Angels from the Realms of Glory, Virginia Wieringa, Mixed media, 2013
Every Advent, COS holds a Lessons & Carols service, and every Advent, it is the highlight of the season. It takes the century-old British cathedral tradition of scripture readings (lessons) and musical reflections (carols), and updates it with jazz, shape note, folk, and all manner of musical styles, ensembles, and instruments. If you’re interested in the details, you can download a PDF of the printed program. Otherwise, peruse the highlights below:
PRELUDE: Divinum Mysterium, God Rest Ye, Joy to the World
PROCESSIONAL CAROL
Brightest and Best (Erin De Young, fiddle)
Invocation and bidding prayer
GATHERING CAROL
O Come All Ye Faithful (LUYH 76)
FIRST LESSON: Genesis 3:8-15 God announces in the Garden of Eden that the seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent’s head.
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (arr. Scheer)
SECOND LESSON: Genesis 22:15-18 God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed shall the nations of the earth be blessed.
I Will Be Your God (LUYH 40)
THIRD LESSON: Isaiah 9:2,6-7 Christ’s birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah.
Parvulus nobis nascitur (Michael Praetorius)
FOURTH LESSON: Isaiah 11:1-9 The peace that Christ will bring is foreshown.
Lo, How a Rose (arr. Greg Scheer; Laura de Jong, soprano)
FIFTH LESSON: Isaiah 40:1-5 Isaiah speaks comfort.
Comfort, Comfort Now My People (LUYH 59)
SIXTH LESSON: Luke 1:26-38 The angel Gabriel salutes the virgin Mary.
Holy Is Your Name (David Haas)
SEVENTH LESSON: Matthew 1:18-23 Matthew tells of the birth of Jesus.
On Christmas Night (arr. Ann Kapp Andersen)
Hark the Herald Angels Sing (LUYH 80)
Benediction
Closing Carol: Prepare the Way O Zion
Postlude: Prepare the Way