Sacred Heart Church Presents, "The Festival of Lessons & Carols"

Southbury, Connecticut – The Festival of Lessons and Carols will be celebrated at 4:00 PM, on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at Sacred Heart Church in Southbury. The church is located at the corner of Main Street South and Route 172, just off Exit 14 from I-84.

The Festival of Lessons and Carols is a century old tradition, first established at Kings College in Cambridge, England. Its popularity has grown throughout the years, and it is now performed throughout the world and broadcast to millions of listeners every Christmas Eve.

The program at Sacred Heart Church invites the public to gather and listen to nine lessons, followed by carols sung by the Sacred Heart Choir and community. The nine readings are from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, all related to Advent and the birth of Christ. Seldom do we hear the beautiful text of the Advent and Christmas readings of the Bible proclaimed in succession. During Lessons and Carols, the promise of the Christ’s birth is traced from readings of Genesis, Isaiah, Luke, Matthew, and John. The carols that follow each reading contain text related to the reading. During the carols, a candle is lit and remains burning throughout the service.

In a time when Christmas has become so commercialized, this program is a perfect opportunity to step back from the holiday hustle and reflect on the true meaning of the Christmas season. “It’s with great pleasure, Sacred Heart Church invites all as we celebrate this fourteenth year presenting the service of Lessons and Carols to our local community,” stated by Patricia Richards, Director of Music. “This beautiful service weaves together the word of God, cherished Christmas hymns and glowing candlelight. Lessons and Carols has become a beloved tradition at Sacred Heart Church, on that prayerfully prepares us for the coming of Christ. We encourage parents to bring their children, giving them the opportunity to sing familiar Sacred Christmas hymns in a beautiful setting.”

The service is open to public and free admission. Refreshments will be served following the program. The Free Will Offering proceeds will benefit the Southbury Food Bank.

Come one and all to share in this joyful experience as we begin our spiritual preparation for Advent and Christmas.