Alma Redemptoris Mater (Palestrina)
6th Lesson:                        Luke 2:1 ,3-7
Carol:                         Nativity Carol (Rutter)
7th Lesson:                        Luke 2:8-16
Carol:                         Shepherd's Pipe Carol (Rutter)
8th Lesson:                        Matthew 2:1-12
Carol:                         Lowly Laid in a Manger (Ireland)
9th Lesson:                    John 2:8-16
Carol:                         O Come All Ye Faithful (congregational)
The Collect & Blessing:       Hark the Herald Angels Sing (congregational)